Who’s Your Buddy? A Lesson Plan on Friendship

Start by playing the Pair Off Square Off game. In this game, each youth is assigned one half of a well known pair and they must find the other half. The catch is that they don’t know who they are and have to find out by asking yes/no questions.

See the complete instructions for Pair Off Square Off.

After playing the game, ask a few questions.

• Was it difficult to find the other half of your pair? Why or why not?
• Did you like helping people figure out who they were?
• Was it fun finding your match? Or did you want to keep asking questions?

It is important to form relationships in life. It is especially true that we need friends who will support us in faith. Jesus knew that having a buddy was a good idea also.

Mark 6:7-13 (Jesus sends the disciples in pairs) – the for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick – no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.

He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.”

So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Mark 6:7-13

So, Jesus sent his apostles out in pairs. They could have covered more ground if they had gone out on their own. But Jesus had a good reason for sending them in pairs.

Why do you think Jesus sent his disciples two by two? Is it easier to deal with challenges if you have a friend with you? Think about a time when you felt alone. Would you have been more confident with a good friend by your side?

There are a few reasons why Jesus sent the apostles in pairs. First of all, they could encourage each other. When one was tired or weak, the other could remind him of why they were doing this and the importance of their mission. Paul talks about this in Ecclesiastes 4:10.

If the one falls, the other will help the fallen one. But woe to the solitary person! If that one should fall, there is no other to help.

Ecclesiastes 4:10

This shows that having someone by your side makes a big difference.

Second, the Old Testament teaches that two witnesses are more trustworthy than one.

One witness alone shall not stand against someone in regard to any crime or any offense that may have been committed; a charge shall stand only on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Deuteronomy 19:15

The people in the villages the disciples visited would have known this rule from the Torah. So, having two people together made their message stronger and more believable.

Third, Jesus knew the importance of community and fellowship. He called the twelve apostles to be with him at the very beginning of his ministry. Even though he was the Son of God, he didn’t try to spread the Good News on his own. He wanted to show us that having a community and working together is important.

So, it’s not just important to have friends. It’s important to have friends who are Christians and can support us and encourage us in our faith journey. These friends help us stay focused on following Jesus. They keep us from feeling alone when others don’t share our beliefs. And they give us someone to share our faith with in confidence.

Having Christian friends means having someone to remind us of God’s love and our purpose. It means having someone to pray with and talk about our faith. It means having someone to lift us up when we’re down. Just like the apostles, we need friends to help us on our journey. This is why Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs. He wanted them to have the support and strength they needed to spread his message. And we need that same support and strength today.

Sharing in small groups will help youth reflect on these topics and give a real example of how friendship helps us grow in faith. These are some starter questions, but go wherever the conversation leads.

• Why do you think Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs instead of alone?
• How do you think working in pairs helped the disciples?
• Can you share a time when a friend helped you through a tough situation?
• How does having a friend by your side make facing challenges easier?
• Why is it important to have friends who share your faith?
• How can Christian friends support and encourage you in your faith journey?
• Can you think of a situation where you felt alone and would have been more confident with a good friend?
• How do you feel when you share your faith experiences with a friend?

This week, your challenge is to identify a friend who shares your beliefs. First, ask that friend to pray for you daily. Let them know you will pray for them, too. You can support each other through prayer.

Each day, send each other a text message as a reminder to pray. It can be as simple as “I’m praying for you today!” or “Don’t forget to pray for me today!” This will help you both stay focused on your faith.

When you face a challenge in your faith journey, reach out to your friend. Instead of trying to handle it on your own, ask your friend for prayer and encouragement. Talk to them about what you are going through. They can help lift you up and remind you of God’s love and support.

Remember, you are not alone. Having a friend who prays for you and with you makes a big difference. This week, take the first step in building a strong, faith-filled friendship.

If appropriate, allow the youth to offer personal petitions. Then close with a prayer such as this:

Dear Jesus,
Thank you for the gift of friendship. Help us to be good friends to each other. Guide us to support and encourage one another in our faith. We ask you to bless our friendships and help them grow stronger. Teach us to pray for each other and to be there in times of need. Thank you for always being with us. Help us to remember that we are never alone. We are grateful for your love and guidance. Amen.

Themes for the Who’s Your Buddy? A Lesson Plan on Friendship

• Support in Friendship: Friends support each other in hard times. Jesus sent his disciples in pairs to help each other. We should do the same in our lives.
• Encouragement in Faith: Friends help us stay strong in our faith. When one is weak, the other can offer encouragement. This keeps us focused on our faith journey.
• Strength in Unity: There is strength in being together. Jesus knew his disciples would be stronger in pairs. We are also stronger when we have friends by our side.
• Witnessing Together: Two people can give a stronger witness than one. This is seen in the Old Testament. It helps others believe our message.
• Community Importance: Jesus valued community and fellowship. He did not work alone. We should also value and build strong Christian communities.
• Shared Mission: Friends share common goals and missions. The disciples had a shared mission to spread the Good News. We can share our faith journey with friends.
• Trustworthiness of Pair: Two witnesses are more trustworthy than one. This principle is found in the Bible. It helps build credibility in our witness.
• Christian Companionship: Having Christian friends helps us grow in faith. They encourage and support us. This is important in our spiritual journey.
• Confidence with Friends: We feel more confident with friends. They help us face challenges. This is why Jesus sent his disciples in pairs.
• Mutual Encouragement: Friends encourage each other to keep going. When one is tired, the other can help. This is a key part of friendship and faith.
• Following Jesus’ Example: Jesus set an example by not working alone. He chose disciples to be with him. We should also value having friends in our faith journey.

Background Material for the Who’s Your Buddy? A Lesson Plan on Friendship

Friendship is important in our lives and in our faith journey. Jesus showed us this when he sent his disciples out in pairs. In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus called the Twelve Apostles and sent them out two by two. He gave them authority over unclean spirits and instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a walking stick. They were to rely on the hospitality of those they met. Jesus knew that they would need each other for support and encouragement.

The Bible teaches us the value of friendship. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, it says, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up.” This shows that friends can help us when we are in trouble and that we are stronger together.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also talks about the importance of friendship. In paragraph 2347, it states, “The virtue of chastity blossoms in friendship. It shows the disciple how to follow and imitate him who has chosen us as his friends, who has given himself totally to us and allows us to participate in his divine estate. Chastity is expressed notably in friendship with one’s neighbor. Whether it develops between persons of the same or opposite sex, friendship represents a great good for all. It leads to spiritual communion.”

Friendship in the Catholic Church is not just about social support. It is also about growing in faith together. Friends help each other stay on the right path and remind each other of God’s love and teachings. This is why it is important to have friends who share our faith. They help us grow closer to God.

The Old Testament also highlights the importance of having more than one witness. In Deuteronomy 19:15, it says, “One witness alone shall not stand against someone in regard to any crime or any offense that may have been committed; a charge shall stand only on the testimony of two or three witnesses.” This principle was well known to the Jewish people, and Jesus sent his disciples in pairs to ensure that their testimony would be accepted.

Jesus himself valued community and fellowship. He called the twelve apostles to be with him from the beginning of his ministry. Even though he was the Son of God, he did not try to spread the Good News on his own. He knew that having a close group of friends and followers was important. This shows us that we too should value and build strong Christian communities.

Saint Paul also speaks about the value of companionship. In his letters, he often mentions his co-workers and friends who supported him in his mission. For example, in Philippians 2:25, he talks about Epaphroditus, whom he calls “my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier.” Paul understood that he could not do his work alone and that having friends and companions was crucial.

The “Who’s Your Buddy?” lesson plan helps youth understand these teachings. It shows them the importance of having good friends who support them in their faith journey. It uses the example of Jesus sending out his disciples in pairs to teach them about the value of friendship. By learning from this lesson plan, youth can see how friends can help them stay strong in their faith and support them through challenges.

In conclusion, friendship is a key part of our lives and our faith. The Bible and the teachings of the Catholic Church show us that having good friends is important. Friends help us stay strong, support us in our journey, and bring us closer to God. The “Who’s Your Buddy?” lesson plan helps youth understand and appreciate the value of friendship in their faith journey.

Music Suggestions for the Who’s Your Buddy? A Lesson Plan on Friendship

• Hold Us Together
• Brother
• God Gave Me You
• Friends
• Prayer for a Friend

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

Teachers, youth ministers, and catechists can find more “Who’s Your Buddy?” lesson plans and reflections on our website. These resources are free and help guide youth in understanding the value of friendship in their faith journey. Visit this free lesson plan collection to explore more lesson plans and reflections that support and encourage Christian friendships.