Supplies:

A whiteboard or individual paper and markers

Note to the Teacher

In John 17, Jesus prays for his followers just before his arrest. He centered his prayer on unity because he knew that the disciples would soon face fear and confusion. This lesson uses games and creative collaboration to help students practice finding unity and connections with those around them.

Icebreaker: Common Thread Sprint (10 min.)

When I announce, “They may be one!” get into a group of three or four people. You have ten seconds to find a “common thread” that ties your group together. Share your common thread with the group. When you hear “They may be one!” again, you need to find a new group. Again, you will have ten seconds to find a “common thread” that ties this group together. However, this one has a catch: your common thread must be a new thread that no one in your group has already used.

Read scripture (5 min.)

Supplies:

Bible or printed handouts of John 17:1-11.

Today, we are reading from the words that Jesus spoke to his disciples right before his arrest. When we know we have to leave a place, many of us will offer a goodbye or some lasting words of wisdom. In this passage, Jesus, instead, prays for his friends. He prays that the disciples “may be one,” knowing that in a short time, they would likely all feel alone. Jesus knows that being together and finding strength in their community would be important for them. As we read these words, remember that Jesus also prays for our unity.

Read John 17:1-11.

Discussion (10 min.)

What stood out to you in Jesus’ prayer?
What’s the difference between being “one” and being identical?
What divisions do you see in your daily life? Who seems to make or enforce those divisions? How did they come to be?
What does it mean to be “in the world but not of it” for students?
What habits create or destroy unity?

Activity: One Team (30 min.)

Supplies:

A whiteboard or individual paper and markers

Today, we will start our activity with a familiar game, but with a twist! Many of us have played “Two Truths and a Lie.” Today, we will play “Two Truths and a Thread.” Hopefully, you remember some of our ideas from the “Common Thread Sprint” we played earlier! When it is your turn, tell us two interesting facts about yourself and something you have in common with another person in this room.

In our group today, we found many common threads that help us connect with one another. We are all unique, but we are all made in the image of God! That is such a cool thing: to all be uniquely ourselves while still being similar to one another.

Now that we have found many things in common, let’s imagine we are a team: a sports team or any team you would like! First, let’s come up with a team name and mascot.

If you have a whiteboard available, invite students to write or draw their ideas on the board. If students prefer, they can individually draw their ideas on paper and share them.

As a group, select your team’s name and motto. What if this team had a jersey? What would be printed on each jersey to remind you throughout the week of this amazing team? Spend time as a group identifying what unites your group and what people should know about it. Create a short jersey motto as a group. If you have time, create a cheer for the team!

Closing

To close this session, stand in a circle and hold hands. If it is more comfortable, everyone can place their left hand on the right shoulder of the person next to them. After pointing out that this group is a unified body, go around the circle and ask each youth to offer a one-word prayer. After each word, the leader will start by squeezing the hand or shoulder of the person next to them. As you feel the squeeze, squeeze the hand or shoulder of the person next to you. After each word, we can feel the pulse go around the group, uniting us in prayer.