Who Do You Belong To? Lesson Plan

Opening Activity

Play “One of these things is not like the others” using this playlist. Or, make up your own game using items from around your house.

I hope that game wasn’t too difficult! In this game, there were things which were similar and one which didn’t “belong”. The things which belonged all had some similarities.

There are many things we “belong” to. Our family, clubs, sports, a group of friends.

What are some other things you belong to?

What do you share in common in some of these groups?
Are there differences between the people in these groups also?
So what does it mean to you to “belong”?

Scripture Reading

Read the gospel:

John 17:11B-19 (Keep Them Safe) – the Gospel Reading for the 7th Sunday of Easter – Year B

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.

When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.

I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.

Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.

As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”John 17:11B-19

Discussion

In this gospel, Jesus is talking about keeping his followers safe. That means us! He says that the Father has given us to him. In effect, we belong to him. He speaks of protecting us, guarding us. He knows he will be leaving his earthly body, but he still wants to care for us.

Consider that God is community: Father, Son, Holy Spirit, or Lover, Beloved, Love. To belong to God means that God wants us to be in relationship with Him.

How does it make you feel to know that you belong to God?
How is belonging to God similar to belonging to your own family? How is it different?

What can we do to strengthen the bonds of love within the family of God?

In the gospel, Jesus also makes it clear that we don’t belong to the world. We are in the world, but we should not have the strong attachment to the things of the world which we have to God.

We probably aren’t going to join the “Worldly Club” at school, but when we put things which are not of God before God, then we are saying we belong to those things first. As followers of Jesus, we should strive to follow God first. Jesus warns us that these things are dangerous and we need to be protected from them.

What are some things of the world which we might be tempted to “belong” to?
How can we resist letting ourselves become to attached to these things?
Who can we ask for help when we feel like we are starting to belong to the world instead of Jesus?

Small Group Reflection Questions

Break into small groups for further reflection. Here are some discussion starters:

What does it mean to you to be kept safe by God?
How can we help each other feel protected in our community?

What are some challenges we face in staying true to God in everyday life?
How does belonging to God change the way we interact with the world?
What practical steps can we take to strengthen our relationship with God?

Challenge

This week, take some time each day to pray and think about how you are part of God’s family. Reflect on the different ways you feel connected to God. It could be through your family, friends, or moments alone. While you think about these connections, also look for things in your life that might not be good for you. These could be habits, thoughts, or actions that pull you away from being close to God.

As you find these things, ask God to help keep you safe from them. Pray for strength to avoid or overcome these harmful elements. Remember to also say thank you to God for making you a part of His family. Gratitude can make your bond with God stronger and help you see His love in your life more clearly.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for bringing us together today and for the lessons we’ve learned about belonging to Your loving family. Help us to remember Your protection and guidance as we go through our daily lives. Give us the strength to resist the temptations of the world that may lead us astray, and keep our hearts focused on Your truth and love. We are grateful for Your care and ask for Your continued presence in our lives.

Amen.

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