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.
A printable copy of this lesson plan is available at the bottom of this article.
Game for Lesson Plan on Following Jesus
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?
Where should we go?
We come across a lot of obstacles in living our faith also. There will be roadblocks along the way. It is important that we listen to the voice of Jesus instead of voices which might lead us astray.
Let’s read the gospel of the day:
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
Discussion for Lesson Plan on Following Jesus
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
For many of his disciples, this was too much. They were impressed by his miracles and hoped he would overthrown the Romans. The talk of being fed in the Eucharist was an obstacle to them. The teaching is too hard and they cannot accept it. So many left.
Jesus tells the apostles that his words are Spirit and life. He is trying to give his followers something beautiful. But the path of discipleship can be difficult.
So Jesus asks his apostles if they are going to leave also. Peter speaks words of great faith.
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 6:68-69
Peter heard the same teaching as everyone else. But he is walking by faith. He has developed a great trust in him. He knows that following anyone else will lead him down a lesser path.
Reflection Questions
So let’s talk about the obstacles we encounter when we try to walk by faith.
- Do you find some of the teachings of Jesus and the Church challenging? Do you think that is OK?
- What are some of 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?
It is important to recognize that there are many paths available to us. We can go this way or that way. Which way should we go? Choosing to follow Jesus is rarely the easiest path. But it is the path that leads to life.
Where Should We Go? Challenge
This week, when you are tempted to stray from the path of discipleship, try extra hard to hear the voice of Jesus over the other influences in your life. Listen to him. This also requires trust, as we don’t always know where the path of discipleship will lead us.
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. Go to confession and be forgiven. Jesus will take your hand and lead you on in love.
Additional Resources for Lesson Plan on Following Jesus
- Be Yourself Journal for Catholic Girls
- Be Yourself Journal for Catholic Guys
- Accompanying Youth and Young Adults on Their Journey as Missionary Disciples
- Carlo Acutis: The First Millennial Saint
