Opening Game
Follow the Leader Challenge
This game will help everyone loosen up and have fun while also introducing the theme of following Jesus. Choose one person to be the leader. Everyone else will line up behind them. The leader will move around the room doing different motions—jumping, spinning, walking backward, or clapping. Everyone behind them must copy exactly what they do. After a minute or two, switch to a new leader. Play several rounds so different people get a chance to lead.
For an extra challenge, add distractions. Have some people give false instructions or try to get others to go the wrong way. Afterward, gather everyone and discuss:
What was easy or difficult about following the leader?
How did distractions make it harder to stay on the right path?
How does this game connect to following Jesus in real life?
Great job playing the game! You had to pay attention to the leader and follow their actions closely. If you got distracted or followed the wrong person, you may have gone the wrong way. This is a lot like our faith journey. There are many voices in life telling us what to do, but only one true leader—Jesus.
Sometimes, it’s easy to follow Jesus when everything is going well. Other times, we might get distracted or confused. We might wonder if we are making the right choices. But Jesus tells us that he is the way, the truth, and the life. He shows us the right path to follow.
Let’s take a look at what Jesus says in John 14:1-12. As we read, think about what it means for Jesus to be the way, the truth, and the life. How does this passage help us trust him more? Let’s listen with open hearts and minds.
Scripture Reading
Read John 14:1-12 – the Gospel for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.”
Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.”
Discussion
What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”?
When Jesus spoke these words in John 14:6, he was preparing his disciples for what was to come. He knew he would soon suffer and die, and he wanted them to understand that he was the only path to God the Father. By calling himself “the way,” Jesus was saying that he is the one who leads us to God. We do not have to be lost or confused about how to get to heaven—Jesus shows us the way through his teachings and his example.
When Jesus said he is “the truth,” he was reminding us that everything he says is trustworthy. In a world where people have different opinions and beliefs, it can be hard to know what is right. But Jesus is the truth that never changes. His words and actions reveal who God is and what God wants for us. When we follow Jesus, we follow what is real and lasting.
Jesus also said he is “the life.” This means that through him, we receive true life—not just here on earth, but eternal life with God. Many things in the world promise happiness, but only Jesus gives us the kind of life that satisfies our hearts. When we stay close to him, we experience real joy and peace.
How does this passage help us deepen our trust in Jesus?
Sometimes life feels uncertain. We may have doubts, struggles, or fears about the future. Jesus’ words in this passage remind us that we do not have to figure everything out on our own. He is the way, the truth, and the life, which means we can trust him completely. He does not just point us in the right direction—he walks with us. He does not just tell us the truth—he is the truth. And he does not just give us life—he is our life.
When we trust Jesus, we don’t have to be afraid. Even when things are hard, we can have confidence that he is leading us. He promises to prepare a place for us in heaven, which means that no matter what happens in this life, we have something greater waiting for us. This can give us peace and hope, even when we don’t understand everything right now.
Think about times when you have struggled to trust Jesus. Maybe you have faced a tough decision, felt alone, or wondered if God was really there. How might this passage encourage you? How does knowing that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life help you feel more secure in your faith?
How can we apply this passage to our everyday lives?
Following Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life means making him the center of everything we do. It’s not just about going to church on Sundays—it’s about living in a way that reflects our faith every day.
Since Jesus is the way, we should follow him in our choices. This means making decisions based on what he taught. When we are faced with difficult situations, we can ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” and try to follow his example.
Since Jesus is the truth, we should listen to his words and live by them. We can do this by reading Scripture, learning about our faith, and staying close to the Church. The world may offer different ideas about what is right or wrong, but Jesus’ truth does not change.
Since Jesus is the life, we should stay connected to him through prayer and the sacraments. Spending time with Jesus brings us peace and strength. When we pray, go to Mass, or receive the Eucharist, we grow in our relationship with him.
Living this way is not always easy, but it brings us closer to Jesus. It helps us trust him more and experience the peace and joy he offers. How can you follow Jesus more closely in your own life? Are there areas where you struggle to trust him? What changes can you make to rely on him more?
As we reflect on this passage, let’s remember that Jesus is always with us. He is not just a historical figure or a distant God—he is here, guiding us every day. When we follow him, believe his words, and stay close to him, we will find true joy and purpose.
Small Group Reflection Questions
Small group discussions help youth reflect on their faith and share their thoughts in a supportive setting. Encourage everyone to participate, but do not force anyone to speak. Remind the group that there are no wrong answers when sharing personal experiences. The goal is to listen, learn from each other, and grow in trust in Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life.
- How do you understand Jesus’ words, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”?
- What are some challenges you face in trusting Jesus in your daily life?
- How do you know when you are following Jesus’ way?
- How can you stay close to Jesus when life feels confusing or difficult?
- What are some practical ways to live according to Jesus’ truth?
- How does Jesus give life to those who follow him?
- Can you think of a time when trusting Jesus helped you make a good decision?
- What steps can you take this week to follow Jesus more closely?
- Who in your life encourages you to trust in Jesus? How can you be that person for others?
- What does this passage teach you about God’s love and plan for you?
Challenge
This week, take time each day to pray and reflect on Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. Find a quiet moment—whether in the morning, before bed, or during the day—to talk to Jesus. Ask him to guide you in the areas of your life where you feel lost, confused, or unsure. Bring your worries to him and trust that he hears you. You don’t need perfect words—just be honest with him. Read a short passage from Scripture, sit in silence, or simply say, “Jesus, I trust in you.”
As you pray, pay attention to how Jesus speaks to your heart. Maybe he gives you peace in a tough situation or helps you see the right choice. Maybe he reminds you that you are never alone. Trust that Jesus will lead you, even if you don’t have all the answers right away. Keep coming back to him each day, knowing that he loves you and wants to walk with you. Let this time of prayer strengthen your faith and help you follow Jesus more closely.
Prayer
Let’s take a moment to quiet our hearts and turn to Jesus in prayer.
Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life. You lead us when we feel lost, you reveal what is true, and you give us life that never ends. Help us to trust in you, even when we face doubts or struggles. Guide our hearts to follow your path and to seek your truth in all that we do.
Lord, when we feel uncertain, remind us that you are always with us. When we are afraid, give us your peace. When we are tempted to go our own way, bring us back to you. Fill us with your love so that we can share it with others.
Thank you for never leaving us and for preparing a place for us in your Father’s house. Help us to follow you each day with faith and courage. We ask this in your name, Jesus. Amen.
See more resources for the Trust in Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life Lesson Plan at https://young-catholics.com/22411/lesson-plan-the-way-the-truth-the-life/