Who Are You?
Lesson Plan on Identity
The Who Are You? lesson plan on identity helps youth explore who they are in a deep, meaningful way. In today’s world, young people are often told who they should be. There is pressure from friends, school, and social media to fit certain roles or standards. This lesson gives them a chance to slow down and reflect on who they truly are—beyond the labels and expectations placed on them.
The lesson uses John the Baptist’s story from the Gospel of John. John clearly stated who he was not before saying who he was. This teaches youth that it’s okay not to be everything or everyone. They don’t need to compare themselves to others. Instead, they can focus on how God made them unique and called them for a special purpose.
By thinking about how they see themselves, youth will grow in self-awareness and faith. They’ll learn to see both their strengths and limitations in light of God’s love. This will help them understand that their identity is not found in titles or talents, but in being God’s children.
Finally, this lesson builds a stronger sense of community. As young people share their reflections, they will support and encourage each other. They will learn to see themselves and others as valuable members of Christ’s body, called to work together. This helps them grow not just individually, but as part of a faith-filled group.
Opening Game for the Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity
The Candy Identity game sets the stage for our discussion on identity and perception. As catechists, we can use this simple yet effective game to draw powerful parallels between guessing candy flavors and understanding our own identities. (See the complete instructions.)
- Which colors were the most difficult to guess?
- Were you surprised by any in particular?
- Did anyone get a flavor they didn’t like?
A key discussion point can be around the experience of guessing a flavor incorrectly or encountering an unexpected taste. This leads to a broader conversation about how we often form judgments or assumptions based on external appearances. Just like the candies, which may look similar but taste different, people can also defy our initial perceptions.
Sometimes it is difficult to know the identity of someone or something. That is what we are talking about today.
How does our faith influence our understanding of ourselves and others? In what ways can we look beyond the surface to truly understand and appreciate someone’s unique identity?
Scripture Reading for the Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity
It’s fascinating, isn’t it, how our eyes can sometimes deceive us into thinking we know something, only to be surprised when we actually experience it? This brings us to a very special part of today’s lesson, where we’ll explore a similar theme in Scripture. In the Gospel of John, we hear about John the Baptist, who was asked a very important question: ‘Who are you?’
Just like we had to guess the flavors of the candies without tasting them, people had to guess who John the Baptist was without truly knowing him. Let’s dive into this passage together and see what it reveals about identity, expectations, and how we perceive ourselves and others in the light of our faith. Keep in mind the surprises and revelations you experienced during our game as we read and discuss this Scripture.
John 1:6-8, 19-28 (John the Baptist is asked about his identity) – the Gospel Reading for the 3rd Sunday in Advent – Year B
This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.
And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.”
So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”
So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?”
He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord,’” as Isaiah the prophet said.”
Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?”
John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”
Discussion for the Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity
Give everyone a piece of paper and a pencil. Have them write down as many possible answers as possible to the question “Who are you?” They should write in complete sentences. Allow plenty of time for this activity. If some of them seem to finish, encourage them to dig deeper and come up with more answers.
Let’s do a survey:
- Raise your hand if you had an answer related to something you do at school or in a club, such as “I am a soccer player” or “I am involved in Student Council”.
- Raise your hand if you had an answer related to a talent such as “I can play the piano” or “I am a good student”.
- Raise your hand if you had an answer related to your family, such as “I am an only child” or “I am a daughter”.
- Raise your hand if you had an answer related to your personality such as “I am nice” or “I am faithful”.
- Raise your hand if you had an answer related to faith, such as “I am Catholic” or “I am a disciple”.
- Raise your hand if you had an answer related to your habits or preferences, such as “I am somebody who likes to sleep in” or “I am a person who loves dogs”.
- Raise your hand if you have an answer which starts with “I am not”, such as “I am not good at math” or “I am not an athlete”.
Now, let’s take a moment to reflect further on the answers you’ve written down. Notice how varied our identities are, filled with roles, talents, relationships, and beliefs. This diversity in how we see ourselves is a beautiful reflection of God’s creativity in making each of us unique. But let’s dig a bit deeper.
- How many people had more answers which started with “I am not” than answers with started with “I am”?
After seeing the variety of your responses, let’s think about how often we define ourselves by what we’re not, similar to how John the Baptist started by saying, ‘I am not the Christ.’ It’s interesting to note that sometimes, what we are not can be as telling as what we are.
John understood his role was not to bring glory to himself but to prepare the way for Jesus. In our lives, how often do we focus on what we’re not, rather than embracing the role God has for us? How can we shift our focus from our limitations to our potential in Christ?
Now, let’s take a moment to share. I’d love to hear from a few of you about your reflections. What did you learn about yourself through this activity? How does understanding who you are not help you focus more on who you are in Christ? This is a safe space, so feel free to share openly and listen to each other with respect and kindness. Our identities in faith are not just about who we are individually, but also about how we connect and support each other as a community.
Small Group Reflection Questions for the Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity
Break into small groups for a more intimate and focused discussion. Each group should have a mix of different individuals to encourage diverse perspectives and if possible one leader or facilitator. Provide some starter questions to steer the conversations:
- Using Identity to Glorify God: Reflect on the question, “Do you think about how to use your identity to glorify God?” Discuss how your unique talents, traits, and roles can be channels to honor Him. Share personal experiences or aspirations in this regard.
- Bringing Others to Jesus: “What are some specific ways you can use your identity to bring others to Jesus?” Consider how your everyday interactions, hobbies, or talents can be opportunities to witness and share your faith.
- Challenges in Faith Expression: “Are some parts of your identity more difficult to use to point to God?” Discuss any struggles you face in aligning certain aspects of your identity with your faith. How can you overcome these challenges?
- Self-Focused Identity: “Do any parts of your identity seem to be more focused on yourself?” Explore areas where your focus might be more on self-promotion or self-interest. How can you redirect these towards glorifying God?
- Actionable Steps: “How can you change your actions to use these self-focused parts of your identity to glorify God?” Brainstorm practical steps you can take to align your actions with your faith values.
- Role Models in Faith: “Who in your life or in the Church is a good example of using their identity to glorify God?” Discuss role models who inspire you to live out your faith authentically.
- Balancing Identity and Humility: “How can we balance a strong sense of identity with the humility exemplified by Christ?” Reflect on maintaining a balance between confidently embracing who you are and practicing the humility Jesus taught us.
Remind participants to remember to listen actively and respect each other’s views. This is a time to learn from each another and grow together in faith and understanding. After the discussion, regroup and share any insights or common themes that emerged in your small groups.
Challenge for the Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity
As we continue our journey of faith and self-discovery, let’s take on a challenge this week. Think about the different parts of your identity that we explored today. Pick one specific trait, talent, or part of your life that doesn’t usually point others to Jesus. This could be a hobby, a skill, a role you have, or even a personality trait.
Once you’ve chosen something, commit to using it in a way that brings glory to God. For example, if you’re a good musician, try playing at a church service or a community event. If you’re known for making people laugh, use your humor to bring joy in a Christ-like way, maybe by volunteering at a youth group or sharing positive content with friends. If you’re a natural leader, lead your friends with kindness, integrity, and compassion.
The goal is to take something that is already part of who you are and use it to show God’s love. Let your light shine in a way that points others to Him. Document your journey this week—through journaling, photos, or by sharing with friends or family.
At the end of the week, take time to think about how it felt to use your gift for God’s glory. Did you notice any difference in how others responded to you? Be ready to share your experience at our next gathering so we can encourage each other with how we’ve used our identities to show God’s love.
Prayer for the Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity
Conclude by praying Help Me Know Who I Am. (Printable copy here.)
As we close our session today, let’s turn our hearts and minds to God in prayer. This prayer, titled “Help Me Know Who I Am,” invites us to seek understanding of our true identity through God’s loving gaze. Let us pray together, asking God to reveal to us how we are seen and cherished by Him, and to guide us in reflecting His love to others.
Dear God,
Help me to know who I am.
Let me see myself as you see me.
As you gaze upon me
show me that you love me
in my strengths and my weaknesses.
Open my heart so I can
hear you call me
“Beloved Daughter” or
“Beloved Son”.
Then, secure in my identity,
let me act so that others
see you through me.
Rid me of the need to
draw attention to myself.
May I always point to you.
Glory to you forever.
Amen.
More Resources for the Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity
Themes for the Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity
The lesson plan “Who Are You?” explores several key themes centered around identity, faith, and self-perception:
- Identity in Faith: Understanding how our Catholic faith shapes and influences our personal identity.
- Self-Reflection: Encouraging introspection about various aspects of personal identity, including roles, talents, and beliefs.
- Perception vs. Reality: Highlighting the difference between external appearances and true nature, as illustrated in the Candy Identity game.
- Scriptural Connection: Relating personal identity to Biblical narratives, specifically focusing on John the Baptist’s understanding of his identity in relation to Christ.
- Community and Diversity: Acknowledging and appreciating the diverse identities within the faith community.
- Role of Actions in Identity: Discussing how our actions and choices reflect and shape our identity.
- Humility and Service: Learning from John the Baptist’s example of humility and his role in pointing towards Christ, rather than seeking self-glory.
- Transformation and Witnessing: Exploring how to use aspects of our identity to glorify God and bring others to Jesus.
- Reflective Prayer: Engaging in prayer to seek deeper understanding of one’s identity as a beloved child of God.
- Practical Application: Encouraging participants to apply the lesson’s themes in their daily lives, particularly in how they represent themselves and their faith to others.
Background Material for the Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity
The concept of identity is deeply rooted in Catholic teaching and is fundamental to understanding our place in the world and in our relationship with God. As Catholics, we believe that each person is made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27), which imbues every individual with inherent dignity and worth. This lesson plan, “Who Are You?”, seeks to explore the multi-faceted nature of identity through a Catholic lens, emphasizing how our faith shapes and is intertwined with our understanding of ourselves.
This fundamental concept is addressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, particularly in paragraph 1701, which states: “The dignity of the human person is rooted in his creation in the image and likeness of God; it is fulfilled in his vocation to divine beatitude.” This underlines the inherent dignity and worth of every person as created in God’s image, a core aspect of our identity as Catholics.
In the context of Catholicism, identity is not just a personal construct but also a reflection of our relationship with God and with the Church. We are not only individuals with unique talents, traits, and experiences, but also members of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). This communal aspect of identity highlights the importance of fellowship, service, and living out our faith in everyday interactions.
The story of John the Baptist, as recounted in John 1:6-8, 19-28, serves as a powerful example of understanding one’s role and purpose in relation to Christ. John the Baptist’s declaration, “I am not the Christ,” underscores a recognition of his mission to prepare the way for Jesus, thus showing humility and a clear sense of his calling. This narrative invites us to reflect on how we perceive ourselves and how we align our identities with God’s purpose for us.
Moreover, Catholic teaching emphasizes the concept of vocation – a calling from God – which is a crucial aspect of one’s identity. This Who Are You? A Lesson Plan on Identity encourages young Catholics to discern how their unique qualities and life circumstances can be seen as part of God’s plan for them. It also delves into the idea of being created for communion with God and others, which is fundamental to Catholic anthropology.
This is discussed in paragraph 1879 of the Catechism: “The human person needs to live in society. Society is not for him an extrinsic addition but a requirement of his nature. Through the exchange with others, through mutual service and dialogue with his brethren, man develops his potential; he thus responds to his vocation.” This passage echoes the communal aspect of our identity in Christ and how our individual identity is intertwined with our membership in the Church.
Additionally, the virtue of humility, exemplified by John the Baptist, is a key theme. It teaches us to view our talents and roles not as means for self-aggrandizement but as gifts to be used in service to God and others. This perspective challenges the modern, secular understanding of identity, which often centers on individual achievement and personal fulfillment.
In this Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity, participants are invited to engage in activities and discussions that not only foster a deeper understanding of their personal identities but also reinforce the idea that our truest identity is found in being beloved children of God. Through this realization, we are called to live out our faith authentically, serving as witnesses to Christ in the world.
Music Suggestions for the Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity
More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections
If you’re a teacher, youth minister, or catechist looking for more lesson plans like the Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity, visit our website. We offer a variety of free resources to help youth explore their faith, reflect on their identity, and grow closer to God. You’ll find more lessons and reflections that are engaging and easy to use with your group. Check them out at at our lesson plans page.
Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of the Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity?
It helps youth explore who they are in Christ. It encourages them to see their identity in light of God’s love. They learn that their true worth comes from being a child of God.
How does this Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity fit into Catholic teaching?
The Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity reflects the Catholic belief that we are created in God’s image. It teaches that our talents and traits should be used to serve others and glorify God. It emphasizes that our identity is found in following Jesus.
How long does this Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity take?
The Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity can take about 60 to 90 minutes. This includes reading, discussion, and reflection activities. You can adjust the time based on your group’s needs.
Is this Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity only for youth?
The Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity is designed for youth, but anyone can benefit from it. Adults and families can also explore the question “who are you” and learn from the themes in this lesson. It is suitable for anyone interested in understanding their identity in faith.
What materials are needed for this Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity?
You will need a Bible, paper, and pencils for each participant. You may also want to use a whiteboard or poster paper for group discussion. This helps everyone answer the question “who are you” more effectively.
Can this Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity be adapted for small or large groups?
Yes, it works well with both small and large groups. For small groups, you can have more personal sharing time. In large groups, use more group discussions to explore the question “who are you.”
How can this Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity help youth grow in faith?
It encourages youth to see their identity as part of God’s plan. It helps them understand that who they are is a gift from God. This strengthens their relationship with Jesus and others.
What if youth struggle to answer “who are you”?
Be patient and encourage them to keep thinking and reflecting. Share your own experiences to help them understand. Sometimes, understanding who we are takes time and prayer.
Discovering Your True Identity in Christ
The Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity helps youth understand who they are in God’s eyes. It focuses on exploring the question, “Who are you?” through Scripture, self-reflection, and group discussion. The lesson draws from the story of John the Baptist, who defines his identity by what he is not, as well as by what he is—“the voice of one crying out in the desert.”
Participants are encouraged to think deeply about their traits, talents, and roles in life. This lesson teaches that our true identity comes from being children of God. It emphasizes that we are each uniquely created with a purpose to serve others and reflect God’s love.
The lesson includes interactive activities, like writing down aspects of personal identity and discussing them. It helps youth see their strengths, weaknesses, and potential. This self-awareness is rooted in a Catholic perspective, focusing on how God calls each person to live out their faith.
The lesson ends with a challenge: to use one part of their identity in a way that glorifies God. Whether it’s a skill, hobby, or personality trait, youth are encouraged to let it shine in a Christ-like manner. This practical approach helps them grow in faith while deepening their understanding of who they are.
Your Turn
Try the Who Are You? Lesson Plan on Identity with your youth group, classroom, or family. It helps participants explore who they are in Christ while growing closer to God.
Give it a try, and share your results with us! We’d love to hear about any variations or notes you added to make it work for your group. Leave a comment below and let’s learn from each other’s experiences!
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