Note to the Teacher:

This lesson engages the students in the concept of Christ taking on our sin and overcoming sin and death on the cross. The icebreaker is a fun way for the students to try to manage more than they can handle. The discussion is a deeper dive into the way Christ took our sins and extends us forgiveness. The activity is an opportunity for reflection and turning over to Christ the burdens they carry.

Icebreaker:

Mini Water Bottle Challenge

Every student can have the chance to participate. Invite two at a time to stand in front of the group and compete to see which person can hold the most water bottles. You will need a couple of people who will be stacking them into the hands and arms of the contestants. Have students yell/count as each bottle is added. The person who holds the most without dropping one is the winner! The winner moves on to the next round and competes against someone new until there is a final winner.

Read Scripture:

1 Peter 2:19-25

Discussion

Which verse or phrase from this passage stuck out to you?
When someone insults you or says something mean to you, how do you normally respond?
How have you seen others respond to mean statements made about them? Are their responses similar to yours or different? Why do you think that is?
How might this passage relate to Jesus’ teaching to “turn the other cheek when someone strikes”?
Look at verse 23. How do you think this was possible?
When verse 24 (CEB) says, “He carried in his own body on the cross the sins we committed…,” what do you think this means?
If you have received forgiveness, how does that change how you see yourself? Does it change how you see your neighbor?
The end of verse 24 says, “By his wounds you were healed.” Does this mean you will never experience pain again? What could this mean? What kinds of things might wound God/Jesus in the world today?
Does the idea of being freed from sin by Christ change how you see yourself? Does it change how you see your neighbor? Does it change how you show mercy to yourself or others?

Activity and Discussion:

Items needed:

Give each student paper and tools to draw/create. Invite them to draw what they see as the greatest temptation(s) for students in your area. The students may create word art or a symbol. Once they have had time to finish, give students a piece of tape and let them tape the art to the wall and explain why they chose the temptations they chose.

Have the students find a quiet place to reflect on the burdens, sins, challenges they face. Have them write these down on a piece of paper, fold the paper and then place the paper on an altar or at the foot of a cross. Read the passage again and close in prayer.