Invisible
A Lesson Plan on Seeing Others

Many young people go through life without noticing those around them who might need a kind word or a little attention. It’s easy to focus on our own concerns, our friends, and our daily routines. But sometimes, people right in front of us feel invisible. They may be struggling with loneliness, rejection, or sadness. The Invisible lesson plan on seeing others helps youth become more aware of those who are often overlooked.
This lesson encourages youth to step outside their usual social circles and pay attention to others. It helps them recognize that small actions—a smile, a greeting, or a simple conversation—can make a big difference. Just like the rich man in the parable ignored Lazarus, we sometimes fail to see those who need our kindness. This lesson helps change that.
By learning to notice and care for others, young people grow in empathy and compassion. They begin to see people as God sees them, not as outsiders or strangers but as brothers and sisters. The Invisible lesson plan teaches that every person has dignity and deserves to be seen and valued. It challenges youth to act with love and kindness in their daily lives.
This lesson is not just about recognizing the needs of others but also about taking action. It encourages youth to move beyond their comfort zones and build real connections. When they do this, they reflect the love of Christ. They help bring His light into the lives of those who feel forgotten or ignored.
Opening Game
Spot the Difference
To start this lesson, play Spot the Difference, a game that helps youth think about how observant they are. Choose two volunteers to stand in front of the group. Have everyone study them for about 30 seconds. Then, send the volunteers out of the room to change small details about their appearance—like switching shoes, rolling up a sleeve, or taking off a watch. When they return, the rest of the group must figure out what changed. You can repeat this with different volunteers.
For full instructions, visit Spot the Difference Game.
- What was the most subtle difference you noticed?
- Who seemed to be the best at noticing differences?
- Did you use any strategies for trying to be more observant?
In this game, you were focused on looking for changes. Since you knew something would be different, you paid close attention. You were more observant than usual. But in everyday life, we don’t always notice things that are right in front of us.
Think about the people around you at school, church, or in your neighborhood. Some of them might be feeling invisible, but because we aren’t looking for them, we don’t see them. We go about our day, focused on our own routines, and miss the ones who are sitting alone or hoping someone will notice them.
Jesus calls us to be aware of the people around us. Just like you had to pay attention in the game, we need to train ourselves to see others—especially those who feel unseen. This lesson will help us open our eyes and learn to notice the people we might usually overlook.
Scripture Reading
Luke 16:19-31 (The Rich Man and Lazarus) – the Gospel Reading for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C
Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day.
And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.
When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.
The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’
Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’
He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’
But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’
He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’”
Luke 16:19-31
Discussion
The rich man in Jesus’ story had everything—nice clothes, good food, and a comfortable life. And right outside his door was Lazarus, covered in sores, starving, and miserable. The rich man must have walked past him every day. Maybe he saw him. Maybe he didn’t. Either way, he ignored him. Lazarus was invisible to him. The rich man had the power to help, but he chose not to.
Then everything changed. Both men died. Lazarus was carried to a place of comfort with Abraham, and the rich man found himself in torment. Now, suddenly, the rich man could see Lazarus. He begged for help. Just a drop of water. But it was too late. He had spent his life ignoring Lazarus, and now there was nothing that could be done.
This parable isn’t just about a rich man and a beggar. It’s about all of us. Jesus is warning us that we can be just like the rich man. Maybe we don’t walk past a starving man every day, but we do walk past people who feel unseen, unimportant, and invisible. Sometimes we don’t notice them. Other times, we see them but don’t take the time to care.
Think about your own life. Who do you pass by without really seeing? Who feels invisible in your school, your church, or your community?
Maybe there’s a girl who always eats lunch alone. You see her every day, but you never think to invite her to sit with you. She’s just there in the background. You’re not being mean to her, but you’re not including her either. What if one day you simply said, “Hey, want to sit with us?” That small action could mean everything to her.
Maybe there’s a guy who always talks about his hobbies or interests, but no one really listens. People might even roll their eyes when he starts talking. Have you ever stopped to really hear what he has to say? Have you ever asked him questions and shown genuine interest? You don’t have to be best friends, but giving him your attention can make him feel valued instead of invisible.
Or maybe there’s a classmate who looks disappointed after checking the callback list for the school play. She didn’t make it. You don’t know her well, so you just walk past. What if instead, you took a second to say, “I saw your audition. You were really great.” That moment of kindness could lift her spirits.
The truth is, there are invisible people all around us. We don’t always mean to ignore them, but we do. We get comfortable in our routines and social groups. We focus on our own problems and don’t take time to notice others. But Jesus calls us to do better. He wants us to really see people—to show kindness, to include, to listen, and to care.
It can take courage to step out of your comfort zone and talk to someone new. But small actions can make a big difference. A smile. A greeting. A short conversation. These things might seem small to you, but they can mean the world to someone who feels invisible.
Don’t wait until it’s too late, like the rich man did. Start seeing people now. Who will you notice today?
Small Group Reflection Questions
Small group discussions help youth reflect on the lesson and apply it to their lives. Encourage them to share their thoughts honestly. Remind them that everyone’s perspective is valuable, and listening is just as important as speaking. Some may be hesitant to share, so be patient and create a welcoming space. Use the questions below to guide the conversation.
- Have you ever felt invisible? What happened, and how did it make you feel?
- Have you ever been in a situation where you ignored someone who needed attention? What kept you from reaching out?
- Who are the people in your school, church, or community who might feel invisible?
- What are some small ways you can help others feel seen and valued?
- Why do you think the rich man ignored Lazarus? Do we sometimes act like the rich man without realizing it?
- Jesus noticed people who were often ignored by society. What can we learn from His example?
- How does this lesson connect to our Catholic faith and Jesus’ call to love our neighbor?
- What challenges might you face when trying to notice and include others? How can you overcome them?
- What is one thing you can do this week to make someone feel less invisible?
Challenge
This week, challenge yourself to notice people outside of your usual friend group. Pay attention to the ones who sit alone, who walk quietly through the halls, or who don’t seem to have many people to talk to. When you see them, take a small step—greet them, ask how their day is going, or give them a simple compliment. It doesn’t have to be a big conversation. Just letting them know you see them can make a difference.
If this feels awkward or uncomfortable, that’s okay. It’s not always easy to step out of your routine. But think about how you would feel if you were the one being overlooked. A little effort can go a long way. Try it once, then again, and see what happens. You might brighten someone’s day. You might even make a new friend. Most importantly, you’ll be living out the love Jesus calls us to show.
Prayer
Before we end, let’s take a moment to pray for the people in our lives. Think about those who might feel invisible—the ones who are left out, lonely, or struggling. Pray that they feel seen and valued. Ask God to help you notice them and show them kindness.
Let’s also pray for ourselves. Ask God to open our hearts so we can love others the way He calls us to. Pray for the courage to step out of our comfort zones and reach out to those who need a friend.
To close, let’s pray together using the Prayer to Love One Another. (Printable copy here.) Let these words remind us that love is more than just a feeling—it’s something we live out every day. As we go forward, may we see others the way God sees them and share His love with everyone we meet.
More Resources
Themes
- Loving Our Neighbor: Jesus teaches us to love others, especially those in need. When we ignore people who are struggling, we fail to live out this command. The Invisible lesson helps youth see and care for those around them.
- Seeing the Forgotten: Many people feel invisible in our daily lives. This lesson reminds us that everyone is valuable in God’s eyes. We are called to notice and care for them.
- The Dignity of Every Person: The Catholic Church teaches that every person has dignity. This means we must treat everyone with kindness and respect. No one should feel invisible or unimportant.
- Compassion Like Jesus: Jesus always saw those who were overlooked. He cared for the sick, the poor, and the outcasts. We are called to follow His example.
- Serving Others in Need: Our faith calls us to help those who struggle. Even small acts of kindness can make a difference. The Invisible lesson encourages youth to reach out.
- Breaking Social Barriers: It’s easy to stay in our own group and ignore others. But Jesus welcomed everyone, no matter their background. We are called to do the same.
- Recognizing Christ in Others: Jesus said, “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.” When we see and help the invisible, we serve Christ Himself.
- Avoiding Indifference: The rich man ignored Lazarus and suffered the consequences. We must not make others invisible by turning away from their needs. God calls us to care.
- The Power of Small Acts: A kind word or simple gesture can mean a lot. We don’t have to do big things to make a difference. The Invisible lesson helps youth see how little actions can bring hope.
- Living Out the Gospel: Our faith is not just about words but actions. Noticing and helping the invisible is part of following Jesus. This lesson encourages youth to live their faith daily.
Background Material for the Invisible Lesson Plan on Seeing Others
Jesus often spoke about seeing and caring for those who are ignored or forgotten. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), the rich man lived in comfort while Lazarus suffered at his door. The rich man did nothing to help Lazarus. He may have seen him every day, but he acted as if Lazarus was invisible. When they both died, their roles were reversed. Lazarus found peace, while the rich man suffered. This parable warns us not to ignore those in need.
Jesus lived this teaching in His own life. He saw and cared for the poor, the sick, and the outcasts. He noticed people others avoided. He spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26), healed lepers (Luke 17:11-19), and dined with tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:15-17). He calls us to do the same. We are meant to see people as He does, not just as faces in the crowd but as beloved children of God.
The Catholic Church teaches that every person has dignity because they are made in the image of God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The dignity of the human person is rooted in his creation in the image and likeness of God” (CCC 1700). This means no one should be treated as unimportant or invisible. When we fail to see others, we fail to recognize the presence of Christ in them.
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus tells us that when we help others, we are serving Him. He says, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” This means that when we take time to notice someone who is lonely, left out, or struggling, we are responding to Christ’s call.
Pope Francis often speaks about the need to see and care for others. He warns against what he calls the “culture of indifference,” where people only focus on themselves and ignore those in need. He encourages us to look beyond our own lives and pay attention to those who feel forgotten. He reminds us that even small acts of kindness can make a difference.
This lesson plan helps young people recognize those who feel invisible in their daily lives. It challenges them to take simple steps to reach out, whether by offering a smile, starting a conversation, or inviting someone to sit with them. It teaches that noticing and caring for others is part of living out our faith.
When we truly see others, we reflect God’s love in the world. We help people feel valued and remind them they are not alone. The Invisible lesson plan encourages youth to be more aware, to act with kindness, and to make a difference in the lives of those who are often overlooked.
Music Suggestions
- Invisible by Leeland
- Go Make a Difference by Steve Angrisano
- One Thing Remains by Bethel Music
- You Are the Light by Josh Blakesley

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections
Looking for more lesson plans and reflections? Visit our Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections page for free resources to help engage youth in their faith. You’ll find lessons on Scripture, social justice, prayer, and more.
These materials are great for youth groups, religious education, and classroom discussions. Each lesson is designed to encourage reflection and action. Whether you need something for a small group or a large gathering, there are plenty of options to choose from. Check out the free resources and find the right fit for your ministry!
Questions and Answers for the Invisible Lesson Plan on Seeing Others
What is the purpose of the Invisible lesson plan?
The lesson helps youth notice and care for people who feel invisible. It encourages them to step outside their usual groups and be more aware of those who are lonely or overlooked. It teaches that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
How does this lesson connect to Catholic teaching?
Jesus cared for people who were ignored by others. The rich man in Luke 16:19-31 failed to see Lazarus, and he suffered for it. The Catechism teaches that every person has dignity and should not be treated as invisible.
What age group is best for this lesson?
This lesson works well for middle school and high school students. Younger students can also learn from it with some adjustments. The key ideas of seeing and helping the invisible are important for all ages.
How can I help youth understand this lesson?
Use real-life examples they can relate to, like classmates who eat alone or kids who get left out. Encourage discussion and reflection. Challenge them to take action and notice the invisible in their own lives.
Does this lesson require a lot of preparation?
No, the lesson is easy to use. It includes discussion questions and simple activities. The main goal is to help youth see the invisible around them and think about how they can respond.
How can I make the lesson more engaging?
Use role-playing, storytelling, or personal testimonies. Ask students to share times when they felt invisible or when they noticed someone being left out. Encourage them to brainstorm ways to change that.
What if students don’t think they ignore others?
Help them reflect on their daily routines. Ask questions like, “Who do you sit with at lunch?” or “Who do you walk past without noticing?” Many don’t realize how easy it is to make someone invisible.
How can students apply this lesson in their daily lives?
They can start by greeting someone new, including others in conversations, or simply making eye contact and smiling. Even small actions can help people feel less invisible.
How can I follow up after the lesson?
Encourage students to share their experiences in a follow-up discussion. Ask if they noticed anyone who felt invisible and what they did to help. Keep reminding them to look for those who need kindness.
Can this lesson be used with other topics?
Yes, it fits well with lessons on kindness, social justice, and Catholic teaching on human dignity. The idea of seeing the invisible connects to many parts of our faith.
Seeing the Invisible Changes Lives
It is easy to get caught up in our own world and miss the people around us. But Jesus calls us to do more. He wants us to notice and care for those who feel invisible. The rich man in the parable ignored Lazarus, and it led to his suffering. We must learn from his mistake and open our eyes to those who are often overlooked.
The Invisible lesson plan on seeing others helps young people understand the importance of noticing and including others. It challenges them to step out of their comfort zones and take small actions that make a big impact. Even a simple greeting or kind word can help someone feel seen and valued.
As followers of Christ, we are called to love and serve others. This lesson teaches youth how to live out their faith in everyday moments. When they see and respond to the invisible, they reflect God’s love in the world. They make their schools, churches, and communities more welcoming places.
Encouraging youth to see the invisible is not just a one-time lesson. It is a mindset that they can carry with them throughout their lives. By practicing kindness and awareness now, they will continue to see and help others in the future.
Your Turn
The Invisible lesson plan on seeing others is a simple but meaningful way to teach young people about compassion and awareness. It helps them see the people they might otherwise overlook. It encourages them to take small steps to make a difference.
Try using this lesson in your classroom, youth group, or ministry. See how your students respond. Have you made any changes or added your own ideas? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comment section. We would love to hear how you are helping young people see the invisible!
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