Youth Mentoring: Christ - The light of the World for Today's Youth

Description
Use this simple Bible Teaching Activity for Children and Youth to introduce help them to better understand the idea that Jesus is the Light of the World, ways he brings light into our daily lives, and what that means to living the Christian Life.

Resources

• Modeling Clay or Playdoh
• Flashlight or small light

Advance Preparation
Prepare the room so that if you turn off the lights, the room becomes very dark. You can use newspaper, aluminum foil, or black plastic trash bags to cover windows if needed.

What to do

• As the youth arrive, give each a "ball" of modeling clay or Playdoh. Instruct one half of the room to create something that represents darkness. Instruct the other half of the youth to form something that represents light. Their creations can either be very literal or symbolic.
• After all the youth have had enough time to create something, ask them to share their expressions of light and darkness with the class. Encourage them to explain what they have created and how it represents light or darkness.

Take it to the Next Level

Learning Games
We all have spiritual darkness in our lives, but Jesus promises to bring light into our lives. Read John 8:12 then turn out the lights so that the room is completely dark. Then play a few carnival games in the dark. Here are some possibilities

• Ball toss
• Obstacle Course
• Scavenger Hunt
• Charades
• Ring Toss
• Complete a Zigsaw Puzzle
• Bowling using a ball and empty soda bottles as pins
• OTHERS?

Discussion

• How would you describe darkness?
• Darkness is like ___________?
• What would it be like to live without light?
• What effect does darkness have on us?
• How does darkness hinder our abilities?

Learning Games: Part 2

• Turn on the flashlight and repeat the games.
• "Even a little light makes a big difference"

Conclusion

• Read John 8:21-24
• The light of Jesus is offered to every person, but each of us must personally make the choice to follow or reject him.
• Divide the youth into two groups. The first group must list as many consequences or benefits as possible that are likely for a person who rejects the Light of Christ in his or her life. The second group of youth must list as as many consequences or benefits as possible for someone who rejects the light of Christ in his or her life. Answers should reflect immediate results, long term results as well as the afterlife.
• Have the groups pick one or more spokespersons to share their answers.
• Explain that while Christ offers light to our lives, there are still many people who choose to walk in the dark or even to close their eyes when there is light available. Discuss why a person might choose to live in the dark?

Applying the Truth

• Jesus is available to all, if you have not asked Christ into your life, then why not? What must a person do to have Christ?
• Ask youth to list possible areas where teens need more light?
• Ask youth to think about areas in their own lives that need more light?
• Have a time of prayer where youth can talk to God about the areas of their lives they need him to bring his light an cleansing to

Scripture
John 8:12,21-24

Looking for more Ideas related to Jesus as the Light of the World?
Shining for Jesus This Christmas
Poem: Christ has Come - the Light of the World
Placing Light
How Youth Can shine as Lights in the World

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