Seeing Jesus Around Us

What’s Missing?

This quick game is great for energy and focus. Set out about 10 random objects on a table (or in the center of the group) where everyone can see them clearly. Give the group 30 seconds to look at all the items. Then cover the items with a cloth or ask them to turn around. Quietly remove one item. When they turn back, they have to guess what’s missing.

You can repeat this a few times, switching out different items or adding distractions. Keep it moving quickly and have fun with it. Choose objects that are silly or surprising for extra laughs.

Follow-up questions:

• Was it hard to notice what was missing?
• What helped you remember the items?
• Did anything surprise you during the game?

That game was all about paying attention. Sometimes it’s easy to miss what’s right in front of us, especially when we’re distracted. The more we focus, the more we start to notice.

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist is trying to figure something out. He wants to know if Jesus is really the one they’ve been waiting for. He’s asking, “What am I missing?”

Jesus doesn’t give a simple answer. He tells John’s friends, “Look at what I’m doing.” Just like in the game, it takes careful attention to notice what’s really happening. That’s what we’ll explore today—how we can see Jesus around us, even when it’s not obvious.

Read Matthew 11:2-11 (Jesus and John the Baptist), the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A – Gaudete Sunday

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”

Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.

Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.

Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Let’s take a closer look at this Gospel. John the Baptist is in prison. He had spent his life preparing people for the Messiah. He baptized Jesus. He saw the Spirit come down like a dove. He knew Jesus was someone special. But now, sitting in a dark prison, he starts to have doubts. Things probably didn’t turn out the way he expected. He hears about Jesus and sends some of his followers to ask Him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”

That’s a very honest question. Maybe you’ve asked a question like that before. Maybe not those exact words, but something similar. You might have asked, “Is God real?” or “Is Jesus really with me?” or “Why doesn’t He just show Himself clearly?”

Jesus doesn’t get angry with John. He doesn’t say, “How could you doubt me?” Instead, He responds with love and truth. He says, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind are seeing, the lame are walking, the lepers are being healed, the deaf are hearing, the dead are being raised, and the poor are hearing good news.”

Jesus doesn’t just say, “Yes, I’m the one.” He says, “Look at what’s happening. Look at the signs.”

That’s a big message for us. Because we also want signs. We want proof. We want to know that Jesus is real and that He cares. But Jesus is telling us something important here: You’ll know Me by what I do. Not by just words, but by actions.

Now think about this in your own life. Have you ever had a hard time believing? Maybe you’ve prayed and felt nothing. Maybe you’ve had a hard day or a hard year and wondered, “Where is Jesus in all of this?” That’s okay. Even John the Baptist had those moments. Jesus doesn’t push us away when we have questions. He invites us to look closer.

Sometimes we expect Jesus to show up in big, dramatic ways—like a miracle or a voice from the sky. But more often, Jesus shows Himself in quiet ways. You just have to pay attention.

You might see Jesus in:

• A friend who really listens when you’re upset.
• A parent or sibling who forgives you, even after a fight.
• A teacher or coach who believes in you when you don’t believe in yourself.
• A moment at Mass when the Gospel speaks directly to your heart.
• A quiet feeling of peace during prayer, even if it only lasts a minute.
• A chance to help someone, and realizing it made you feel closer to God.

These are the kinds of signs Jesus was talking about. He brings healing, love, mercy, and hope. And He often does it through other people. He might even use you to be a sign of His presence for someone else.

So ask yourself: Where do I see Jesus at work in my life? Who helps me feel His love? When do I feel closest to Him?

The more you watch and listen, the more you’ll start to notice. Jesus is alive. He is still healing. He is still giving hope. He is still showing up. Maybe not always in the way you expect, but always in the way you need.

Just like He told John the Baptist, He tells you: Look. Listen. Watch what I’m doing. You’ll see Me.

Facilitators: Invite youth to share in small groups of 4 to 6 people. Let them know it’s okay to have questions and doubts. Encourage them to listen to each other with respect. Remind them that sharing is a choice—they can speak when they’re ready. There are no wrong answers here. The goal is to help everyone see how Jesus may be present in their own lives.

• What stood out to you in the Gospel story?
• Why do you think John the Baptist started to doubt?
• Have you ever felt unsure about your faith or about Jesus?
• How do you think Jesus would respond to your questions or doubts?
• What are some ways you’ve seen love, healing, or hope in your life recently?
• Who in your life reminds you of Jesus?
• Have you ever helped someone and felt close to God while doing it?
• Do you think it’s easy or hard to notice Jesus in everyday life? Why?
• What’s one way you want to look for Jesus more this week?

Here’s your challenge for the week: try to notice Jesus at least once each day. Look for Him in the little things—kindness, peace, beauty, or a moment of joy. When you see something that reminds you of Jesus, take a second to thank Him. It could be someone holding the door for you, a friend cheering you up, or a moment in prayer when you feel calm inside. These are real signs that He is with you.

To live this out, you could write down one moment each day when you noticed Jesus. Keep it simple—a sentence or two is enough. Or you could choose to do one kind act for someone each day and offer it to Jesus. Another idea is to pray each night and ask, “Jesus, where were you today?” Then pause and listen. When you pay attention, you’ll start to see that He’s closer than you think.

Let’s take a moment to quiet our hearts and talk to God.

Jesus,
Thank You for being with us, even when we don’t always see You.
Sometimes we have questions, just like John the Baptist did.
Help us to trust You, even when things are confusing or hard.

Open our eyes this week.
Help us notice Your love in the people around us.
Help us hear Your voice in moments of peace, kindness, and truth.

Show us how we can be signs of Your love for others.
Use our hands, our words, and our hearts to bring hope.

Stay close to us, Jesus.
Help us remember that You are always near.
We love You. We trust You.
Amen.

Themes

• Jesus Is Present Now: Jesus was not only active 2,000 years ago. He is still working in the world today. We can see Him in love, healing, and kindness.
• Faith In Daily Life: Our Catholic faith is not just for church. It helps us live every day with trust and love. Jesus walks with us in school, at home, and with friends.
• The Joy of Advent: Gaudete Sunday reminds us to be joyful. Jesus is coming, and that is good news. Even when life is hard, we can find joy in Him.
• God Works Through People: Jesus often shows up through others. A kind friend or a caring adult can reflect His love. We can also be that light for someone else.
• Asking Questions Is Okay: John the Baptist had doubts. Jesus didn’t get angry—He answered with care. It’s okay to ask and to seek understanding.
• Recognizing God’s Work: Jesus pointed to signs like healing and good news. We can also notice when good things happen around us. These are ways God is near.
• Jesus Brings Hope: The blind saw, the lame walked—Jesus brings change. He brings hope to broken hearts and tough situations. We can trust Him to help us too.
• Responding to God’s Love: When we see Jesus in our lives, we are called to respond. We can pray, serve, or simply say thank you. God loves us first.
• Being a Witness: Jesus said to tell others what we see and hear. We can share how Jesus helps us. Our story might help someone else believe.
• Seeing Beyond the Surface: Jesus didn’t always look like the Messiah people expected. We can learn to look deeper. God is often found in simple, quiet places.
• Living as Disciples: We are followers of Jesus, just like John’s disciples. We can bring His message of hope and healing. That starts with how we treat others.

Background Material

This lesson fits deeply into Catholic teaching because it focuses on how we can see Jesus in our everyday lives. In Matthew 11:2-11, John the Baptist is in prison. He sends people to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come?” Jesus answers by pointing to what He is doing—healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and preaching good news to the poor. He is saying, “Look at the signs.” He wants people to see how He is bringing God’s Kingdom.

This teaches us something important. Jesus doesn’t just talk. He acts. And He invites us to look around and notice His presence. The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus is always with us. He is with us in the sacraments, in the Church, in prayer, and in the people around us. We can see Jesus when people love, forgive, and help one another.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God” (CCC 27). This means we are all made to look for God. Even young people ask questions like, “Where is God?” or “Is Jesus really with me?” These questions are normal. The Church teaches that we find the answers by learning to see God at work in our world.

Jesus told John’s followers to go and tell what they had seen and heard. We are called to do the same. This is part of being a disciple. We pay attention to where Jesus is working. Then we share that with others. Pope Francis often spoke about how Jesus is close to the poor and the broken. He said we meet Jesus when we serve those in need. This is also what Jesus shows in the Gospel. He heals and gives hope.

Advent is a good time to think about this. It is a time of waiting and watching. Gaudete Sunday is about joy. We are joyful not just because Christmas is coming. We are joyful because Jesus is already with us. We don’t have to wait to meet Him. He is here now. This lesson helps youth see that truth and live it.

The Church also teaches that faith grows when we reflect on how God works in our lives. This is why it is good to ask questions, think deeply, and talk about our experiences. Jesus welcomed questions from John the Baptist. He still welcomes our questions today.

In summary, this lesson is rooted in Catholic teaching. It helps youth connect the Gospel to their lives. It reminds them that Jesus is not far away. He is close, loving, and active. And it encourages them to look, listen, and respond with faith.

Music Suggestions

• Open My Eyes by Jesse Manibusan
• Build Your Kingdom Here by Rend Collective
• Emmanuel by Steve Angrisano

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

Explore our collection of free youth ministry lesson plans and reflections at Young Catholics. These resources are designed for teachers, catechists, and youth ministers to help young people grow in their faith. Each lesson includes discussion questions, activities, and prayers to make learning engaging and meaningful.

Whether you’re preparing for a specific liturgical season or addressing everyday challenges teens face, you’ll find lessons that connect faith to real life. Topics range from understanding the sacraments to dealing with stress and making moral choices. Browse the full list here.