About the Hello. This Is Jesus.

Lesson Plan on Our Relationship with Jesus

In our bustling world filled with distractions, it’s time to pause and reflect on the special relationship we have with Jesus Christ. This lesson plan guides us to explore this bond in a thoughtful way. We’ll consider how to introduce Jesus to someone new and explore our connection with Him.

Start with a fun activity, the Party Circle Icebreaker, which encourages unity and service. Just like in a game, life calls us to serve God and others. Then, imagine introducing Jesus to a friend through writing, using the Gospel of Matthew. We’ll talk about Peter’s declaration of Jesus as the Son of God and learn about Church teachings.

Deepen your relationship with Jesus. How do you spend time with Him? This strengthens our faith and understanding. We’re challenged to share Jesus with others, like Peter did. The journey ends with a prayer, the Litany of the Names of Jesus, reinforcing our bond with Him.

This lesson plan empowers you to connect more deeply with Jesus, reflect on His teachings, and confidently share His love and message. Through activities, scriptures, discussions, and prayers, “Hello. This Is Jesus” helps us grow in faith and spread His light to others.

Opening Game for Hello. This Is Jesus. Lesson Plan on Our Relationship with Jesus

In this Party Circle Icebreaker, participants take part in a series of handshakes, waves, and introductions, all while moving around the circle.. To play, one person acts as “The Host” and starts introductions with a chosen person, creating a chain of introductions and handshakes. But there’s more – while moving around the circle, participants stop to exchange greetings again, making the game delightfully silly. To add a twist, change how they move around, like skipping or going backward. Get creative! For full instructions and the laughter-filled icebreaker, click here.

Now, moving from the game to the lesson plan, let’s think about the connections we’ve just made. As we’ve shaken hands and shared names, think: Just as we’ve introduced ourselves through handshakes, how would we introduce Jesus to someone? How might we describe His essence and our relationship with Him? Let’s bring this introduction and connection spirit into the deep exploration of our relationship with Jesus.

Scripture Reading for Hello. This Is Jesus. Lesson Plan on Our Relationship with Jesus

Give the youth pencils and paper.

Imagine Jesus is standing next to you and you are introducing Jesus to a friend at school. Take a few minutes and write out an introduction of a paragraph or two. Describe Jesus and his relationship to you.

Have them spread out and give them plenty of time to do this.

Have any youth who are willing stand up and give their introduction of Jesus.

Then read this passage from the Gospel of Matthew:

Matthew 16:13-20 (Jesus asks about who people think he is) – the Gospel Reading for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

Matthew 16:13-20

Discussion for the Hello. This Is Jesus. Lesson Plan on Our Relationship with Jesus

Peter did a really good job saying who Jesus is. Anyone talking to him would understand his relationship with Jesus and his confidence in it.

Now imagine your friend’s reaction to your introduction of Jesus.

• Would they be surprised?
• Would they be confused?
• Would they say, I knew that about you and Jesus?
• Would they want more information?

What does the Church tell us about who Jesus really is?

Jesus is everything that God would like to tell us. The entire Old Testament prepares for the Incarnation of God’s Son. All of God’s promises find their fulfillment in Jesus. To be a Christian means to unite oneself ever more deeply with the life of Christ.

YouCat – The Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church (18)

For more background information on this topic and further discussion points, see Who Is Jesus Christ?

God is infinite, and difficult for us to understand. In Jesus, God tells us who he is. That is why we want to know Jesus better. But to get to know somebody, you have to spend some time with them. This is especially important in our relationship with Jesus, because he wants us to understand how much God loves us.

Reflection Questions for the Hello. This Is Jesus. Lesson Plan on Our Relationship with Jesus

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

• What are your favorite ways to spend time with Jesus?
• How do these help you grow closer to Him?
• What are the most important things you would want somebody else to know about Jesus?
• How can you continue to nurture your relationship with Jesus and inspire others to do the same?

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

Challenge for the Hello. This Is Jesus. Lesson Plan on Our Relationship with Jesus

Your mission this week is to introduce Jesus to someone, either through words or actions. Just as we’ve introduced ourselves with handshakes and waves, imagine how you could introduce your relationship with Jesus into another person’s life. Could it be through a kind gesture, assistance, or by sharing a vital part of your faith journey?

This challenge encourages us to become representatives of Christ, spreading His message of love, kindness, and empathy. Like Peter’s resolute declaration of Jesus as the Christ, we can become conduits of His impactful presence. Embrace this challenge, carrying the introductions’ spirit into your interactions, and let the light of Jesus shine through your words and deeds.

Prayer for the Hello. This Is Jesus. Lesson Plan on Our Relationship with Jesus

As we wrap up this lesson plan, let’s fully embrace the depth of the Litany of the Names of Jesus. Just as we’ve explored the many facets of our relationship with Jesus through introductions, reflections, and challenges, this prayer captures the diverse roles that Jesus plays in our lives. From being the Beloved Son of God to the Prince of Peace, from the Bread of Life to the Light of the World, each name signifies a part of His divine nature and boundless love. Through the Litany of the Names of Jesus, let’s join our voices in prayer, seeking His guidance, mercy, and peace.

Pray the Litany of the Names of Jesus

Hear our prayer, O Lord, as we bring this lesson plan on our relationship with Jesus to a close. May the abundance of His names remind us of His unwavering grace and the ever-present light He brings into our lives.

More Themes for the Hello. This Is Jesus. Lesson Plan on Our Relationship with Jesus

• Starting by Getting to Know Jesus: The lesson plan kicks off with a lively activity that revolves around introducing oneself in an enjoyable and interactive way. This activity sets the stage for contemplating how we can introduce Jesus to others, highlighting the significance of articulating His identity and importance.
• Exploring Jesus’ Identity: The scripture reading from Matthew 16:13-20 centers on Jesus’ query to His disciples about His identity. This theme revolves around delving into who Jesus is, not just historically, but also personally in our lives, emphasizing the importance of knowing Him deeply.
• Growing in Faith and Confidence: The discussion focuses on Peter’s resolute declaration of Jesus as the Christ, underscoring the confidence we can nurture in our faith and how we convey our beliefs to others, thus connecting to the theme of building a strong and assured relationship with Jesus.
• Personal Bond: Reflective questions encourage participants to ponder their personal relationship with Jesus, their interactions with Him, and how this relationship influences their development and understanding of His teachings.
• Sharing and Bearing Witness: The challenge of introducing Jesus to someone else through words or deeds reinforces the theme of sharing and bearing witness. This theme echoes the importance of passing down faith, similar to how early Christians and disciples shared the message of Christ.
• Many Sides of Jesus: The Litany of the Names of Jesus brings out the diverse roles and titles associated with Jesus. This theme highlights the multifaceted aspects of Jesus’ character and His presence in various aspects of our lives.
• Unity and Connection: The lesson plan subtly underscores the theme of unity and connection. The Party Circle Icebreaker fosters bonds within the group, while the challenge to introduce Jesus echoes our interconnectedness in the broader community of believers.
• Change and Progress: Participating in the lesson plan activities encourages personal growth and transformation. Be it through introductions, reflections, or sharing, participants are urged to evolve in their comprehension and relationship with Jesus.
• Prayer and Devotion: The lesson plan draws to a close with the Litany of the Names of Jesus, underscoring the theme of prayer and devotion. This theme highlights the spiritual connection we seek with Jesus through invoking His names in prayer.

Background Material for the Hello. This Is Jesus. Lesson Plan on Our Relationship with Jesus

At the core of the Christian faith lies a deep connection with Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This connection surpasses mere historical understanding; it’s an ongoing relationship that shapes lives. Since the moment Peter confidently acknowledged Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, the question “Who is Jesus?” has echoed through time. This lesson plan invites us to explore this query, reflecting on Jesus’ identity and how we introduce Him to others, much like Peter did.

Jesus, Fully Divine and Fully Human: A Profound Mystery of Faith

Catholic theology uncovers a mystery at the core of our faith: the person of Jesus Christ, who embodies both the divine Word of God and the fullness of humanity. This divine mystery, acknowledged for its uniqueness, forms a cornerstone for understanding Jesus’ distinct role in our journey of faith. It prompts us to delve into the very essence of Jesus – encompassing both His divine nature and His humanity – and to reflect on the significance of this extraordinary union that holds deep meaning for our relationship with Jesus.

The concept of this divine mystery, known as the hypostatic union, intersects theological contemplation and the unfolding narrative of our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) eloquently conveys this mystery starting in Paragraph 464:

“The unique and altogether singular event of the Incarnation of the Son of God does not mean that Jesus Christ is part God and part man, nor does it imply that he is the result of a confused mixture of the divine and the human. He became truly man while remaining truly God. Jesus Christ is true God and true man.”

Through Jesus’ divinity, we encounter the very heart of God’s eternal Word, manifested in human form for our benefit. This mystery bridges the divide between the Creator and the created, inviting us to draw closer to God’s all-encompassing love and mercy in a way that transcends human understanding. Jesus, as fully divine, reveals the depth of the Father’s love for humanity, offering a path of reconciliation and salvation.

In tandem, Jesus’ humanity connects us to relatability. The Incarnation, where the divine Son took on human nature, demonstrates God’s profound solidarity with us.

Through His humanity, Jesus exemplifies an intimate understanding of our human experiences – our joys, struggles, temptations, and sufferings. His example serves as a guiding light of hope as we navigate life’s challenges. As the YouCat youth catechism explains in Paragraph 79:

“The humanity of Jesus is complete and includes also the fact that Jesus possessed a soul and developed psychologically and spiritually. In this soul dwelled his human identity and his special self-consciousness. Jesus knew about his unity with his heavenly Father in the Holy Spirit, by whom he allowed himself to be guided in every situation of his life.”

This lesson plan invites us to explore both aspects of Jesus’ identity – His divinity and humanity – and to grasp the profound significance of His dual nature. Just as this divine mystery bridges the gap between the divine and the human, our exploration bridges the gap between theological understanding and our personal relationship with Jesus. Through reflection, study, and contemplation, we deepen our understanding of Jesus’ unique role in our journey of faith and uncover the life-changing implications of encountering the God-Man who knows us deeply and loves us unconditionally.

Sharing the Good News: Our Calling to Bear Witness

Jesus’ parting words to His disciples, as shared in Matthew 28:19, echo across time as a clear call to share the Good News. This divine instruction embodies the heart of our faith journey and reflects the powerful impact of our relationship with Jesus Christ. As Catholics, we hold a significant responsibility: to carry His teachings, love, and selfless example to every corner of the world.

At the center of this call to evangelize is the acknowledgment of the essential role that Jesus plays in our lives. Our connection with Him goes beyond personal experience; it’s a life-shaping encounter that drives us to action. Just as the disciples were changed by their close interactions with Jesus, we too are called to be transformed and then to be agents of change for others. Our grasp of Jesus’ teachings, our embrace of His love, and our understanding of His ultimate sacrifice propel us into the sphere of evangelism.

In this context, the challenge set forth by this lesson plan to introduce Jesus becomes an embodiment of our baptismal obligation. Baptism isn’t solely a ceremonial initiation; it’s an initiation into a lively faith community and a missionary purpose. We become part of the Body of Christ, entrusted with radiating His light in a world seeking hope and salvation. Much like Peter boldly declaring Jesus as the Christ, we are invited to courageously introduce Jesus to those around us – not just through words, but through actions that reflect His care and compassion.

Through this lesson plan, we are called to renew our commitment to sharing the faith, emboldened by the powerful influence of our relationship with Jesus and driven by His love that knows no bounds.

Encountering Jesus Through Prayer and Thought

Catholic tradition underscores the significance of prayer and contemplation in nurturing a personal relationship with Jesus. Just as Jesus sought moments of solitude to connect with His Father, we too are encouraged to find quiet instances for reflection, where we can engage with Jesus intimately. This lesson plan’s reflective questions prompt us to explore our individual encounters with Jesus, how we draw near to Him, and how His presence impacts our lives.

In Conclusion: Cultivating Our Connection with the Savior

In the fast pace of modern life, it’s vital to pause and ponder our relationship with Jesus. This lesson plan presents a structured framework to delve into this pivotal aspect of our faith. Rooted in scripture, Catholic theology, and Church teachings, it empowers us to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, embrace our role in sharing Him, and journey towards a deeper, transformative relationship with the Savior who intimately knows and loves us. As we engage with this plan, let’s open our hearts to the mysteries of Christ and draw nearer to the Source of all life and love.

Music Suggestions for the Hello. This Is Jesus. Lesson Plan on Our Relationship with Jesus

• Jesus Christ You Are My Life by Marco Frisina
• King of My Heart by Greg Walton
• What a Friend by Matt Maher
• I Will Choose Christ by Tom Booth
• Remain in Me, I Am the Vine by Curtis Stephan and Steve Angrisano
• Shine Jesus Shine by Graham Kendrick

Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

Lesson plans are meant to give a framework for introducing information to youth. This Hello. This Is Jesus. Lesson Plan on Our Relationship with 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.