Rejoice in that Day

Note to the Teacher

The key phrase in this Scripture (for this lesson) is “Blessing or Woe.” The Icebreaker invites youth to decide whether a scenario is a blessing or a trouble. The Discussion encourages conversation about mindset and satisfaction in the Kingdom of God. The Activity allows youth to explore their burden backpack and how Jesus can lighten the load. Times, based on a 55-minute lesson period, can be adjusted.

Blessing or Trouble (15 minutes)

Players will listen to a situation from the Game Leader and have five seconds to decide between "Blessing" or "Trouble." They will then move to the area that matches their choice while doing a specific action (Blessing could be “making it rain,” and trouble could be “the most pitiful walk ever.”) This game is played similarly to “This or That.”

Option 1:

Don’t be afraid to flip the script. In the middle of the game, start an “opposite” round. For this, students must think about each situation in a totally different way. If students think something is a problem, they should see it as a good thing instead. This makes it funny and helps players to be more creative with their thoughts!

Option 2:

If you want to make it extra challenging, blindfold one team member so that their friend has to guide and fish with them.

Read Scripture (5 minutes)

Our Scripture reading today may be familiar to you. Take a breath. Ready yourself to imagine your role in the story.

Luke 6:17-26

Discussion (15 minutes)

• In our society, do we often see wealth and success as signs of being favored or lucky? How does this teaching either challenge or support that idea?
• What do you think it means to be “wealthy?” What do you think it means to be “successful?” (Challenge participants to think beyond physical comfort or items that can be purchased.)
• What do you believe it means to feel "satisfied" in the Kingdom of God? Is it the same as being happy with physical things, or is it something else entirely?
• Do you know anyone who struggles with feeling “satisfied?” In other words, do you know a person who always seems to want more?
• If Jesus were sharing blessings and warnings with us today, what do you think he would say? What modern-day “blessings” or “troubles” might he bring up?
• What things do you feel are blessings or trouble in your life?

Activity and Discussion (20 minutes)

Take this lesson to the next level by involving students’ hands and imaginations. Start with a heavy backpack that has three bags or boxes. Label them:

• "Success & Wealth" (Fill with items like Monopoly money, coins, old trophies, or medals.)
• "Popularity & Fun" (Include a "like" symbol, a small mirror, party clothing, a cellphone.)
• "Comfort & Security" (Include a small pillow or blanket.)

Invite a student to test the heaviness of the backpack without looking inside and share their thoughts with the group. Show the backpack to the group and say, "This backpack represents our lives and the things we carry with us every day."

First, take out the box labeled "Success & Wealth." Talk about how people often believe that money and success will make them happy. However, Jesus warns us that focusing too much on wealth can distract us from appreciating the real blessings in our lives.

Next, pull out the "Popularity & Fun" box. Explain that while it’s nice to be liked and to have fun, if we only go after popularity, we might miss building deeper relationships and finding real purpose in life.

Finally, show the box labeled "Comfort & Security." Explain that feeling secure and comfortable is nice, but Jesus reminds us that if we only look for comfort, we might miss opportunities to grow and help others.

Invite the same student from the beginning to carry the backpack without all the weight and share their experience with the group.

Points for discussion:

1. Jesus encourages us to appreciate things that help us connect with him and to prioritize caring for others instead of simply seeking success in the world. The "blessings" Jesus offers might not match what society prizes, but they can bring true happiness and peace.
2. Depending on which bag you ended up with, it may change how you treat others. Do you think those with success and wealth have a responsibility to share with those who are without? For those with popularity and fun, do you think they have a responsibility to make others feel welcome and connected? Do those with comfort and security have a responsibility to help others feel comfortable and secure? What do you think Jesus would say about that?
3. Ask students to think of one simple way they can incorporate a spiritual practice into their lives this week. Examples include being kind to others, praying more often, or feeling grateful for what they already have.

TOTAL TIME: 55 Minutes

NEEDED RESOURCES:

• Something to mark your room into two sections
• A printout of the Icebreaker example scenarios
• A backpack
• 3 bags or boxes that fit into the backpack marked and filled with the following:
• Success & Wealth" (Monopoly money, coins, old trophies, or medals)
• "Popularity & Fun" (A "like" symbol, a small mirror, party clothing, a cellphone)
• "Comfort & Security" (A small pillow or blanket)

Icebreaker Example Scenarios:

1. You find $20 on the street.

• Blessing: You get a little financial boost.
• Trouble: Maybe someone lost it and needed it more than you do.

2. You have a really busy day, but someone takes time to compliment your work.

• Blessing: You feel appreciated and seen.
• Trouble: It makes you realize you’re missing this in other areas of life.

3. You’re low on cash, but a friend invites you for an all-expenses-paid dinner.

• Blessing: You get to enjoy an experience without the cost.
• Trouble: It reminds you of financial struggles or dependence on others.

4. You see a person in need, and you’re in a hurry.

• Blessing: Opportunity to help and feel fulfilled.
• Trouble: You feel conflicted about whether to stop or keep going.

5. You’re feeling confident, but a close friend points out a flaw in your plan.

• Blessing: You gain a new perspective and can improve.
• Trouble: The feedback dampens your enthusiasm or confidence.

6. You receive unexpected praise for a small act of kindness.

• Blessing: You feel uplifted and appreciated.
• Trouble: You feel uncomfortable or wish the focus weren’t on you.

7. You’re ready to relax after a long day, but your phone rings with a call from a friend.

• Blessing: Unexpected chance to reconnect with someone important.
• Trouble: Just when you thought you’d have some peace and quiet!

8. You receive an invitation to a party, but don’t know many people who are going.

• Blessing: Opportunity to meet new people and step out of your comfort zone.
• Trouble: The thought of socializing feels exhausting or intimidating.

9. Your teacher unexpectedly compliments your work in front of the team.

• Blessing: You feel proud and recognized for your efforts.
• Trouble: You dislike being the center of attention or it creates extra pressure.

10. You accidentally leave your wallet at home, realizing it in a self-checkout.

• Blessing: A chance to practice humility or rely on someone’s kindness.
• Trouble: Inconvenience and embarrassment of forgetting something important.

11. You lend someone money, and they haven’t paid you back.

• Blessing: Opportunity to be generous and forgiving.
• Trouble: The sting of feeling taken advantage of or forgotten.

12. You realize you’re running late, but someone holds the elevator for you.

• Blessing: Grateful for the small act of kindness.
• Trouble: Reminder of your stress and time pressure.

13. You worked really hard on a piece of the group project, but someone else gets the credit.

• Blessing: Humbling experience and reminder that not everything needs recognition.
• Trouble: Frustrating to see your efforts go unnoticed.

14. You’re in line for coffee, and the person in front of you pays.

• Blessing: A warm reminder of generosity and connection.
• Trouble: Awkwardness of wanting to pay them back or feeling indebted.

15. You witness someone being rude to a stranger and are unsure if you should say something.

• Blessing: Opportunity to practice courage or compassion.
• Trouble: Discomfort and risk of stepping into conflict.

16. You’ve been asked to volunteer for something but feel unqualified.

• Blessing: Opportunity to grow and learn something new.
• Trouble: Worrying about failing or disappointing others.

17. A friend asks for life advice, but you feel like you can’t give advice because your life is a dumpster fire.

• Blessing: Opportunity to relate and be real with someone.
• Trouble: Feeling of inadequacy or pressure to help.

18. You make a small mistake at your math competition that costs your team.

• Blessing: Humbling experience that might lead to growth.
• Trouble: Embarrassment and stress of being scrutinized.

19. You have a great idea for your group English project, but you’re unsure if others will like it.

• Blessing: Excitement of creating something new and meaningful.
• Trouble: Uncertainty and self-doubt that comes with sharing it.

20. You take a social media break but feel out of the loop.

• Blessing: Peace of mind and break from constant online stimulation.
• Trouble: Fear of missing important events or connections.