Note to the Teacher

This week we focus on knowing, not just who God is, but also on who we are because we belong to God. Moses asks the question, “Who am I to be the one you call to share about who you are with the world?” Students will explore what it means to be loved and blessed by God just for being who God made us to be. Like our understanding of God changes overtime, so does our understanding of who we are and how God is using us in the world. Times are based on a 50-minute lesson period but can be adjusted.

1. Icebreaker: Transforming our Identity (10 minutes)

In a world where everyone is always trying to one-up someone else, it can be hard to figure out who we are versus who the world tells us we should be. So much of who we are is wrapped up in what we do, to whom we are related and the boxes that the world has created for us. Too often, we are identified as who we were as a child, instead of being recognized for how we have grown and changed over time.

Option 1: High Tech

Download a face transformation app like: FaceApp, FaceLab or any other that will allow you to take a selfie of someone and see how it transforms from young to old and everything in-between.

Option 2: Low Tech

Invite students the week before to bring a baby picture and a current picture. As students feel comfortable, have them share both pictures and talk about the differences/similarities they see in the pictures of themselves. You can do this in partners if your group is large.

If your youth don’t have time or don’t want to bring baby pictures, you can just use pictures of your youth leaders or pastors or even famous people.

2. Read Scripture (5 minutes)

Our Scripture today takes place on holy ground. Moses comes upon God in the form of a burning bush and through the conversation considers himself unworthy to be called by God to spread God’s love. Moses struggles to define who he is in the midst of whom God is calling him to be.

Read Exodus 3:1-15

3. Discussion (15 minutes)

Often, after we have encountered God, we come to a new awareness of ourselves. What is something you have learned about yourself throughout your life/faith journey?
As we grow closer to God in our faith journey, we are transformed. How is God working in your life to help you become the person God created you to be?
God tells Moses to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. What things do you need to remove from your life so that you can be present more fully to what God is doing through you?
How does understanding who we are help us to live out God’s love and make a difference in the world?
How do you know and feel God’s presence? (After all, it is not always as obvious as a burning bush!) How do you know that God is with you in all that you do?

4. Activity and Discussion (20 minutes)

Country artist Jessica Andrews has a song called, “Who I Am.” Play the song or the YouTube video for students.

The chorus of the song says:

I am Rosemary's granddaughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done
My momma's still my biggest fan
Sometimes I'm clueless and I'm clumsy
But I've got friends who love me
And they know just where I stand
It's all a part of me
And that's who I am [1]

Invite students to create a haiku that describes who they are to the group. Share the haikus as time allows. [2]

Close in the manner that is typical for you. Consider listing joys/concerns from the students; then ask for a volunteer to close in prayer.

Total time: 50 minutes