I Am Statements

In today’s session we will consider what Jesus meant when he said: ‘I am the bread of life.’ We will spend time in John chapter 6 discovering more about this well-known ‘I am’ statement and think about how Jesus is the only one who can satisfy and sustain our every need.

Welcome 

• Who enjoys watching The Great British Bake Off?

The most challenging week for most contestants is bread week. Out of all the weeks, this is the one where judge Paul Hollywood comes into his own. He is the bread king!

Watch the clip and then choose which of the three creations you would like to eat the most. 

Watch:‘Paul Hollywood is part-bread. His chest is a baguette!’ | The Great British Bake Off (4:11)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fh8DcoRNx4

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

• What is your favourite kind of bread? Why do you love it so much?

Word

Either read John 6:22-59 or watch the following clip together.

Watch: John 6 – Jesus Miraculously Feeds 5,000 People – The Life of Jesus (7:30-13:09)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbxT73t8d_U

Have a packet of bread sticks and label the bottom of each breadstick from 1-8. Take it in turns to choose a breadstick, look at the number, and then answer the corresponding question below. The questions can be answered in any order. When that person has finished all they want to say in answer to the question, others may also share their thoughts.

1. Why do you think Jesus chose bread as a metaphor to describe himself?
2. What kind of hunger is Jesus talking about?
3. What did Jesus mean when he said, ‘The one who feeds on me will live because of me’ (v57)?
4. Why did the Jews grumble, and how did Jesus respond?
5. How do we receive the bread of life?
6. What difference does receiving the bread of life make in our lives?
7. How did the Jews miss the point when Jesus spoke of bread that truly satisfies?
8. In what areas of your life do you sometimes feel dissatisfied, and how can Jesus make a difference in this?

People eat bread to satisfy physical hunger and to sustain physical life. But we know that Jesus is speaking metaphorically. He wasn’t talking about physical food for our bodies, but about nourishment for our spirits that only Jesus himself can provide. When Jesus said, ‘I am the bread of life’ he was not saying, ‘I am like a freshly baked loaf from Greggs with sesame seeds on top, but ‘I am what you need to live’ and ‘I am the only one who can really nourish you along life’s journey.’ The bread Jesus offers gives eternal life and quenches spiritual hunger. It’s not about relieving physical hunger. Jesus satisfies the deepest needs and desires in our hearts when no one or nothing else can. For bread must be eaten and digested to sustain life, and Jesus must be invited into our daily lives to sustain spiritual life.

• How would you describe your spiritual daily diet?
• In what ways can we invite Jesus into our daily lives to sustain us spiritually?
• What is your response to the following quote?

‘Hunger is something God has built into the human to remind us to eat, because without food and water we will die. But there is a deeper spiritual hunger in the human heart that can never be satisfied with anything other than God himself and the gifts of grace he shares with us.’ – Warren Wiersbe

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

If the group would like to discover more about what Jesus meant when he said, ‘I am the bread of life’, then watch and discuss the clip together.

Watch: What did Jesus mean when he said, ‘I am the Bread of Life’ (John 6:35)? (6:19)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLZvJXmP7fo

Witness

Ask your group if they know the song ‘I can’t get no satisfaction’ by the Rolling Stones.

You could either sing the song and see if they join in or play an extract from the clip below:

Watch: Rolling Stones ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ on The Ed Sullivan Show (1:14)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROAKlnaMuRw

The Oxford Languages dictionary defines ‘satisfaction’ as the fulfilment of one’s wishes, expectations, or needs, or the pleasure derived from this.

• Where do you seek your satisfaction?

Read:

Why spend your money on something that is not really food?

Why work for something that doesn’t really satisfy you?

Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good;

your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies.

(Isaiah 55:2 NCV)

Draw a line down the middle of a large piece of paper. On one side draw the ‘dislike’ (thumbs down) sign, and on the other the ‘like’ (thumbs up) sign. 

Under the dislike sign ask group members to list any areas of their life in which they personally experience dissatisfaction. This could be a ‘positive’ kind of dissatisfaction, eg ‘I long to know Jesus better’, or ‘I can’t hear Jesus speaking to me’. Alternatively, it could be a negative dissatisfaction, eg ‘I really, really want an iPhone but my parents won’t get me one’, or ‘I really don’t like the way I look’.

For each item that you write on the dislike side, think about what Jesus would say, and any practical response we can make, and write this in the ‘like’ side. You can use other Scriptures as well.

Summarise the discussion by drawing some conclusions about finding satisfaction and fulfilment in our lives in Jesus.

Depending on how open your group are with each other, you may feel it would be more appropriate for each person to do this as an individual exercise, only sharing with the group what they feel comfortable with.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

• What is your response to the following quote?

‘We live in a world filled with hungry people who are searching for reality and cannot find it. They are spending money on what is not bread and their labour on what does not satisfy. Why? Because we who are enjoying the feast have not told them about Jesus, the bread of life, or have not helped make it possible for others to tell them.’ – Warren Wiersbe

Worship 

Give each member of the group some salt dough or play dough (recipes shown below). 

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-make-salt-dough-recipe

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/playdough-recipe

As they listen to some music (see link below), ask the group to knead and mould the dough. They could mould their initials on the bread, or make something that reminds them of all they have discussed during the session.

Watch: ‘You Satisfy My Soul’ by Laura Hackett Park (4:51)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2onVqvQAIks
OR (with lyrics) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXstFCgjBPs

As they listen and reflect, ask the following questions: 

• Do you believe Jesus can provide you with what you need? 
• Are you relying on Jesus to meet your needs, or do you seek to meet them in other ways? How can you remember that God is your ultimate provider? 
• Is there any attitude or action that you need to change in your life as you seek to find all your nourishment and fulfilment in Jesus? 

Encourage each person to make their own private response to God during this reflection. 

If you have used salt dough, then they could take the bread home with instructions on how to bake it!

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

Split the group into pairs and ask them to share with each other one need that they have at the moment or one area where they long to feel satisfaction and fulfilment. Spend some time praying for each other for these needs.

Thank Jesus that he is the bread of life and for all that this/he means to you!

In today’s session we will explore what Jesus meant when he said in John 10, ‘I am the gate’ and ‘I am the good shepherd’. We’ll consider how these words are applicable to us today and pray for those who do not currently know the Good Shepherd. There will also be an opportunity to get creative as we dig deeper into the words of Psalm 23. 

Welcome 

Divide the group into two teams. Give each person a blank piece of card. Ask them to write five little-known facts about themselves on their card. Include all leaders in this game too. 

For example: 

1. I have a pet tarantula. 
2. I was born in Cornwall. 
3. My favourite food is sprouts. 
4. My grandmother is called Doris.
5. My favourite colour is lime green. 

Collect the cards into two team piles. Each team draws one card from the opposing team pile. Each team tries to name the person in as few clues as possible. Five points if they get it on the first clue, then 4, 3, 2, 1, 0. The team with the most points wins. Note: if you select the most obscure facts first, it will increase the level of competition and general head scratching!

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

• What was the most fascinating fact that you discovered about someone today? Explain your answer.

Word

A shepherd in Palestine would have been, and still is, very different from shepherds in our country today. A shepherd was a person who owned between 20 to 100 sheep and/or goats. He spent his days walking around with them making sure they were safe, well fed and watered. He knew each sheep by name and he prized them mainly for their wool.

It was a hard life. No flock ever grazed without a shepherd, and he was never off duty. Since there was little grass, the sheep were bound to wander and so had to be constantly watched. The sheep were always liable to stray away and get lost or injured. It was also dangerous for the shepherd, who had to guard the flock against wild animals, especially wolves, and there were always thieves and robbers ready to steal the sheep. Constant vigilance, fearless courage, and patient love for his flock were the necessary characteristics of the shepherd.

Keeping this in mind, let’s turn to the words of Jesus when he said, ‘I am the good shepherd.’

Either read John 10:1-30 or watch the following clip together.

Watch: English SN – John 10:1-42 (Stop at 3:49)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMilOg4C5XI

The group will need to refer to John 10:1-30 to discuss the following questions.

• What responsibilities are placed on the sheep in this passage?
• Who or what is represented by the thief or wolf in Jesus’ story? Who would they be today?
• Compare the goals of the thief/wolf with the goals of the shepherd.
• What is the difference between the hired hand and the shepherd? Why?
• What happens to the sheep that enter the pen through Jesus?
• What do you think the phrase ‘They will come in and go out and find pasture’ means?
• How has the Good Shepherd cared for you in your life? Share an example of a time of provision, protection, or guidance.
• How do you recognise Jesus’ voice?

A sheepfold is where the sheep sleep for the night. It is a safe haven. Usually shepherds would bring their flocks back to the village as the sun began to set and penned them often with two or three other flocks. If they had taken the sheep far away they would gather them in a cave or gully, or if these were not available make a pen for them out of bushes and logs. The aim was to protect the sheep throughout the night.

If the sheepfold was in the village, it would usually have a strong gate or door. Through this door the shepherd would enter in the morning to call out his sheep, and his sheep immediately recognised his voice and filed out. The other sheep took no notice. Thieves and robbers, in contrast, would climb in some other way. If the sheepfold was in the countryside, the shepherd laid himself down across the opening, and no sheep or person could get in or out except over his body. He would literally sleep across the entrance as a human door. So when Jesus said ‘I am the gate’ (10:7,9) he envisages the shepherd sleeping across the entrance to the sheepfold in this way.

• What is your response to the following quote?

‘When Jesus is your shepherd and you follow him, the future is your friend and you don’t have to be afraid.’ – Warren Wiersbe

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

If your group would like to discover more about Jesus’ statement ‘I am the good shepherd’ then watch and discuss the clip together.

Watch: I am the Good Shepherd – John 10:11 – Our Daily Bread Video Devotional (2:37)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9tMt639sNY

Witness

Give each person a printed copy of Psalm 23 from a variety of translations. Ask the group to annotate the psalm with phrases that show what God does for us as our Good Shepherd.

I’ve included different translations at the end of this session.

Some thoughts are listed below:

• He provides for us.
• He leads us to a place where all our needs can be met.
• He restores our souls, as he knows exactly how and why we’re hurting and can heal our very private hurts.
• He shows us exactly the best places to walk and the best decisions we can make to keep us from harm.
• He will help us walk through all the difficulties of life (including death) without fear.
• We can receive comfort from him.
• Although life may be difficult around us, we can be blessed by God.
• His goodness and love will be with us at all times.
• We can live in his presence.

Once the group have gathered these thoughts together, ask them to get creative. Encourage the group to create a piece of artwork, poetry or song lyric that represents the thoughts of Psalm 23. Provide resources that are applicable to the skills and talents of your group. 

Give the group the opportunity to share and discuss their creations.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

• How could you use your creative representation of Psalm 23 to bring others closer to the Good Shepherd?

Worship 

Jesus longs to be the Good Shepherd to every person on this earth.

In John 10:14-16 Jesus says these words:

¹⁴ ‘I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, ¹⁵ just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.’ (John 10:14-16 NLT)

• Who does Jesus specifically mention and show concern for in these verses?

Jesus mentioned that there are other sheep who are not yet in his sheepfold and shares that he ‘must bring them also’ (John 10:16).

• What role do we play in bringing lost sheep to the Good Shepherd?

Ask each member of the group to name a person in their lives who does not yet know Jesus, or no longer believes in him. Jot these names down so that the group can share in a time of prayer together. If required, use the following music track as part of the prayer time.

Watch: Phil Wickham – ‘Psalm 23’ (ft. Tiffany Hudson) Official Audio (4:34)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU5ZbHbwiBA

OR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q25xEFyTHFY

When the music has finished, read out the list of names, and pray with the group.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

To bring the session to a close, read The Voice translation of Psalm 23.

¹ The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always.
² He provides me rest in rich, green fields
    beside streams of refreshing water.
    He soothes my fears;
³ He makes me whole again,
    steering me off worn, hard paths
    to roads where truth and righteousness echo His name.

⁴ Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness,
    I am not overcome by fear.
Because You are with me in those dark moments,
    near with Your protection and guidance,
    I am comforted.

⁵ You spread out a table before me,
    provisions in the midst of attack from my enemies;
You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil,
    filling my cup again and again with Your grace.
⁶ Certainly Your faithful protection and loving provision will pursue me
    where I go, always, everywhere.
I will always be with the Eternal,
    in Your house for ever.

(Psalm 23 VOICE)

DIFFERENT TRANSLATIONS OF PSALM 23

Psalm 23 (NIV)

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley, 
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    for ever.

Psalm 23 (CEV)

¹ You, Lord, are my shepherd.
    I will never be in need.
² You let me rest in fields
    of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
³     and you refresh my life.

You are true to your name,
and you lead me
    along the right paths.
⁴ I may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
    but I won’t be afraid.
You are with me,
and your shepherd’s rod
    makes me feel safe.

⁵ You treat me to a feast,
    while my enemies watch.
You honour me as your guest,
and you fill my cup
    until it overflows.
⁶ Your kindness and love
will always be with me
    each day of my life,
and I will live for ever
    in your house, Lord.

Psalm 23 (MSG)

^1-3 God, my shepherd!
    I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
    you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
    you let me catch my breath
    and send me in the right direction.

⁴ Even when the way goes through
    Death Valley,
I’m not afraid
    when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
    makes me feel secure.

⁵ You serve me a six-course dinner
    right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
    my cup brims with blessing.

⁶ Your beauty and love chase after me
    every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
    for the rest of my life.

Psalm 23 (AMP)

¹ The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me],
I shall not want.
² He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still and quiet waters.
³ He refreshes and restores my soul (life);
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.

⁴ Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.
⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell for ever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.

Psalm 23 (NLT)

¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
² He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
³     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honour to his name.
⁴ Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honour me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
⁶ Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    for ever.

In today’s session we reflect on Jesus’ words, ‘I am the light of the world.’ We’ll explore what it meant to those listening, how the religious leaders responded, and consider what these words mean for us today. How can we let our little light shine in this dark world?

Welcome 

Try to make the room as dark as possible for the group. Discuss with the group what it feels like to be in darkness.

Turn the lights back on and ask each group member to share their most vivid experience of a dark place and how it made them feel; eg it might be a time they were afraid of the dark in the night, or a trip into some underground caves. 

For a lot of people darkness makes them feel uneasy, even fearful. Light, in contrast, is reassuring and felt to be positive. All around the world, darkness is often a metaphor for evil or feeling lost and uncertain. Light is a metaphor for hope, direction and certainty.

• What other metaphors can you think of for light and dark?

Metaphors for Darkness

The darkness is a void.

The darkness is a veil.

The darkness is a shadow.

The darkness is an abyss.

The darkness is a tunnel.

Metaphors for Light

The light at the end of the tunnel.

A light in the darkness.

A guiding light.

A ray of light.

A beacon of light.

• How is the idea of darkness and light used within films or songs?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

Share the song ‘This Little Light of Mine’ to start off the session.

Watch: ‘This Little Light of Mine’ – Listener Kids (3:30)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKkbIZtqhyQ

Word 

Either read John 8:12-30 or watch the clip together.

Watch: Lumo – Gospel of John Chapter 8:12-30 (3:40)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI_UkHOc7nY

The words ‘I am the light of the world’ caused confusion in the minds of the religious leaders, and yet many who were listening believed in Jesus.

The group will need to turn to John 8:12-30 to discuss the following questions.

• In verse 12 Jesus declared, ‘I am the light of the world.’ What do you think he meant?
• What is the light that Jesus is talking about?
• What is the darkness that Jesus is talking about?
• What does it mean to ‘walk in the light’?
• What does Jesus say the people should do?

We’re going to watch a clip that helps us to understand more about Jesus’ statement ‘I am the light of the world’.

Watch: What did Jesus mean when he said, ‘I am the light of the world’ in John 8:12?’ – GotQuestions.org. (4:12)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM4mjTK2IfM

• What two types of light are there in the world? How does each one show us God’s character?
• What three aspects of God’s light does this metaphor describe? 
• How can the light of Jesus dispel the darkness of this world?
• What does God promise to those who follow him?
• What kinds of people do not like the light?
• Are there any areas of your life that you feel are in darkness?
• How can you rely on Jesus as your ‘light’ today and every day?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

If your group would like to discover more about Jesus’ statement ‘I am the light of the world’, then watch and discuss the clip together.

Watch: Walk in the Light! – John 8:12 – Our Daily Bread Video Devotional (2:00)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A88a7EcuIc

Witness 

The aim of this activity is for the young people to create a video short which answers the question, ‘How can I let my little light shine?’ Depending on space and resources, you may dedicate this time to planning and preparation. You can work as a whole group or divide into teams. Make sure the group has access to the Scriptures below to help. 

When the group has had time to plan or film their video shorts, then share your ideas together. How could these creative efforts be used to spread the light of Jesus in your church and community?

³ All things were made by him, and nothing was made without him. ⁴ In him there was life, and that life was the light of all people. ⁵ The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overpowered it. (John 1:3-5 NCV)
 

³⁵ Jesus answered, ‘The light will be with you for only a little longer. Walk in the light while you can. Then you won’t be caught walking blindly in the dark. ³⁶ Have faith in the light while it is with you, and you will be children of the light.’ (John 12:35-36 CEV)

⁵ This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him.

^6-7 If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we’re obviously lying through our teeth – we’re not living what we claim. But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purges all our sin. (1 John 1:5-7 MSG)

^19-21 ‘This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.’ (John 3:19-21 MSG)

¹⁴ ‘You are the light that gives light to the world. A city that is built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ And people don’t hide a light under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand so the light shines for all the people in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.’ (Matthew 5:14-16 NCV)

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

Do you know someone who is going through a difficult time?

If so, think of one thing that you could do to shine some light into their darkness.

Worship 

To give your group the opportunity to reflect on today’s session, choose from the following activities. A selection of music is provided to use during the time of reflection.

• Pray for each person in turn, that they would be filled with the light of Jesus and be able to shine for him in their daily lives.
• It may be apparent that there is someone in the group who is going through a particular ‘dark season’ in their life. Pray together for this person if they would like you to.
• Thank Jesus that he is the light of life and for all that this/he means to you!

Lauren Daigle – ‘Light of the World’ (Lyric Video) (4:09)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cLhaZIBSpo

Kari Jobe: ‘We Are’ (acoustic) (3:36)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B07iK9uh9qY

Nick & Becky Drake – ‘City on a Hill’ (Official Lyric Video) – Worship for Everyone (4:40)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg2We2iK7og

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

Bring the session to a close with the prayer attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master,

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.

In today’s session we explore what it means to know that our path is set and sure. We look at the words of Jesus when he said, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life’ and how walking with Jesus sustains us on life’s journey. We will also consider what it means to bring a glimpse of Heaven here to earth as we follow Jesus throughout our lives.

Welcome 

Ask the group to describe how they eat a Cadbury’s Creme Egg. Do they all do it the same way? If not, how does it vary? Which is the best way to eat a Cadbury’s Creme Egg?

Steward Anderson took to YouTube in 2013 and set himself the challenge of eating a Cadbury’s Creme Egg in a different way for 31 days.

Choose one of the following clips to show the group. Discuss the many different unusual ways that you could choose to eat a Creme Egg.

Watch: Cadbury Creme Egg Challenge, Day 27: Boiled Creme Egg (1:50)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylPRvmKa81c

Watch: Cadbury Creme Egg Challenge, Day 31: Pickled Egg (2:00)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLD4sLhkTYI

After a discussion, agree as a group the ‘best’ way to eat a Creme Egg.

In today’s session we will discover that Jesus says he is the way … the right way, the best way, the only way. 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

Give each member of the group a Cadbury’s Creme Egg and see if they can eat it in a creative or unusual way.

Word 

The Greek word for life (zoe) is used 36 times in John’s Gospel, which is more times than it is used in the other three Gospels combined (16 times).

• Where have we met the word ‘life’ in the other ‘I Am’ statements?

Today we are considering Jesus as ‘the way and the truth and the life’ (John 14:6).

In John 14 we find some very bewildered disciples! Again and again Jesus had told his disciples where he was going, but somehow they had never understood. He had told them that he was going to the Father who had sent him, and with whom he was one. 

• Why do you think it was so difficult for the disciples to understand what Jesus was saying?

Read:

¹ ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.’

⁵ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’

⁶ Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.’ (John 14:1-7)

To reassure them, Jesus first encourages his disciples not to let their hearts be troubled because he is leaving them to prepare a place for them in Heaven where he will be. What is more, he says, ‘I will come back to escort you there. Don’t be troubled,’ he continues, since ‘you know the way to the place I am going.’ At this point it becomes all too much for Thomas, who blurts out, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’

• Thomas is known as a doubter and sceptic. Do you think this representation is fair? If so, why – or why not?
• What can we learn from Thomas’s honest response to what Jesus is saying?

We can feel the dread and uncertainty in Thomas’s words. A future without Jesus physically with them was a very scary idea. None of the disciples would have liked this idea. It is thus to anxious and fearful disciples that Jesus says, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ These words in context are not spoken to condemn others who are not disciples of Jesus. They are spoken to assure and comfort those who are disciples of Jesus then and now. They direct our attention to Jesus who reveals God and speaks as God; to Jesus who will never abandon us or forsake us, and to Jesus who sustains us on life’s journey and at the end will welcome us into Heaven. 

• How is our understanding of Jesus’ statement, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life’ different today from what it would have been for his first disciples?

If we want to find the way to God, if we want to know the truth about God, if we want eternal life, then we will find these things in Jesus. Unlike all other religious leaders who pointed away from themselves by giving teaching on how their followers could find the way to God, Jesus says, ‘I am that way’, ‘Follow me’, ‘Believe in me’. He was not suggesting he was a second God but rather that he was God. In believing, following and worshipping him, we are believing, following and worshipping the one God whom Jesus perfectly reveals. 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

If the young people would like to understand more about Jesus’ statement ‘I am the way and the truth and the life’, then watch and discuss the following clip.

Watch: What did Jesus mean when he said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life’? (John 14:6)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTS1tMC38AQ

Witness 

Heaven was a reality for Jesus, and yet he taught his disciples to think less about a life that was to come, and more about how to live a life now in relationship with God. He encouraged his disciples to live with a passion to see Heaven made visible on earth through their words and actions.

Make sure every group member has access to the text below. 

Bringing Heaven to Earth

I believe in Heaven. I have for a long time now. With me it is not just a matter of faith either. I also believe in Heaven because of all the evidence I see here on earth. I see this evidence not only in the glorious natural world all around us but also in the endless acts of love that come from the hearts of people as well. These are the people who bring a bit of Heaven to earth every day and they are the ones I wish to thank now. 

To all the people then who pick up the rubbish off the ground and plant trees and flowers in its place, thank you. To every parent who spends the day hard at work and then goes home and makes the time to play with and read to their kids, thank you. To every kind heart who has ever taken in and loved a stray dog or cat, thank you. To every person who has ever opened their purse or wallet and given to a charity not out of duty but out of love, thank you. To everyone who has ever offered a ride, opened a door, or shared a smile with a stranger, thank you. To every Good Samaritan who has stopped along the way to help a person in need, thank you. To every gentle spirit who has shared their laughter, encouraged a friend, or inspired another soul, thank you. To every single person who has tried to make this world a little better through what they do, thank you. And to every soul who not only knows the words ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ but tries to live them as well, thank you. 

God doesn’t just want each of us to one day reach Heaven, he also wants each of us to bring a little Heaven down here to earth as well. Do your best then to love and be loved, to care for others and the world around you, to create joy rather than sadness, and to help everyone you can, every chance you can. Do your best to let God’s love live through you. Then you will be ready for Heaven, because you will carry a bit of Heaven with you wherever you go. 

Joseph J Mazzella

• Have you ever done any of the things that the author is saying thank you for? If not, why not?
• In what ways are you personally allowing a glimpse of Heaven on earth?

The truths about the life to come were very real for early Salvationists and drove their whole way of life. They prioritised the things of God to prepare for Heaven, and the reality of hell also generated urgency in sharing the gospel. They also wanted to live lives pleasing and honouring to God, as a response to his great love revealed in Jesus.

• How does the reality of Heaven and hell ‘generate urgency’ in you to share Jesus’ life with others?
• How should our knowledge of the future life that awaits us impact and change the way that we live on earth now?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

If the young people would like to understand more about Heaven and earth, then watch and discuss the following clip.

Watch: Learn Where Heaven and Earth Overlap (stop at 5:53)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy2AQlK6C5k

Worship 

Thomas à Kempis was a devout and holy monk who lived in the 15th century. He is well known for the following quote:

‘Without the Way, there is no going.

Without the Truth, there is no knowing.

Without the Life, there is no living.’

– Thomas à Kempis

As we share in a time of reflection, have a go at writing your own version of Thomas à Kempis’s words.

Display for the group the opening section of each line of the saying.

Without the Way ...

Without the Truth …

Without the Life …

A music track is shown below to use as part of this time of reflection. When the music ends, then encourage the group to share their adaptation of Kempis’s words.

Watch: Pat Barrett – ‘The Way (New Horizon)’ – Lyric Video (4:19)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOzsJlk8p6I

Bring the session to a close by thanking God that he is the way, the truth and the life for anyone who follows him.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

As a final act of worship, read the lyrics from Pat Barrett’s song ‘The Way’.

You are the way
You are the way
You’re the light shining bright in the darkness
Jesus, you are the way
Jesus, the only way

All my days are secure in your promise
Never standing alone
You’re the truth, you’re the life, you’re my future
Jesus, you made a way.

– Pat Barrett

In today’s session we will explore what Jesus meant when he described himself as the ‘true vine’. We will consider what that means for us as his branches and think about how and why God prunes the areas of our lives that stop us from bearing fruit.

WELCOME

What songs did you love to sing when you were primary school age? These songs can be from school or church, or songs you just loved singing along to.

Songs have a powerful way of communicating a message about love, life or our faith.

We’re going to start today’s session with a song that wouldn’t normally be for your age group. However, it may give you some ideas for one of our activities later while also introducing our Scripture for today. You’ll soon pick up the words and can have a go at the actions!

Watch: ‘I am the Vine’ SONGS – Shorts – The Slugs and Bugs Show (2:56)
 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY 
What are the key messages the song is trying to communicate?

WORD

As introduced in the song, our ‘I am’ statement for today is found in John 15.

1 ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.’
(John 15:1-8)

To ensure that your group understands the analogy that Jesus is making in this Bible passage, discuss the following questions:

• Who is the vine?
• Who are the branches?
• Who is the gardener?
• What is the fruit?
• Who will bear much fruit?
• Who will bear no fruit?
   

Jesus talked repeatedly about the importance of our connection to the vine. 

• Why do you think he did that?
• In what ways do we try to bear fruit without connecting to the vine?

The vine is a plant that needs a great deal of attention. The vine is the stem that comes from the earth; it has bark that is dark in colour, which provides nourishment and support for the branches. The branches are often trained to grow horizontally from the stem and provide the vine with fruit and leaves. When all the fruit has been picked and the leaves all fall as the summer ends, the branches are cut away very heavily, almost right back to the stock. This ensures vital and prolific branch growth and fruit in the spring.

The life of the vine is not in the branches but in the vine stem, the vine itself. The branches are dependent on the vine stem; they cannot grow or thrive without it. But the vine itself can exist without the branches, as it does through winter after a hard pruning. The vine cannot produce the crop of which it is capable without careful and specialised pruning.

Pruning is an essential part of the process of growing grapes.

Watch: How to Prune Grapes in Winter: Double Grapevine Pruning Technique (1:22)
 

The clip showed how the vine needed to be pruned in order to grow.
How does God prune us as Christians? What might that look like?
Have you ever experienced pruning from God? What was it like? Did you bear fruit from the experience of pruning? Explain your experience.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
If the group would like to discover more about Jesus’ words ‘I am the vine’, then watch and discuss the clip together.

Watch: The Vine and the Branches – John 15:1-15 (4:04)
 

WITNESS

Leader’s notes: The aim of the activity is for the young people to plan or create a resource to communicate today’s ‘I am’ statement. The resources needed will depend on your group and their interests. They may want to plan the idea within the session and then follow it up later. It would be good if they could have an opportunity to share their resource with the wider church. Once they have had time to plan and create, encourage the group to share their ideas.

One of the ways that we can bear fruit is to share the teachings of Jesus with others. Within The Salvation Army there are many different ministries. We have the Youth and Children’s Department, the Older People’s Ministries, and Enabled who support people with disabilities. All these ministries cater for people with different needs and yet all are branches of the same vine. The teaching of Jesus is applicable to every single person, no matter their demographic.

Your witness task today is to choose a group of people and develop a way to communicate today’s Scripture to them, making it applicable to their situation. This will enable you to ensure you have understood what Jesus is trying to say while also stepping into the shoes of someone who may see the story differently from you.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Discuss the range of resources that have been planned or created. 
How could these be developed? 
Is there a way to develop a resource that is applicable to all age groups? 
How could this be used within your church?

WORSHIP

Imagine you are a branch on Christ’s vine. Describe the kind of fruit you are currently producing.
What sort of fruit do you long to produce?
What changes do you need to make in your life to do this?
What things/actions/people allow you to stay closely connected to Jesus?
What practical steps can you take to ensure that you stay connected (or get reconnected) with Jesus?

Staying connected to Jesus the vine is essential if we want to produce fruit in this world.

Watch: Abide in Jesus (Branch illustration) – Francis Chan
 

What did the clip from Francis Chan teach you about what it means to abide in Jesus?
In what ways do we compare our own fruit to the fruit of others? Do you think this is what Jesus wants for us? If not, why not?

Allow some time for quiet reflection as each person individually considers what it means to stay connected with Jesus. Ask them to commit themselves to bearing good fruit, and to allowing Jesus to work in their life in whatever way he needs to. You may like to use the following music as part of the reflection time.
When the music ends, encourage the group to pray aloud for each other.

Watch: Abide with Me (From Evensong) – Keith and Kristyn Getty (5:05)
 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Read the following Scripture to bring the session to a close.

‘I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken.
‘Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
‘I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is – when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.’ (John 15:1-8 MSG)