Opening Game
Whose Voice Is It?
This is a fun and light icebreaker to help your group relax before getting into the deeper part of the lesson. It sets up the idea that we hear many voices in life, and it’s not always easy to tell which ones to follow.
Have everyone sit in a circle. Choose one person to be “It” and have them leave the room so they can’t hear or see anything. While they’re out, silently pick someone in the circle to be the “Mystery Voice.” When “It” returns, have them close their eyes or wear a blindfold to keep it fair. The Mystery Voice should say a short phrase like “Hello” or “Guess who I am” but in a disguised voice—change pitch, accent, or tone to make it tricky. “It” gets three guesses to figure out who the Mystery Voice was.
To keep it fun, let each person have a turn being “It.” You can also have the Mystery Voice say funny lines or Bible phrases in silly voices. This helps the group laugh and also gets them thinking about how hard it can be to recognize voices without seeing the person.
Follow-up Questions:
- Was it easy or hard to recognize the voice?
- Did anyone surprise you with how they changed their voice?
- What helped you guess right—or made you guess wrong?
That was a fun way to start, and it’s interesting how hard it can be to know who’s speaking when you can’t see them. Sometimes in life, it feels like that too. We hear different voices around us—some helping us, some pulling us away from what’s right. It can be confusing to know which ones to trust.
The story we’re going to hear today is about a moment like that. It’s about two people who were very close to Jesus, but they reacted in completely different ways. One mocked Jesus. The other asked for mercy. Both spoke, and both made a choice.
Let’s listen closely and think about which voice sounds more like the one we want to follow. And maybe more importantly—what voice are we speaking with in our own lives? Let’s read the Gospel and find out.
Scripture Reading
Read Luke 23:35-43 (Jesus and the Two Criminals), the Gospel for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year C:
The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.”
Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.”
Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.”
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Discussion
Imagine standing there, at the foot of the cross. Jesus is in the middle, suffering, bleeding, dying. On each side of Him, there are two criminals. Both are being punished for their crimes. Both are in pain. Both can see Jesus, hear Him, and speak to Him. But they respond in two very different ways.
One of them looks at Jesus and mocks Him. He says, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” He’s angry. He wants out. He doesn’t care about what he did or what Jesus stands for. He just wants to escape. And when Jesus doesn’t make everything better right away, he mocks Him. That voice is still around today. You might have heard it. Maybe even said it yourself.
That voice says things like:
“God doesn’t care about me.”
“If God is real, why is life so unfair?”
“I prayed, but nothing happened.”
“Why should I believe in someone who doesn’t fix my problems?”
It’s a voice that wants quick results. It doesn’t want change. It doesn’t want to admit guilt. It just wants an easy way out.
Now look at the other thief. He doesn’t argue. He doesn’t make excuses. He admits his wrong. He says, “We are getting what we deserve. But Jesus did nothing wrong.” Then he turns to Jesus and says, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
This man knows he can’t save himself. He’s not trying to make excuses or blame others. He just wants to be close to Jesus. He wants mercy. He knows he’s made mistakes, but he trusts that Jesus can still love him.
That voice also exists today. It says things like:
“I’ve messed up, but I don’t want to stay in that place.”
“I need help, and I believe Jesus can give it.”
“I know life is hard, but I’m not giving up on God.”
We all have those two voices around us. You’ve probably heard both. One says to walk away from God. The other says to turn toward Him, even when it’s hard.
Sometimes both voices come from inside you. Maybe you’re tired, angry, or hurting. Maybe you feel like no one understands. That’s when the mocking voice gets loud. It tells you to give up. But deep down, the other voice is still there. The one that says, “Jesus, help me. I need You. I trust You.”
Now here’s something important: Jesus didn’t take the Good Thief off the cross. He didn’t stop his suffering. But He gave him something greater. He said, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” The man still suffered. But he didn’t suffer alone. And his suffering wasn’t the end of the story.
That’s what Jesus offers you too. He might not take away your problems right away. But He promises to be with you. He promises eternal life. He promises that if you turn to Him, He will not turn you away.
So ask yourself: which voice are you listening to right now? When things get hard, do you mock or do you trust? Do you shut down, or do you reach out? You don’t need perfect words. You just need an honest heart.
Even a small prayer like “Jesus, remember me” can change everything. Jesus is always ready to hear you. He wants to welcome you. He wants to walk with you. Just like He did with the Good Thief.
You still have a choice. Every day. Every moment. Which voice will you follow?
Small Group Reflection Questions
For small group time, encourage everyone to listen with respect and speak honestly. Remind the group that this is a safe space to share. No one is forced to talk, but everyone is invited to join the conversation. Keep the focus on personal reflection, not on judging others. Let youth talk about how this scripture connects with their own lives. Be patient and give space for silence if needed.
- What stood out to you most in the story of the Good Thief?
- Have you ever felt like either of the two thieves? What was that like?
- Why do you think the mocking thief couldn’t trust Jesus?
- What does the Good Thief teach us about prayer?
- Have you ever heard those negative voices in your life? How do they sound?
- What helps you turn toward Jesus when things are hard?
- What do you think paradise means in this story?
- How can we be more like the Good Thief in our daily life?
- Is there something you want to say to Jesus today, like the Good Thief did?
- What do you think Jesus is saying to you right now?
Challenge
This week, try to notice which voice you’re listening to. Are you hearing the one that tells you to give up, stay angry, or walk away? Or are you hearing the one that invites you to turn back to Jesus, even just a little? Make it a goal to choose the voice that leads you closer to God.
Here are a couple ways to live this out. First, say a short prayer each day like the Good Thief: “Jesus, remember me.” Say it when you’re stressed, tired, or just need to pause. Second, if you catch yourself complaining or feeling negative, stop and ask Jesus for help instead. If you’re brave, tell someone else about this story and what it meant to you. Let Jesus speak through you.
Prayer
Let’s take a moment to quiet our hearts and talk to Jesus. You don’t need perfect words. Just be honest, like the Good Thief was. You can close your eyes if you want. I’ll lead the prayer, and you can pray in your heart along with me.
Jesus, we are here with You at the cross.
Sometimes we feel lost. Sometimes we mess up.
But we believe You are with us.
Like the Good Thief, we say, “Remember me.”
We want to choose the voice that leads to You.
Help us trust You, even when life is hard.
Help us speak up for what is right.
Help us believe that Your mercy is always there.
Thank You for loving us, even when we don’t feel worthy.
Thank You for hearing us, even when we only say a few words.
Be with us this week.
Walk with us.
And when we forget, remind us that You never stop loving us.
Amen.
More Resources
For more information and resources, see https://young-catholics.com/82733/choosing-voices-lesson-plan/