Opening Activity for the Light of the World Lesson Plan
Start in complete darkness in the room. Have a small stuffed animal to pass around. If you cannot make it completely dark in the room, then make it as dark as possible and put the toy in a drawstring bag. It is important that the youth not be able to see the toy.
We are passing a small object around the room. Let everyone have an opportunity to hold it.
Wait until the stuffed animal has been passed around the entire group.
You have all held the object. You should have some observations about it
- What do you know about the object? (They should all be given the opportunity to contribute. Allow plenty of time.)
- Do you think you know everything there is to know about it?
- What don't you know about the object?
Turn the lights on and let them see the stuffed animal.
Now you can see what you were holding. Let's take a closer look.
Pass the stuffed animal around the group again.
- What do you know now that you didn't know the first time we passed around?
- Why was it difficult to really know everything about this stuffed animal when it was dark in the room?
Scripture Reading for the Light of the World Lesson Plan
Alright, everyone, let's gather back together. We've just shared an interesting experience, didn't we? Passing around that object in the dark, each of you had a chance to feel it, to guess what it might be, but there was still so much unknown, wasn't there? Even though you held it in your hands, the darkness kept its full reality hidden from you.
Now, think about this: When we turned on the light, everything changed. You could see the stuffed animal clearly, understand what it was, and notice all the details you missed before. That moment of revelation, when what was hidden became seen, is a powerful one.
We're going to read a passage from the Gospel of John, where Jesus talks about being the light of the world. Just like the light allowed us to see the stuffed animal clearly, Jesus's presence in our lives illuminates things we couldn't understand on our own. He reveals the heart of God to us, showing us how much we are loved and guiding us on how to live.
Let's listen closely to these words from the Gospel, keeping in mind our experience with the light and the darkness, and see what Jesus is revealing to us about God's love and how we can live in that light.
John 3:14-21 (Jesus is the light of the world) - the Gospel Reading for the 4th Sunday of Lent – Year B
Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil.
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed.
But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.John 3:14-21
Discussion for the Light of the World Lesson Plan
We could know some things about the stuffed animal in the darkness. But we couldn't know everything. In the same way, the Old Testament tells us many things about God. But not all. It was not a complete revelation of God.
Jesus changed all of that. He came to fully reveal the heart of God to us.
God desires that we know who he is and how much he loves us. That is why Jesus became human like us. Jesus is the ultimate revelation of who God is and how much he loves us.
Jesus is everything that God would like to tell us. The entire Old Testament prepares for the Incarnation of God’s Son. All of God’s promises find their fulfillment in Jesus. To be a Christian means to unite oneself ever more deeply with the life of Christ. To do that, one must read and live the Gospels.
Madeleine Delbrêl says, “Through his Word God tells us what he is and what he wants; he says it definitively and says it for each individual day. When we hold our Gospel book in our hands, we should reflect that in it dwells the Word that wants to become flesh in us, desires to take hold of us, so that we might begin his life anew in a new place, at a new time, in a new human setting.
YouCat - The Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church - 18
Jesus is the Light of the World. Through him, we can see how much God loves us. We can see the nature of God's love for us. God shows us that love is willing to sacrifice. Jesus is willing to give his whole self in order to love us.
- How does knowing how much God loves us impact our lives?
- Does being loved make it easier to love others? What sort of confidence does it give us?
- How can we help someone who doesn't know how much God loves us?
Jesus also shows us what it means to trust in God. Jesus trusted completely in God the Father. He died for us knowing that it was the Father's will.
- What does it mean for us to trust in God?
- How does Jesus show us what trust really means?
- In what ways can we put our trust in God in our daily lives?
God is speaking to us right now, through Jesus. Sometimes we might think that we don't really know God. But we do. By reading the gospels and reflecting on how Jesus lived, we can understand the heart of God. We can hear Him telling us how much He loves us. We can hear Him asking us to trust Him.
Small Group Reflection Questions for the Light of the World Lesson Plan
After the broad discussion with everyone, break into smaller groups for a more in-depth exploration of these ideas.
- Personal Reflection: Can you recall a moment in your life when Jesus, as the Light of the World, helped you see a situation more clearly? How did this revelation change your perspective or actions?
- Understanding Scripture: In what ways does the passage from John 3:14-21 help us understand why Jesus is called the Light of the World? How does this title affect our understanding of His role in our lives and in the world?
- Applying the Lesson: How can we, as followers of Jesus, reflect His light in our everyday interactions and decisions? What are some practical steps we can take to embody the qualities of the Light of the World in our communities?
- Challenges and Obstacles: Jesus mentioned that people often preferred darkness to light because their actions were evil. What are some modern examples of this preference for darkness, and how can we encourage ourselves and others to seek the light instead?
- Faith in Action: Jesus, the Light of the World, illuminates the path to God and reveals truth. How can we use our understanding of this truth to guide others who are searching or struggling with their faith?
- Reflecting on Love: How does knowing that Jesus, the Light of the World, came to reveal God’s love and not to condemn the world change the way you view God’s judgment and mercy? How does this influence your feelings about your own worth and redemption?
- Community Impact: In what ways can our faith community better reflect the light of Christ to those who feel enveloped by darkness? Discuss some initiatives or actions that could help spread the Light of the World more effectively in your area.
- Deepening Faith: How does the concept of Jesus as the Light of the World deepen your understanding of the Christian faith? Does it change how you read the Bible, pray, or participate in your faith community?
- Trust and Surrender: Reflecting on Jesus's trust in God the Father, even to the point of death on the cross, how can we learn to trust God more in our daily lives? What areas of your life do you need to surrender to Jesus, the Light of the World, to illuminate and guide?
- Sharing the Light: Discuss ways you can share the light of Jesus with someone who may be experiencing a difficult time. How can you be a beacon of hope and love, reflecting the Light of the World to them?
Should it feel right, once these smaller discussions wrap up, each group can then share their insights and reflections with the larger gathering.
Challenge for the Light of the World Lesson Plan
This week, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on something that has been weighing heavily on your heart or causing you anxiety. In these quiet moments, turn your thoughts towards Jesus, the Light of the World, and open up a dialogue with Him about your worries. Picture Jesus beside you, shining His gentle, reassuring light on your situation, whispering words of comfort and encouragement, reminding you to trust in God's unwavering care and provision for you.
As you engage in this reflective prayer, try to listen attentively, with an open heart, to what Jesus might be communicating to you. The Light of the World wants to illuminate the dark corners of our fears, bringing warmth and clarity where there is doubt and confusion.
If you find yourself struggling to interpret God's message or need further guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to someone who can help you navigate these spiritual conversations, like your pastor or a youth minister. They can offer additional insights and support, helping you to see more clearly how the Light of the World is actively working in your life, encouraging you to cast your anxieties on Him because He cares for you deeply.
Prayer for the Light of the World Lesson Plan
Heavenly Father, we thank You for revealing Your love and truth to us through Jesus, the Light of the World. Help us to walk in His light, to see with clarity and love as He does. May we trust in Your care, share Your love with others, and reflect Your light in all we do. Guide us in our anxieties, and teach us to turn to You in every moment. Bless our journey of faith, and keep us close to You always. Amen.
