Conflict

Youth Lessons

This lesson invites students to explore leadership as reconciliation, presence, and shared responsibility rather than power or control. The icebreaker uses a quiet, playful symbol-based activity that helps students learn something about one another without putting anyone on the spot. After reading the passages from Exodus and Matthew, students discuss how remembrance, community, and reconciliation shape faithful leadership. In the activity, students are guided through a short meditation and then write reflectively, discovering how leadership rooted in grace begins with attention, humility, and choosing to stay connected even when things are difficult.

Icebreaker: Emoji Introductions (10 Min.)

As students arrive, give each one a blank name tag and markers.

Invite them to put their name on the tag, then add three emojis (not words) that represent who they are right now. These can be light and ordinary, such as:

• Something they enjoy
• How they feel today
• A favorite activity
• Something that gives them energy

Once everyone has finished, ask the students to walk around the room silently for one minute, looking at the name tags.

Then gather together. Invite a few volunteers to share one or more of the emojis they noticed on someone else’s tag that surprised or intrigued them. The people who created the emojis may explain them if they want.

Scripture (5 Min.)

Read Exodus 12:1–14 and Matthew 18:15–20.

Discussion (15 Min.)

• What do you think is the purpose of the Passover meal in the Exodus story?
• How does Jesus describe the role of community in dealing with conflict?
• What do these passages suggest about the importance of remembering together?
• What patterns do you notice between remembrance in Exodus and reconciliation in Matthew?
• Why do you think Jesus emphasizes staying connected even when people disagree or fail?
• What do you think this says about the use of leadership and power?
• What might faithful leadership look like when the goal is healing rather than winning?

Activity and Discussion: Remember, Breathe, Write (20 Min.)

Invite students to spread out and get comfortable, either sitting at tables or on the floor. Explain that you will guide a short, quiet meditation focused on remembrance and presence. Ask them to close their eyes to avoid being distracted by what they see.

Slowly read the following prompts, pausing briefly between each:

• Take a slow breath in and out.
• Think about a place where you feel safe or welcomed.
• Think about a time when someone helped repair something that felt broken.
• Notice what it feels like to remember that moment.

After two or three minutes, invite students to open their eyes.

Give each student paper and a pen. Invite them to write about what came to mind while they were thinking about the above prompts.

Writing may be in sentences, lists, or short reflections. Sharing is optional.

Close by explaining that leadership shaped by faith often begins with remembering, listening, and choosing reconciliation together.

Reflection Questions:

• What did you notice about how remembering affected your thoughts or emotions?
• How did quiet reflection change the way you approached writing?
• How does this activity connect to leadership as reconciliation?

Total time: 50 minutes

Needed Resources:

• Name tags (one per student)
• Three markers per student for drawing symbols
• Paper (one or two sheets per student)
• Pens or pencils