Opening Game
Start this lesson plan on service by playing Crossed Up Jam Up (see the complete instructions). Explain the rules clearly and keep the energy high. Encourage laughter and fun, but remind everyone to pay attention to the commands. The goal is to create a little bit of chaos, like trying to cross a busy street. Make sure everyone gets a turn and cheer them on, even when they get stuck. This is a great way to get them thinking about obstacles and challenges before moving into the Scripture reading.
Alright, that was fun! Now think about what just happened in the game.
- Which command was the most difficult?
- Why do you think that one tripped you up more than the others?
- Did you have a strategy for getting through the middle, or were you just making it up as you went?
Take a minute to share because everyone probably noticed something different.
Now, let’s think about this. Sometimes in life, we know exactly where we need to go, but it feels like there’s always someone or something in the way. Maybe it’s a person, maybe it’s a rule we don’t like, or maybe it’s just our own laziness. It can feel frustrating, just like in the game when someone blocked your path or you had to stop because of a command. That’s real life too.
Jesus faced something like this, but in a much bigger way. He knew he had to go to Jerusalem, even though he knew it would be hard and painful. People tried to stop him, even his own friends. But he kept going because he knew it was the right thing. Let’s read what happened and think about what that means for us.
Scripture Reading
Matthew 16:21-27 (Jesus talks about suffering) – the for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.
Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.”
He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.”Matthew 16:21-27
Discussion
Jesus was heading to Jerusalem, where he knew he would die. He did this willingly, out of love for us.
So, when Jesus talks about “taking up our cross and following Him,” it’s like he’s giving us a direction on the roadmap of life. He’s saying, “Hey, there’s something important here, let’s think about it.” Now, sometimes we get a bit tangled up in thinking that this “cross” stuff has to be huge, like a movie-worthy dramatic event. But, let’s get real – not all of us are facing those earth-shattering situations.
Think about it this way: We don’t always need to move to a new city or have someone we know pass away for it to be a “cross.” Those are big deals, no doubt, but not everyone goes through them. Our crosses can be these everyday moments that might not make the evening news, but they still matter.
Maybe it’s nailing that homework, even when Netflix is calling your name. Or switching gears when the gossip train starts chugging along. It’s even folding your socks when you’d rather toss them around like confetti. These little things, they’re like tiny crosses we carry around. It’s like doing the right thing when it’s kinda tempting to just do our own thing.
So, Jesus is saying, “Hey, it’s not just about the big stuff – it’s about doing the right thing, even if it’s not always the easiest thing.” It’s about showing that love and goodness can shine through in the small moments, not just the big ones. Got it?
Crosses can be little things also:
- Doing our homework
- Changing the subject when someone starts gossiping
- Getting chores done without being asked
- Staying calm when siblings are being annoying
- Staying away from inappropriate thoughts and words online
All of these things are difficult. But we know they are the right things to do. Jesus has shown us that love often involves sacrifice. We must let go of what we want to do in order to do what is most loving. That is what he means when he talks about dying to self.
Small Group Reflection Questions
When leading small group discussions, create a space where everyone feels welcome to share. Remind the group that there are no wrong answers. Each person’s thoughts and experiences matter. Encourage listening as much as talking. Give everyone a chance to speak, but do not force anyone to answer if they are not ready. Keep the conversation focused on how we can live our faith in daily life.
- What is one small “cross” you had to carry this week? How did you handle it?
- Why do you think Jesus asks us to take up our cross and follow him?
- Have you ever done the right thing even when it was hard? How did that feel afterward?
- What do you think it means to “die to self” in your everyday life?
- Who is someone you know who carries their “cross” well? What can you learn from them?
- How can small sacrifices, like helping at home or being kind when it’s hard, bring you closer to Jesus?
- What makes it easier for you to do the right thing when you don’t feel like it?
- How can we help each other carry our crosses as a group or community?
- Do you think carrying a cross can sometimes make us happier in the long run? Why or why not?
- What is one way you can take up your cross this week with love?
Challenge
Have each teen make a small cross by fastening two twigs together with twine.
Now, here’s the plan: Take that cross home and put it somewhere that’ll catch your eye. It’s not just a piece of DIY art; it’s a reminder – a nudge to think about something pretty important. You know those moments when you’ve got to choose between what’s easy and what’s right? Those are your crosses.
So, when you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, when you’re looking at something that’s a bit of a struggle but also a chance to do some good, that little twig cross is your ally. It’s your visual cue to think about taking up your cross willingly, not grumbling about it, but with a sprinkle of love.
Think about it as a secret signal, a code that reminds you to make choices that show kindness and caring. It’s like having a tiny advisor whispering, “Hey, you’ve got this – take up that cross!” So, give those twigs a purpose beyond being twigs, and let them be your daily prompt to be your best, loving self. Got it?
Prayer
Let’s take a quiet moment now to close our time together. Settle in, take a deep breath, and let your heart be still. This is our time to talk with Jesus, to think about what we’ve learned, and to ask for his help as we try to carry our crosses with love.
If time allows, pray the Stations of the Cross.
We will pray the Stations of the Cross together. As we move through each station, picture Jesus walking that road. Think about his love for you. Each step he took was for you. Let those moments remind you that he understands every struggle you face. He knows how hard it can be to choose love, but he walks with you every step of the way.
If you have less time, pray the Suscipe. A printable copy is available here.
If we are short on time, we will pray the Suscipe, also called “Take Lord, Receive.” This prayer is a way to open our hearts to God. It is simple and honest. It is saying, “Lord, I’m yours. Take all that I have and all that I am. Show me how to live the way you want me to live.”
Let’s pray together. Close your eyes and repeat these words in your heart as I say them:
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding, and my entire will,
all that I have and possess.
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace.
That is enough for me.
Stay silent for a moment. Think about one small cross you might carry this week. Ask Jesus to help you carry it with love. Picture him smiling at you, walking beside you, ready to help.
When you are ready, make the Sign of the Cross. Remember, you are not carrying your cross alone. Jesus is with you, and every small act of love matters to him.
More Resources
See https://young-catholics.com/4210/what-is-my-cross-lesson-plan/ for more information and resources