Note to the Teacher

The key phrase in the Scripture for this lesson is, “but those who wait for the Lord” (Isaiah 40:31). The icebreaker invites youth to learn about others and “gift” them things they think will be useful for their journeys. The discussion encourages students to think about why Jesus does what he does. The activity allows youth to create a visual representation of the scriptures they have read. Times are based on a fifty-five-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

Sojourn Gifting (15 minutes)

Find a buddy. You’re about to go on a long journey and you need some supplies. Introduce yourself to your buddy and describe something that you'd like to give to your buddy to help the journey. (This is all hypothetical). The gift can be either tangible (a water bottle) or intangible (bravery).

After the buddies have finished, have everyone find a new buddy, introduce themselves, and describe what they received from their previous buddy. Anyone who can't remember either the buddy’s name or the gift is eliminated from the game. Have buddies exchange gifts as in the first round. After buddies finish, form new pairs. This time, students must repeat the names and gifts of their two previous partners and repeat the process. Continue until three or fewer people are left.

If you have a group that has especially hard times with memory games, invite students to write down names and gifts and give the paper to the “buddy.” Then, the buddy can the paper to check whether or not the buddies are correct when they go to the next set.

Modification Option:

If you’re playing with a large group, have them go in teams of three or four at a time.

Read Scripture (5 minutes)

Our scripture reading today involves stories of becoming the people of God. It’s an opportunity for us to remember that we are called to wait for the Lord and then press on.

Discussion (15 minutes)

When you think of God, what words come to mind? What names come to mind?
What are words you hear other people use about God? Do you agree with most of those words?
What are words that someone who isn’t active in their faith or has never been a person with a faith/religion would use to describe God? How are those similar or different than the ways that a person with an active faith/religion would describe God?
Why do you think it is important that the Bible distinguishes people who are sick from people who are demon-possessed? Could it be the same thing?
Why might it be important that Jesus is known not just as a healer but also a preacher?
How could you be a healer in your world? Teacher?

Activity and Discussion (20 minutes)

Take this lesson to the next level by getting students’ hands and imaginations involved. Give everyone a piece of white cardstock and markers/crayons/colored pencils. Pick one of the scriptures and have an adult re-read the scriptures out loud. Encourage your students to draw what they hear.

Points for discussion: