Where Should We Go? A Lesson Plan on Following Jesus

Where should we go? Should we follow the Lord or rely on ourselves? This lesson plan on following Jesus looks at what it means to walk by faith.

By walking in faith, we trust in the Lord's wisdom and direction for our journey. It encourages us to surrender our worries and uncertainties to God, seeking His guidance and making decisions aligned with His teachings. We can find purpose, strength, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. This Where Should We Go? lesson plan reminds us that in life's challenging moments, looking to the Lord and following His path can lead to greater fulfillment and spiritual growth.

• Blindfolds: For the Minefield game, you will need blindfolds for the blindfolded players to navigate the obstacles while listening to the caller's instructions.
• Obstacles: Set up various obstacles for the Minefield game, such as cones, chairs, or other safe objects that the blindfolded players need to navigate around.
• Game Instructions: Prepare clear and concise instructions for the Minefield game. You can print or write them on cards for the caller to read.
• Bible: Have a copy of the Bible containing the Gospel reading John 6:60-69 to read during the lesson.
• Printouts: Print copies of the Scripture reading (John 6:60-69) and reflection questions for each participant.
• Prayer Sheets: Prepare copies of the Walk by Faith prayer or any other appropriate prayer for participants to use during prayer time.
• Writing Materials: Provide pens or pencils and notepads for participants to write down their reflections and answers to the discussion questions.
• Confession Information: If you plan to encourage participants to go to confession as part of the challenge, provide information on confession times and locations at the church.
• Optional: If possible, you can also have some small prizes or treats as incentives for participants during the game.

Start with a game of Minefield. In this game, the youth are divided into teams. One member of each team is the caller. The rest of the members of the team are blindfolded. The caller must give instructions to the blindfolded players to help them navigate a series of obstacles. See Minefield game for the complete instructions and some notes.

Follow up with a few questions:

• Did your caller give you good directions?
• Why is listening important in this game? What would have happened if you had listened to the other teams caller?
• How does trust play a part in navigating the course?

In our journey of living our faith, we are bound to encounter numerous obstacles and challenges. Just like any path we take in life, the road to following Jesus is not always smooth and easy. These roadblocks can come in various forms, such as doubts about our beliefs, peer pressure to conform to worldly values, or temptations that may lead us away from the teachings of Christ. In such moments, it becomes crucial that we discern the right voice to listen to.

Amidst the noise of conflicting opinions and worldly influences, we must strive to hear and heed the voice of Jesus. His voice is a guiding beacon of truth and love, offering clarity and direction to navigate through the trials we face. Jesus' teachings are based on compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness, and they lead us toward a path of spiritual growth and fulfillment. By listening to His voice, we cultivate a deeper connection with our faith, allowing it to anchor us during times of uncertainty and turmoil.

However, the world is filled with voices that may attempt to lead us astray. These voices may encourage us to prioritize personal gain, indulge in harmful behaviors, or pursue paths that compromise our values. Succumbing to these misleading voices can distance us from the core principles of our faith and leave us feeling lost and unfulfilled.

To distinguish the true voice of Jesus from deceptive distractions, we need to nurture our relationship with Him through prayer, studying Scripture, and seeking guidance from trusted mentors and spiritual leaders. The more we immerse ourselves in His teachings, the better equipped we become to recognize His voice amidst the chaos of the world.

Furthermore, it is essential to remember that no one is immune to facing obstacles or falling prey to misleading influences. Even the disciples faced moments of doubt and uncertainty. However, what set them apart was their unwavering commitment to follow Jesus. In the face of adversity, they chose to stay by His side, trusting in His divine wisdom and love.

As we encounter obstacles along our faith journey, let us remind ourselves that we are not alone in facing these challenges. With Jesus as our guide, we can overcome any roadblocks and emerge stronger in our faith. By staying attuned to His voice, we align ourselves with a source of infinite grace and guidance that will sustain us through all trials and lead us toward a life which draws us closer to God.

Let's read the gospel passage:

Many of Jesus’ disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?”

Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.”

Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.”

As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”

Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

John 6:60-69

Just before this passage, Jesus was talking about being the Bread of Life. He said

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.

John 6:54-56

In this passage from the Bible, Jesus talks about being the Bread of Life, and he shares a powerful teaching about the Eucharist. Some of his followers found this teaching too difficult to accept. They were impressed by his miracles and wanted him to free them from Roman rule, but the idea was an obstacle for them, and they decided to leave.

Jesus explains that his words are filled with Spirit and life, and he wants to offer something beautiful to his followers. But he knows that following him can be challenging. So, he asks his apostles if they will leave too. Peter responds with great faith, saying, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."

Peter understands that Jesus' teachings are essential for eternal life. He chooses to walk by faith and trust in Jesus completely. He knows that following anyone else would lead him down a lesser path. Peter's words show us the importance of staying close to Jesus, even when faced with obstacles or difficult teachings.

When we trust in Jesus and his teachings, we are on a path to everlasting life and a deeper connection with God. Where should we go? Let's follow the example of Peter and choose the path of faith in Jesus, for he holds the key to eternal life and true fulfillment.

So let’s talk about the obstacles we encounter when we try to walk by faith.

After the reflection, young people will be divided into small groups for further discussion. The following questions will guide their conversation:

• Do you find some of the teachings of Jesus and the Church challenging? Do you think that is OK?
• What are some of the voices you hear in the world which make discipleship difficult? How important are those voices to you?
• What can you do to hear Jesus giving you direction instead of following the voices of the world?
• What are the most important factors in the path you take? Who has influence over you?

After a few minutes, ask for volunteers to share their thoughts with the larger group.

It is important to recognize that there are many paths available to us. We can go this way or that way. Where should we go? Choosing to follow Jesus is rarely the easiest path. But it is the path that leads to life.

So when you are faced with a choice, take a moment and ask Jesus where he wants you to go. If it is a difficult choice, seek the counsel of a youth minister, lay leader, or priest.

And if you have strayed off the path, remember that Jesus is calling you back. Where should we go? Go to confession and be forgiven. Jesus will take your hand and lead you on in love.

Gather the participants in a circle and lead them in a closing prayer. One suggestion is the Walk by Faith prayer, which emphasizes the importance of prayer in connecting with Jesus, and seeking guidance in life's challenges.

More Themes for the Where Should We Go? Lesson Plan on Following Jesus

• Where Should We Go? - Navigating Obstacles in Faith: In our faith journey, we often encounter challenges and roadblocks. These can make us wonder, "Where should we go?" To help us overcome these obstacles, we need to seek guidance from Jesus.
• Listening to the Voice of Jesus: In this theme, we learn about the importance of listening to Jesus amidst all the distractions and competing voices in the world. When we follow Him, we find a fulfilling life of discipleship.
• Trusting in Jesus' Guidance: Walking by faith means trusting in Jesus' teachings and relying on Him to lead us on the right path. When we trust Him completely, we know we are heading in the right direction.
• Challenges and Choices: As disciples of Jesus, we may face obstacles and difficulties. But we are encouraged to make choices that align with His teachings, helping us overcome these challenges.
• The Bread of Life: Explore Jesus' teachings as the Bread of Life. Embracing these teachings leads to eternal life and spiritual nourishment, sustaining us on our journey of faith.
• Making Faithful Choices: In our lives, we often come across tough decisions. This theme emphasizes the importance of seeking Jesus' direction when making choices about where should we go, especially when faced with difficult situations.
• Faith Overcoming Doubt: When deciding where should we go, doubts and uncertainties may creep into our minds. This theme reminds us that our faith can overcome these doubts, encouraging us to trust in God's plan and follow His guidance.
• The Call to Discipleship: Being a disciple means following Jesus, even when it seems challenging or goes against what others believe. This theme explores the call to discipleship and why it is essential to embrace it.
• Staying Close to Him: To stay on the right path when thinking about where should we go, we must hear Jesus' voice through prayer, Scripture, and discernment. This theme highlights the significance of staying close to Him in our faith journey.
• Choosing the Path of Faith: In the end, we have a choice about where should we go: to walk by faith, guided by Jesus' words of eternal life. This path leads to a fulfilling and purposeful life as we follow Him with all our hearts.

Background Material for the Where Should We Go? Lesson Plan on Following Jesus

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves facing various challenges and choices that may lead us to wonder, "Where should we go?" As Catholics, we are called to follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who lovingly guides us on the right path. Jesus' voice is ever-present, inviting us to listen and follow Him wholeheartedly. The Gospel of John (10:27) reminds us that His sheep hear His voice, and He knows them, and they follow Him. Similarly, in the Gospel of Matthew (17:5), during the Transfiguration, the Father's voice confirms Jesus' identity and urges us to listen to His beloved Son. This reinforces the call to follow Jesus faithfully as our Lord and Savior.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (520) reinforces the significance of Jesus being our model when we are asking where should we go. It teaches that throughout His life, Jesus presents Himself as the perfect example, inviting us to become His disciples and follow Him. This guidance from the Catechism reminds us of the importance of imitating Jesus' virtues and actions in our own lives as we strive to walk in His footsteps.

In a General Audience on November 3, 2021, Pope Francis emphasized the relationship between belief in Jesus and the act of following Him. He stated, “To believe in Jesus means to follow Him,” and he added, “At the same time, it means avoiding the opposite way, that of selfishness, of seeking one’s own interest.” This quote from Pope Francis underscores the inseparable connection between our faith and our actions, encouraging us to live out our beliefs through following Jesus and selflessly serving others.

The book of Proverbs (3:5-6) further reinforces the importance of trusting in the Lord's guidance when thinking where should we go. It teaches us to trust in God with all our hearts and to avoid relying solely on our own understanding. By acknowledging Him in all our ways, God promises to make our paths straight, guiding us along the right course.

These references provide a strong foundation for understanding the themes of making choices and following Jesus. They highlight the call to be attentive to Jesus' voice, to imitate His example, and to trust in His guidance as we navigate through the challenges of life. By internalizing these principles, we can find direction and purpose in our faith journey, always seeking to follow Jesus' path with steadfast devotion.

Music Suggestions for the Where Should We Go? Lesson Plan on Following Jesus

• Lord I Need You by Matt Maher
• I Am the Bread of Life by Steve Angrisano and Tom Booth
• Christ Be Our Light by Bernadette Farrell
• Lead Me Lord by John Becker
• Jesus I Trust in You by Josh Blakesly
• We Walk by Faith by Marty Haugen

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Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

Lesson plans are meant to give a framework for introducing information to youth. This Where Should We Go? Lesson Plan on Following Jesus is part of a larger set. Most of these also include reflection questions for small group sharing. These help youth think about how to apply what they have learned to their everyday lives.