Note to the Teacher

The key phrase in this scripture lesson is “raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people.” The icebreaker invites youth to learn about group dynamics. The discussion encourages students to think about what it takes to be a good leader. The activity allows youth to practice discernment using two of their five senses. Times are based on a fifty-five-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

LEGO Build-Off (15 minutes)

Divide your group into teams of four to six people each, with a group of six or less, play together as one team. Give each team a new LEGO set. When you say, “Go,” give the teams fifteen minutes to build their LEGO sets. (Hint: team members can get no help from anyone other than a teammate. Adults: Resist the urge to help!)

Option 1:

Consider giving Lego sets without instructions to make the activity a bit more complicated.

Option 2:

Consider mixing the pieces to all the LEGO sets and laying them out on a table. When you say, “Go,” the teams must find the pieces to their set and build it correctly.

Option 3:

With a random assortment of Legos that are not already in sets, provide a basic drawing (or print off a picture from an internet source) of a boat, airplane, etc. and task the teams to build the closest thing possible to that picture given what they have on hand.

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 discern and believe the good news of Jesus.

Discussion (15 minutes)

What are some characteristics of a good leader? Who do you know in your life who is a good leader? Have you told them? Why or why not?
What does it mean for someone to “teach with authority”?
What kind of characteristics do you think Jesus was looking for in a prophet? What kinds of characteristics do you think we look for in leaders here at church and in our group?
How can you apply this scripture to a situation that happens over and over again in your school or family?

Activity and Discussion (20 minutes)

Take this lesson to the next level by getting students’ hands and imaginations involved. Before your lesson, prepare a taste-and-smell test. Provide four foods to taste and four foods to smell. Blindfold students so they cannot see what they are tasting or smelling. Have them discern what they are tasting or smelling that they cannot see. We recommend that some foods be great, and others gross.

Points for discussion: