Friendship with Jesus

This Sunday, we wrapped up our mini series Things Jesus Said. At yesterday's Youth Ignition Live, we examined several of Jesus' "I Am" statements from the New Testament: I am the Bread of Life, I am the Light of the World, and I am the Good Shepherd. Each of these images that Jesus uses about himself holds some powerful truth that helps us understand what friendship with Jesus looks like.

When Jesus described himself as the "Bread of Life," he was emphasizing his role as the one who nourishes our souls. God wants us to hunger and thirst for him. Just like physical hunger and thirst, we are satisfied-yet then we want more. As the "Light of the World," Jesus brings illumination into a darkened world. He exposes and reveals sin; he also guides us along our journey of faith. And as the "Good Shepherd," Jesus leads us, protects us, and provides for us just like an earthly shepherd cares for a flock of sheep. Jesus knows the pitfalls and dangers and ahead, so he can help us safely navigate our path.

I'd encourage you to find time this week to talk with your young person about this lesson. Here are some questions that might fuel the dialogue:

How can you know if your friends are spiritually hungry?

Why do you think Jesus called himself the "Light of the World"? What does that say about his role in our world?

Why might we as followers of Jesus need him to be our shepherd? What would that look like in our lives?

Have a great week, and thanks for bringing your middle schooler to Youth Ignition Live!

Don't forget: SCAVENGER HUNT @ IKEA - Sunday 5/15 after 2nd service. Parent pick-up from the church is at 3:30 pm. We'll be eating lunch at Ikea, so please give your young person some lunch money.