Being Known by God

Name That Friend

To start the session, let’s play a fun game called “Name That Friend.” This will get everyone talking and laughing, and it will help set the tone for today’s discussion.

Here’s how it works: Pair everyone up and give them a few minutes to learn three things about their partner that others in the group might not know. After that, have each person write a one paragraph introduction to their partner to the group by sharing those three things—but without saying their partner’s name. The facilitators then reads the introductions. The group’s job is to guess who it is!

After everyone has been introduced, ask these follow-up questions:

• How did it feel to learn new things about someone else?
• Why is it important to know someone beyond just their name?
• What helps us build real connections with other people?

That was a lot of fun! It’s interesting how we can know someone’s face, name, or basic facts about them, but still not really know them, right? The more time we spend with someone and the more effort we make to get to know them, the closer that friendship becomes. It’s not just about recognizing someone in a crowd—it’s about sharing experiences and really understanding who they are.

This idea connects to what we’re talking about today: having a personal relationship with Jesus. Sometimes we treat Jesus like an acquaintance we wave at from a distance. We might know some things about Him or show up at church, but that doesn’t mean we really know Him. Jesus doesn’t want us to stay at the surface—He wants us to go deeper and have a real connection with Him.

In today’s Scripture passage, Jesus talks about what it means to truly know Him and be known by Him. It’s a strong message, but it reminds us how important it is to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Let’s listen carefully to His words and think about how we can open our hearts to Him more.

Read Luke 13:22-30 (The Narrow Gate), the Gospel for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C:

Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.

Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?”

He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.

After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’

He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.

And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’

Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’

And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out.

And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God.

For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”

In this passage, Jesus talks about entering through the narrow door and being part of God’s kingdom. He warns us that not everyone who thinks they know Him will actually enter. Some will claim, “We ate and drank with you,” but Jesus will respond, “I do not know you.” That’s a challenging and even uncomfortable message. It forces us to stop and think: what does it really mean to know Jesus? And even more importantly, what does it mean for Jesus to know us?

This isn’t about just saying we believe in Jesus or showing up at Mass on Sunday. A personal relationship with Jesus is about much more than that. Imagine someone who goes to all your soccer games or hangs out at the same places as you but never really talks to you or gets to know you. Could you call that person a real friend? Probably not. In the same way, Jesus doesn’t want us to just “show up” in faith without a true connection to Him. He wants something deeper, something real. He wants us to open our hearts and let Him into every part of our lives.

Think about your closest friendships. They didn’t just happen overnight. You spent time with those friends. You talked to them, shared your thoughts, laughed together, and maybe even went through some hard times side by side. That’s how trust and connection grew. This is exactly what Jesus wants from us. He wants to be someone we turn to every day, someone we share our joys, fears, and struggles with. He wants to walk with us, guide us, and love us through it all.

So, how do we build this kind of personal relationship with Jesus? First, it starts with prayer. Prayer is simply a conversation with Jesus. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated. You can tell Him what’s on your mind, thank Him for the good things in your life, or ask Him for help. But prayer isn’t just about talking—it’s also about listening. Spend a few moments in silence, asking Jesus to speak to your heart. When you do this regularly, you’ll start to feel His presence in your life.

Second, we get to know Jesus through Scripture. The Bible is like a letter from God, and the Gospels show us who Jesus is. When you read stories about how Jesus healed people, forgave sinners, or showed compassion, you begin to understand His heart. You see how much He loves us and how He wants us to live. Reading even a small part of the Bible each day can help you grow closer to Him.

Third, the sacraments are key. The Eucharist is an incredible gift where Jesus gives Himself to us fully. When you receive Communion, it’s like having a one-on-one moment with Jesus where He strengthens you and draws you closer to Him. Confession is another way to grow in your relationship with Him. When you go to Confession, Jesus forgives your sins and gives you a fresh start. These sacraments remind us that Jesus isn’t distant; He’s here with us in a real and tangible way.

Finally, we grow closer to Jesus by living like Him. Jesus showed us how to love others—especially those who are hurting, lonely, or in need. He stood up for what was right, even when it was hard. When we act with kindness, serve others, and stand up for truth, we are showing the world what Jesus is like. It’s not always easy, but it’s one of the best ways to stay close to Him.

This passage reminds us of something important: we can’t fake a personal relationship with Jesus. It’s not about pretending to know Him or going through the motions. It’s about opening our hearts and truly letting Him in. Ask yourself: how much time am I really giving to Jesus? Am I talking to Him? Am I making room for Him in my day?

If Jesus were to ask, “Do I know you?” how would you respond? It’s not too late to start building a deeper relationship with Him. He’s always waiting for you, knocking on the door of your heart. You just have to let Him in. Start small. Talk to Him in prayer, spend a few minutes reading the Bible, or reflect on His presence when you receive Communion. The more you do, the closer you’ll feel to Him, and the more real your relationship with Jesus will become.

Small group discussions are an important part of this lesson. As a facilitator, encourage participants to share openly and listen respectfully. Remind them that building a personal relationship with Jesus is a unique journey for everyone, so there are no “wrong” answers. Allow time for reflection and let the conversation flow naturally. Use the questions below to guide the discussion, but feel free to adapt them as needed based on the group’s responses.

• What does Jesus mean when He talks about the “narrow door” in Luke 13:22-30?
• Why do you think some people might assume they know Jesus when they really don’t?
• What does a personal relationship with Jesus look like to you?
• How can prayer help you grow closer to Jesus?
• When you think about your daily life, how often do you include Jesus in your thoughts or decisions?
• How do the sacraments, like the Eucharist and Confession, help us build a personal relationship with Jesus?
• What are some practical ways you can make time for Jesus each day?
• How can living like Jesus—through acts of love and service—help you feel closer to Him?
• Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt Jesus knew you personally? What was that like?
• What steps can you take this week to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus?

End by inviting participants to reflect on the questions in their own prayer time, asking Jesus to help them grow closer to Him.

This week, I want to challenge you to take a real step toward building your personal relationship with Jesus. It doesn’t have to be anything big or overwhelming—just something small and meaningful that helps you grow closer to Him. One idea is to set aside five minutes each day for prayer. Talk to Jesus about your day, your worries, and what you’re grateful for. Be honest with Him, just like you would with a close friend. Another idea is to read one Gospel story this week—maybe something from Luke. Think about what Jesus is saying and how it applies to your life.

If you want to do something more hands-on, look for a way to show love to someone in your life. Maybe it’s helping a sibling, being kind to someone at school, or reaching out to someone who seems lonely. When we serve others, we reflect Jesus’ love, and that deepens our personal relationship with Him. Pick one or two of these ideas and really try to stick with them this week. At the end of the week, take a moment to reflect. How did these small actions help you feel closer to Jesus?

Let’s close with a prayer to ask Jesus to help us grow closer to Him. Take a moment to quiet your heart and really focus on talking to Him.

Jesus, thank You for loving us and for wanting to know us personally. Sometimes we forget to spend time with You or we let other things get in the way, but we want to change that. Help us to grow in our personal relationship with You. Teach us to trust You more, to listen to You in prayer, and to follow You in everything we do.

Jesus, help us to see You in the people around us and to show Your love through our actions. Give us the courage to make You a part of our daily lives. Walk with us this week and remind us that we’re never alone. We love You, and we want to know You better. Amen.

Themes

• God’s Desire for Personal Relationship: God created us to know, love, and serve Him. He wants each of us to have a personal relationship with Jesus, who shows us the way to the Father. This lesson emphasizes that God longs to be close to us.
• Prayer as Connection: Prayer is talking and listening to God. It helps us build a deeper personal relationship with Jesus by spending time with Him. This lesson encourages youth to make prayer part of their daily lives.
• Jesus in the Sacraments: The sacraments bring us closer to Jesus in a special way. The Eucharist and Confession help us encounter His grace and mercy. This lesson invites youth to meet Jesus through these gifts of the Church.
• Listening to God’s Word: Scripture reveals who Jesus is and how much He loves us. Reading the Bible helps us grow in a personal relationship with Jesus by understanding His teachings. This lesson shows the importance of spending time with God’s Word.
• Living as a Disciple: A personal relationship with Jesus changes how we live. Following Jesus means loving others, helping those in need, and standing for truth. This lesson encourages youth to live their faith every day.
• God Knows and Loves Us: Jesus knows each of us by name and loves us completely. This lesson highlights how we can respond to that love by knowing Him in return. Building a personal relationship with Jesus helps us experience His love more fully.
• Faith Requires Effort: Jesus calls us to strive to enter through the narrow door. This means making time for Him and making good choices. This lesson helps youth understand that a personal relationship with Jesus requires commitment and effort.
• God’s Mercy and Forgiveness: Jesus is always ready to forgive us and welcome us back. Confession helps restore our personal relationship with Him when we’ve strayed. This lesson shows how God’s mercy is key to growing closer to Jesus.
• Recognizing Jesus in Others: When we serve others, we are serving Jesus. Acts of kindness and love help us live out our personal relationship with Jesus. This lesson reminds youth to see Jesus in the people around them.
• Faith as a Journey: A personal relationship with Jesus grows over time. It’s not a one-time decision but an ongoing process. This lesson encourages youth to take small steps to grow closer to Him each day.
• Trusting in God’s Plan: Jesus invites us to trust Him even when life is hard. A personal relationship with Jesus helps us rely on His guidance and peace. This lesson encourages youth to trust in God’s love and care for them.

Background Material

Catholic teaching makes it clear that a personal relationship with Jesus is central to our faith. This personal relationship is not just about knowing facts about Him but about knowing Him personally. In Luke 13:22-30, Jesus warns that it’s not enough to be familiar with Him from a distance. We must allow Him into our hearts and live as His disciples. This is not optional for Christians. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) says, “The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God” (CCC 27). This shows that God has made us to know Him deeply and personally.

Jesus invites us into this personal relationship through His life, death, and resurrection. He doesn’t force us to respond but instead calls us with love. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” This invitation is at the heart of our Catholic faith. It reminds us that Jesus wants a personal relationship with us, and it’s up to us to respond to His call.

Prayer is one of the most important ways to grow in this relationship. The Catechism tells us, “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God” (CCC 2559). Through prayer, we spend time with Jesus, just as we would with a close friend. This helps us to know Him better and to hear His voice in our hearts. Reading the Bible is also essential because Scripture helps us understand who Jesus is and what He teaches. In the Gospels, we see Jesus’ love for us and how He calls us to follow Him.

The sacraments are another key way we deepen our personal relationship with Jesus. In the Eucharist, we receive His Body and Blood, drawing us into close union with Him. Jesus tells us in John 6:56, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.” The sacrament of Reconciliation also strengthens this relationship by helping us experience His mercy and forgiveness. These sacraments remind us that Jesus is not distant but is truly present in our lives.

Finally, living out our faith through love and service is essential to a personal relationship with Jesus. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” When we serve others, we are serving Jesus. This makes our faith real and helps us grow closer to Him.

Catholic teaching shows us that a personal relationship with Jesus is at the heart of our faith. Through prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, and loving others, we can grow closer to Him every day. This relationship is what gives our lives meaning and purpose. Jesus knows us completely, and He invites us to know Him in return. The more we respond to His love, the stronger this personal relationship becomes.

Music Suggestions

• Christ In Me Arise by Trevor Thomson
• Remind Me Who I Am by Jason Gray
• You Are My All in All by Shane & Shane
• Your Love Is Alive by Housefires

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

Looking for more ways to inspire and engage Catholic youth? Visit our Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections page for a variety of free resources. These lesson plans cover Scripture, Church teachings, and practical topics to help young people grow in their faith.

Whether you’re a teacher, catechist, or youth minister, you’ll find easy-to-use materials designed to spark meaningful discussions and deepen a relationship with Jesus. Explore our free lessons and reflections here: Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections.