Especially for Older Students: Questions about Jesus

Learning Goal: Students will consider how they continue to respond to Jesus’ entrance into their lives.

Divide students into groups of three or four and provide each group paper and a pen. Instruct groups to read Matthew 16:13-16. Then, lead students to discuss these questions in their groups:

• What two questions did Jesus ask in these verses? Write these questions on your paper.
• Compare these questions and identify the differences between them.
• As a group, determine which question is the hardest to answer.

After groups have had time to discuss, review Jesus’ questions and lead students to share the differences they noted in these questions. Use the information below to support their responses:

• Who do people say that the Son of Man is? This question was based on how people who didn’t necessarily know Jesus personally responded. The question did not require anything of the people who answered it (the disciples) or the people who held it (those who had heard Jesus speak).
• But who do you say that I am? The question Jesus asked His disciples was personal. They knew Him well. They had been with Him 24-7 for several years. The question He asked them was based on recognition of who He was and on the decision to accept Him as the redeeming Messiah in their lives.

After discussion, share your story of how you trusted Jesus as your Savior. Then, share that Jesus’ question is personal and one that we each have to answer individually. Lead students in this prayer: Jesus, we know that You’ve asked us the same question that You asked Your disciples. And it boils down to one thing: Do we trust You to be our Savior and our Lord? Thank You, Jesus, for giving us the gift of Your life. Teach us how to trust in You completely. Amen. Close by encouraging students who have not yet answered this question personally to talk to you or to someone else they trust about this decision.