To Testify to the Truth

Note to the Teacher

It’s appropriate that the focus color has turned from green to white for this Christ the King Sunday. Consider bringing this element to the group in the form of a white candle on a white cloth in the center of the meeting space.

1. Icebreaker – What’s in My Cornucopia? And Just What Is a Cornucopia? (10 minutes)

Option 1: Low-Tech

The cornucopia, an ancient symbol of abundance and nourishment, commonly a large horn-shaped container overflowing with produce, flowers, or nuts, may be used on family Thanksgiving tables this week. In resisting the urge to turn the calendar too quickly to Christmas, let’s approach Advent by counting our blessings. Have students write what they’re grateful for on paper cutouts of fruit or other food and take turns sharing those blessings aloud. Place the cutouts in a designated basket or paper cornucopia. End with the leader or students naming gifts they see in one another.

Option 2: High-Tech

Ask youth to introduce/re-introduce themselves by describing their favorite pair of socks and the best part of their week. Play a music video of Zac Roe performing “Gratitude” and “Great Are You Lord” (about five minutes).

2. Read Scripture (5 minutes)

Light a white candle (if you are using a white candle). The way John tells the story of Jesus is quite different from the other three gospels. Jesus has conversations with many well-known characters about who he is and what he was meant to do. Today’s conversation in John, chapter 18, features Pontius Pilate, the official who presided over Jesus' trial and ultimately ordered his crucifixion. Read John 18:33-37 CEB.

3. Discussion (15 minutes)

The gospels portray Pilate as a reluctant participant in Jesus’ death, struggling to figure out what was actually the truth in the information he had been presented.

• Reread today’s short passage, with three people, leaders or volunteer youth, reading the words of Jesus, Pilate, and one person acting as narrator. This time, end with verse 38, where Pilate asks, “What is truth?”
• Why do you think Jesus answers Pilate’s question, “Are you the king of the Jews?” with this question, “Do you say this on your own or have others spoken to you about me?”
• Can you think of a time recently, at school or at home, when someone answered your question with a question? Did you find that scenario helpful or frustrating in getting the information you needed?
• Remember that this event occurred long before social media, when news traveled mostly by word of mouth. How accurate do you think Pilate’s perception of Jesus might have been, considering that the story came to him from guards, chief priests, and government officials who thought Jesus was a threat to their way of life?
• Talk about a situation when the “truth” was not clear to you. Was it helpful to hear both sides of the story?
• How have you reacted when someone failed to believe your truth?

4. Activity and Discussion (20 minutes)

Play a version of the old television show, Truth or Consequences. Give each student a large, colorful piece of construction paper and a piece of colored chalk. Ask them to write their names at the top of the sheet and be prepared to add their answer to each of the following questions. Assure them they don’t have to write down an answer to any question that makes them uncomfortable. In that case, ask them to think about the question.

• When was the last time you lied?
• What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done at school?
• When was the last time you cried?
• What’s your biggest fear?
• What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?
• Do you have a hidden talent?
• Who was your first celebrity crush?
• Have you ever cheated on an exam?
• What’s your biggest insecurity?
• What’s one thing you hate people knowing about you?

Give each student a tissue or towel and allow them to wipe off anything on the sheet they don’t want others to read. Remind them that John’s Gospel ends with Jesus’ crucifixion and death, resurrection, and conversation with Peter, whom John calls his “favorite disciple,” asking Peter to follow him. Just like our sins, the revelations written in chalk can be erased/forgiven, and we are given the opportunity to follow Jesus.

NEEDED RESOURCES

• Basket or paper cornucopia, cutout fruits or other paper shapes, writing utensils; ability to play music video for high-tech option
• Bibles or copies of the John 18 passage from the CEB translation
• White cloth, candle and matches or lighter
• Butcher paper, colored chalk, tissues, or towel.