2013 Junior WOP Readings (General Conference Youth Week of Prayer)

I wrote this series of eight stories to engage Juniors and Teens with the Week of Prayer topics for the General Conference 2013 Youth Week of Prayer. The Youth Director from that era gave me permission to use these studies wherever I saw an opportunity to increase the Kingdom of God.

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Below are links to each chapter separately.

Click on the pictures below to be taken to each story.

Get a group together for YWOP this year and enjoy the study time together!

Introduction and Cast of Characters

Day 1. Revival That Counts

Day 2. The God Who Sees, Hears—and Cares

Day 3. The God Who Stoops

Day 4. For God So Loved

Day 5. The Greater Commission

Day 6. Agents of Justice and Beauty

Day 7. The Future Now

Day 8. Three Angels

2013 GCY-JWoP - Day 8 - Three Angels (9/9)

Junior/Teen Study Guide

Day 8 - Three Angels

“Welcome back,” Mr. Malku said. “I’m glad you could all make it to the Change Agents Group meeting tonight. How was your week?”

Melissa nearly leapt out of her chair. “Look!” she said, “My plaster-cast is gone!”

“That’s great!” Mr. Malku said. “How’s your arm now?”

“The muscles are a bit weak,” Melissa said, “but the bone is strong again.”

“That’s good.” Mr. Malku said. “It looks straight enough!”

A few people laughed. “Dad joke,” Nic said.

“What about the rest of you?” Mr. Malku asked. “Did you bring God’s kingdom to life in the world around you? Did you do anything to declare your identity as one of Jesus’ sheep?”

“Sabbath afternoon,” Chloe said, “a group of us kids went to a retirement home and sang for the people.”

“I checked on the homeless man at Dad’s office,” Stephen said. “I took him a pillow and some marshmallows.”

“Marshmallows?” the group laughed.

“I just thought he probably hadn’t had marshmallows for a long time!” Stephen said. “And I was right. He was all smiles and invited me to sit and share the bag. His name is Norm.”

“That’s great stuff,” Mr. Malku said. “Does anyone else have a kingdom story to tell?”

Drake was staring at the floor, studying his shoes. Mr. Malku noticed. “What’s up, Drake? Do you have a story to tell?”

“I guess,” Drake said. “I’m just not used to getting excited about God stuff. It’s been awhile.”

Stephen reached over and patted Drake’s leg, “Tell us what you did,” he said, “I really want to hear it!”

“That first Bible story last week,” Drake said, “about the women with their lamps, really bothered me. The only difference between the two groups of women was one kept their lamps full. I just know I haven’t been keeping my lamp full.”

“What do you mean?” Melissa asked.

“I don’t like Sabbath school, I don’t listen to my dad’s sermons, and I certainly don’t read the Bible or pray on my own,” Drake said. “Well, I didn’t for a long time. This last week, I did—early every morning, so nobody would catch me. I read all the verses we’ve looked at over the past few weeks. I really love this ‘Change Agent’ stuff. It has changed the way I see Christianity. I didn’t think it was for me, but I’ve been thinking. And I prayed about it this week.”

“That’s awesome!” Nic said.

“Very cool,” Liam said.

Shane stared quietly at his brother. He was smiling, but his eyes were wet with tears. “I didn’t know that, Drake,” he said. “That is really awesome. I’m so proud.”

“Of me?” Drake said.

“Yeah,” Shane said. “You are my big brother, after all!”

“Seven minutes,” Drake said. “What’s seven minutes, really?”

“It’s everything,” Shane said. “You’re #1 to me.” Drake shook his head, smiling.

Mrs. Malku stood in the kitchen doorway, wiping her eyes. “Dinner is served,” she said.

“And the Kingdom is growing,” the group chanted as they bounded into the dining room.

“Who would like to bless the meal?” Mr. Malku asked.

“I will,” Mrs. Malku said, “Dear Father in Heaven, we thank you for this meal and we also thank you for these wonderful young people who are here to enjoy it. Please bless them and keep blessing the world through them. Amen.”

“Amen!”

The group made a quick dent in the pile of food on the table. Soon they were happily chatting with each other as they kept eating.

Mr. Malku said, “How much screen time do you all have each day?”

The entire group looked sheepishly back at him.

“Too much, probably” Stephen said.

“I didn’t mean it to be a guilt question,” Mr. Malku said. “I was just thinking, we live in an information saturated world.”

“That’s for sure,” Chloe said.

“There’s way more on TV and the Internet than we could ever see,” Melissa said.

“How much of the stuff you see makes a difference in your life?” Mr. Malku asked.

“None,” Chloe said.

“Lots,” Liam said.

They all laughed. “You’re both right, I guess,” Mr. Malku said. “With so much information at our finger tips, knowing something doesn’t mean we will do anything with the information. Have you ever had something you learned actually cause you to change your life?”

“Not from commercials,” Drake said. “And that’s what they make them for.”

“That’s true,” Liam said, “But I have learned lots of stuff from the Internet about boat building and I have applied most of it.”

“Yeah,” Chloe said, “I watch cooking shows on TV and have made some yummy things!”

“I watch videos online of people playing games,” Nic said, “and now I am a better gamer.”

“Hmmmm...” Mr. Malku said, “Not sure I like that one!”

They all laughed.

“Well,” Mr. Malku said, “those are some good examples. What is the difference between the information that changes you and the rest of the information?”

“The information that is useful,” Liam said, “is useful because I want to learn from it. I watch and then go try it.”

“Good answer,” Mr. Malku said. “Do you think God wants us to apply what we read in the Bible? Do you think He wants it to change us?”

Everyone nodded.

“The Bible is a revolutionary book meant to transform lives and continue transforming them until Jesus returns,” Mr. Malku said. “So let me tell you something that might surprise you.”

The eating stopped. Everyone stared at Mr. Malku.

“If God took the stories out of the Bible,” Mr. Malku said, “we would only have a quarter of it left.”

“There are that many stories in the Bible?” Drake asked.

Mr. Malku nodded his head as he put a fork full of food in his mouth.

“Why are stories so important?” Stephen asked.

“Maybe a better question,” Shane said, “is why are stories so important to God?”

“I like the stories in the Bible,” Chloe said.

“Yeah,” Melissa added, “I remember the stories better than anything else!”

Mr. Malku’s eyebrows went up like he was surprised. He took another mouthful of food.

“So that’s the answer,” Stephen said.

“What’s the answer?” Nic asked.

“God put lots of stories in the Bible,” Stephen said, “because we like stories and remember them. That’s what Chloe and Melissa just said.”

“Out of the mouths of babes,” Nic said.

“Hey!” The girls shouted in unison.

“They are right,” Mr. Malku said. “God created us as creatures of story and He knows how to speak to us! Tonight we are going to explore one of the Bible’s most important stories. Let’s clear the table and head into the lounge room.”

Group Interaction Time—Revelation 14:6-12

Angel 1: Read—Revelation 14:6,7

      What does worship do in us as individuals? What does worship do for us as a people of faith? What does worship do through us for the world?

Angel 2: Read—Revelation 14:8

      Babylon (the world without God) is utterly fallen and corrupt. How does this affect you? Who does it make you want to become? There are many people who do not recognize the fallen world for what it is. What does this second angel’s message compel you to do for them?

Angel 3: Read—Revelation 14:9-12

      How is this final message a call to serving others? What role does patience play in dealing with evil? How do God’s wrath and His love go hand in hand?

Story Conclusion

“That’s an awesome story,” Nic said. “Imagine if three angels came and spoke to us.”

“They just did,” Mr. Malku said.

“I mean for real,” Nic said. “What if three angels appeared now in the lounge room?”

“I see what Dad means,” Liam said. “The story makes it feel real.”

“Yeah,” Stephen said. “After reading that story and talking about it, I feel like Jesus could come at any moment.”

“What is the overall theme or message of the story?” Mr. Malku asked.

“The world is falling apart and we should worship God because He has a plan,” Shane said.

“God always seems to have a plan,” Stephen said.

“What makes you say that?” Mr. Malku asked.

“Every story about God we’ve ever looked at,” Stephen said, “always includes His plan for a better future.”

“There is always hope,” Drake said. “In God’s stories, there is always hope.”

“That is inspired,” Mr. Malku said. “In my heart, I just heard God say, ‘I have a future and a hope for the Change Agents Group.’ God has big plans for this group.”

The group clapped and cheered.

“How can we take this hope, this future, to the world around us?” Mr. Malku asked.

“We can tell other people about God,” Nic said.

“We can show people the Bible is true,” Stephen said, “by reading it and living its principles.”

“We can write poetry about God and His love, and share it with people,” Melissa said.

“We can create beautiful gardens for people to experience God in,” Drake said.

“We can use our influence to bring change,” Liam said.

“We can sing music that glorifies God,” Chloe said.

“We can take a stand for goodness, and serve like Jesus did,” Shane said.

“Until next week,” Mr. Malku said, “what are we?”

Everyone said, “We’re Change Agents!”

“And why are we Change Agents?”

“Because we’re changing the world for Jesus Christ!”

“Very good!” Mr. Malku said, “I’ll see you at Sabbath School. Who wants to pray?”

“I’ll pray,” Shane said. “Dear Jesus, help us to take the Three Angels’ Messages to the world. Help us to take you seriously enough to change the world one act of service at a time. Amen.”

“Amen!”

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Want to read the rest of this series?

The rest can be found here.

2013 GCY-JWoP - Day 7 - The Future Now (8/9)

Junior/Teen Study Guide

Day 7 - The Future Now

“Welcome back,” Mr. Malku said. “How was your week? Did anyone get a chance to be an agent of justice or beauty?”

“There’s a homeless guy,” Stephen said, “who lives near my dad’s office. I was there on Sunday and asked him if he needed anything. He said he was cold and hungry. So I bought him a blanket and got a footlong sandwich for him.”

“That’s great!” Mr. Malku said. “Good justice work! Anyone else?”

“There’s a boy in my class who can’t read very well,” Liam said. “I talked to him and the teacher and arranged for us to sit together so I can help him. And the teacher said he can have extra time on tests so he can finish them.”

“You’re very observant, Liam,” Mr. Malku said. “God has given you a gift for seeing people’s less obvious needs. Good job. What about beauty? Did anyone have a chance to make things beautiful this week?”

“I cleaned my room,” Melissa said. “And then I got carried away and cleaned the kitchen and lounge room. Mom was suspicious. When I didn’t ask for anything, she was very surprised. She said I was growing into a wonderful person.”

“That’s nice,” Mr. Malku said. “Anyone else have an agent of beauty story to tell?”

“I told a bunch of girls they were gorgeous,” Nic said.

There were snickers around the room.

“And how did that go?” Mr. Malku asked.

“Not so well,” Nic said. “They kept telling me to go away.”

Everyone laughed. “So, Romeo, did you ask them all out on dates?” Drake said.

“No,” Nic said. “It wasn’t like that! I just wanted them to know they were beautiful. I can’t help it if God made lots of cute girls!”

“Hmmm...” Mr. Malku said. “Girls don’t hear enough kind words from us guys, but perhaps you should save those special complements until the right ‘one’ comes along.”

A voice they all loved to hear sang out from the kitchen, “Dinner is served!”

“And the Kingdom is growing!” They replied as they rushed to the table.

“Who would like to bless the food?” Mr. Malku asked.

“I will,” Nic said. “Dear Jesus, thanks for this yummy food and thanks for my mom who cooks such delicious things! Amen.”

“Amen!”

After they had been eating for some time, Mr. Malku asked, “When people become Christians, do they become more useful or less useful to the world?”

Stephen said, “My dad says most Christians are ‘So heavenly minded, they’re no earthly good.’”

“Christians should be more useful,” Shane said, “because they have Jesus’ mission in their heart and love people the way He does.”

“But most of them don’t,” Drake said. “Most Christians ignore the world around them. They go to church and don’t do anything to help others.”

“That’s a bit unfair,” Liam said. “I think most Christians would do great things for God if they were asked.”

“My dad would agree with Drake,” Stephen said. “At least, he would have before I started coming to this group.”

“What do you mean?” Drake asked.

“We drive past this one church every Sunday,” Stephen said. “When we drive past, there are couples and families filing through the big iron gates and into the brick building. My dad usually says something like, ‘Well, they’ve got God all locked up, don’t they?’ or ‘One God in a box, coming up!’”

“Why is he so hard on them?” Shane asked.

“He says they all live for ‘pie in the sky, by and by’ but you don’t see them sharing the pie with anyone outside their iron gates. ‘Caged grace’ is what Dad calls it.”

“Your dad has a lot of one-liners!” Nic said.

“He’s a dad,” Stephen said. “Whenever he says one, I always say ‘dad joke!’ and he laughs. But he doesn’t say them anymore.”

“Why not?” Chloe asked.

“Because now,” Stephen said, “when he sees them, he comments on how different the Change Agents Group is from the ‘penguins on parade.’”

A wave of laughter went around the table.

“How are we different?” Mr. Malku asked. “What has you dad noticed?”

“He says we are ‘out of the box’ Christians,” Stephen said. “We are trying to make a difference in the world outside our church.”

“Because we’re Change Agents!” Melissa said. “We know Jesus wants us to make a difference.”

“Well,” Stephen said, “I guess it shows. And it is making a difference, for my dad at least!”

Shane was scratching his chin. Mr. Malku noticed. “What are you thinking, Shane?”

“Well,” Shane said, “While I have heard my dad preach about God wanting us to be ‘in the world but not of the world’, he also frequently preaches about the Second Coming, Heaven, the Millennium, and the New Earth.”

“Yes he does,” Mr. Malku said. “And I enjoy his sermons very much!”

“I think those things are important,” Shane said. “Or there wouldn’t be so much about them in the Bible, right?” Shane looked up at Mr. Malku who looked at the group, waiting for them to answer.

“This world is not my home,” Nic started to sing. “I’m just a passin’ through!”

Then Chloe joined, “If heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do.”

“See!” Shane said. “Heaven is our home!”

“So says some song,” Drake said. “Where were Adam and Eve created? Earth. Earth is our home.”

“Not the way it is now,” Shane said. “It’s fallen a long way from the Garden of Eden!”

“Home is home, prefect or not,” Drake said. “No matter how far away you go or how long you stay, it doesn’t change where you’re from!”

“You’re both right,” Mr. Malku said. “Let’s have a look at three stories Jesus told about His Second Coming. I think they will bring your two views together. Let’s clear the table and head back into the lounge room.”

Group Interaction Time - Matthew 25

Read Matthew 25:1-13. What were they all doing when the bridegroom arrived? What had half of them done before nightfall? What are the spiritual resources we need to have in ready supply as the time of Christ’s return approaches? What can we do today and tomorrow to increase our stored supply of these spiritual resources?

Read Matthew 25:14-30. What does this passage tell us about those living between the time of Jesus’ ascension and Second Coming? What was each of the servants given? What made the difference at the Master’s return—the amount of money raised, or something else? What can we do today and tomorrow to ensure we are not living in fear, like the third man?

Read Matthew 25:31-46. This story is the climax of Jesus’ “end of the world” sermon. What does it focus on? What makes the difference between the sheep and the goats when Jesus returns? What can we do today and tomorrow to ensure we are standing on His right—sheep of the Good Shepard—when Jesus returns as Judge?

Story Conclusion

“Why have I heard it so differently at church?” Drake said. “We have made wanting to go to heaven into a selfish thing rather than a call to bring God’s kingdom to everyone and everything!”

“These three stories make it clear,” Liam said. “We are supposed to be staying full of His presence, developing our spiritual gifts, and helping ‘the least of these’ at every step of the journey.”

Shane added, “God is serious about looking after who and what He loves.”

“Isn’t that what salvation is all about really?” Chloe asked.

“It sure is,” Mr. Malku said. “But don’t you all want to go to heaven one day?”

The group nodded their heads.

“Of course I do,” Drake said, “I just don’t want to wait.”

“Then don’t wait,” Mr. Malku said. “God wants His kingdom to be alive in His followers now.”

“That’s how He knows,” Melissa said.

“Knows what?” Mr. Malku asked.

“Who belongs to Him,” Melissa said. “They are changing the world, making it a better place for everyone else. The sheep are making things better for everyone.”

“And the goats are eating the roses,” Nic laughed.

The lounge room glowed with the warmth of laughter. “Well, I think you guys have a firm grasp of this topic,” Mr. Malku said. “Now we just need to go create the future—bring God’s kingdom to life.”

“It seems like the last few weeks have all been about the same thing,” Liam said.

“How so?” Mr. Malku asked.

“No matter what the topic is,” Liam said, “we end up deciding to go out and do something good for the world.”

“You’re right,” Mr. Malku said. “Why do you think God keeps repeating Himself?”

“Because people aren’t listening,” Drake said.

“Or they keep forgetting,” Melissa said.

“Are we listening?” Mr. Malku asked.

“YES!” the group shouted.

“And will we be forgetting?”

“NO!”

“Alright,” Mr. Malku said. “Until next week, what are we?”

The group sang, “We’re Change Agents!”

“And why are we Change Agents?”

“Because we’re changing the world for Jesus Christ!”

“Very good!” Mr. Malku said, “I’ll see you back here next week and hope to see each of you at Sabbath school. Who will pray?”

“I’ll pray,” Liam said. “Dear Jesus, help us bring your kingdom to life today. Help us to be like the sheep, not the goats. Help us to show your love to the people everywhere who need You so much. Amen.”

“Amen!”
 

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Want to read the rest of this series?

The rest can be found here.

2013 GCY-JWoP - Day 6 - Agents of Justice and Beauty (7/9)

Junior/Teen Study Guide

Day 6 - Agents of Justice and Beauty

“Welcome to the Change Agents Group meeting once again,” Mr. Malku said. “Did you get a chance to be a friendship evangelist, this week?”

“Yes,” Melissa said. “A little girl got knocked over by a big kid and I was able to help her up and stay with her while the nurse looked after her bumps and scratches.”

“I helped an old lady,” said Stephen, “with her shopping. She was pushing a cart full of bags to her car. I asked if I could load them into her car and take the cart back for her. She was very grateful.”

“Good work,” Mr. Malku said. “What about disciple making? Did you guys get a chance to do any of that?”

“Sort of,” Nic said. “There were two guys about to fight in a basketball game. I stepped between them and told them God had better plans for both of them. They laughed, but it worked. They stopped fighting!”

“That’s classic,” Drake said. “Did you have a whole sermon ready if they wanted one?”

“Only the sermon I preach by the way I play now,” Nic said. “I get lots of complements about no longer getting violent. Everybody has noticed.”

“That’s great,” Mr. Malku said. “I’m proud of you for adjusting your behavior. What about teaching what Jesus taught? Did anybody get a chance to do that?”

“I did,” Shane said. “I have a friend who is very interested in Christianity. I talked to him a few times this week.”

“You sure he’s not just being quiet, hoping you’ll go away?” Drake said. “Like a lizard that sits really still, hoping nobody sees it.”

“Very funny, Drake,” Shane said. “You know John. We talk all the time. He’s not pretending.”

“Fair enough,” Drake said, smiling. Then he flicked his tongue in and out and darted his eyes from left to right.

Everyone laughed.

“Well,” Mr. Malku said, “it sounds like last week’s lesson has taken root in us. Let’s keep making disciples, teaching what Jesus taught and leading people to baptism!”

“Our opening question tonight is have you had something happen that changed the way you see life?”

The room was silent for a few moments as the group thought about the question.

“Earlier this year,” Liam said, “I went on a fly-and-build to a third-world country. At first it was like a holiday. Then I noticed how different life was for the people there. When a little boy asked me for my shoes, and I realized he wasn’t barefoot by choice, it really got to me. Life is hard for most of the world. That changed the way I saw everything when I got home. We have so much. We should be thankful. And we should share.”

“That’s a powerful story,” Mr. Malku said. “Anyone else with a story to share? A life changing moment?”

“When my mom left,” Stephen said. “It was really hard. My dad said it wasn’t my fault, but it took me a long time to believe that. I was sad for a year. Everything was in a haze all the time. Then, one day, I kind of stepped out of the haze. I still miss Mom, but I have lots of things to be thankful for—like you guys!”

“Thanks, Stephen,” Mr. Malku said. “That’s tough stuff. I’m glad we are able to be part of your life. Anyone else have a worldview changing event to share?”

“When I was an only child,” Drake said slowly, “Life was so good. Then, I had to share everything. That was hard.”

Everyone snickered as Shane shook his head. “Seven minutes, Drake,” Shane said, “I seriously don’t think you remember anything from the first seven minutes of your life!”

“You even stole that from me,” Drake said sadly, “My only good moments, gone!” Then Drake laughed. “Oh, I guess you’re not that bad. Hey, is that my shirt you’re wearing!?!”

The room filled with laughter again.

Through the sounds of merriment came a familiar voice, “Dinner is served!”

“And the Kingdom is growing!” The group shouted as they hurried to the table.

“Who wants to bless the food?” Mr. Malku asked.

“I will,” Chloe said. “Dear Jesus, thank you for this yummy food. And thank you for my mom who cooks so good! Amen!”

“Amen!”

Mr. Malku allowed the group to enjoy their food for a few minutes and then asked, “How does our worldview shape the way we see and do things?”

“What is a worldview?” Chloe asked.

“Uh, maybe the way we see the world,” Nic teased. “Just like it sounds - World! View!”

“Not fair, Nic. We all learn new things every day.” Mr. Malku said. “Chloe’s ahead of you now.”

“Hey!” Nic said. “That’s not fair! Quick, teach me something.”

“But it has to be something I already know,” Chloe said. “Or else I’ll learn it too and stay in the lead!”

Everyone laughed. Mr. Malku said, “That’s how worldviews work. As we learn things about life, knowledge, religion, other countries – our worldview changes.”

So a worldview,” Shane said, “is the filter we see the world through. The filters change like filters on a camera. Everything we see is shaded by whatever worldview we have.”

“That’s a very good illustration, Shane,” Mr. Malku said. “How do the cross and the resurrection of Jesus change your worldview?”

“Wow,” Stephen said. “It made a big difference for me. It was like the clouds parting to let the sun shine through on a dark stormy day.”

“Why did it make that big of a difference?” Drake said, “You still had the same house, the same clothes, the same school. What was so different?”

“It must be hard for the rest of you,” Stephen said. “You haven’t lived in the dark. You’ve always had the Jesus story shining in your life. Before you showed me Jesus, I felt like there was no purpose or hope in life.”

“I think you’re right,” Shane said. “I just don’t get it the way you do.”

“You remember the sermon, two Sabbath’s ago, when I came to church with you?” Stephen said. “Your dad told the story of that guy who ran away from home with his inheritance.”

“The Prodigal Son,” Drake said.

“Yeah,” Stephen said, “It’s like the story of the prodigal son, only if you didn’t know the father and home even existed. You’re just stuck out there thinking there is nothing better to hope for or to do with your life.”

“That would be a sad place,” Liam said. “Is that really what it was like for you?”

“Pretty much,” Stephen said. “And now I feel like I’m walking home. And it feels good. Sometimes I even feel like running just to get there faster!”

“Thanks for sharing, Stephen,” Mr. Malku said. “Once we grasp the new worldview the cross and the resurrection give us, God starts layering the filters. Let’s look at one together in Psalm 146.”

Group Discussion Time

Read Psalm 146.

God wants to hear the world sing verses 1 and 2. How does the rest of this Psalm make the song possible?

What does God want to see on earth?

What word would you use to label God’s desired “worldview” in this passage?

What impact could God’s people have on the world today if living this worldview?

How can we live verses 7-9?

As believers in Jesus, desiring the salvation of others, how can we bring justice to others before the Judge arrives?

Story Conclusion

“So justice is very important,” Mr. Malku said. “God wants us to bring justice—looking after the broken people—in the world.”

“We can also bring justice to the planet,” Drake said, “by caring for the beauty of nature. Like we said last week.”

“Very true, Drake,” Mr. Malku said. “I think you may have found your calling in life. You seem very passionate about making things right in Creation.”

“I’ve been thinking about it a lot,” Drake said. “I’m going to focus on Earth Sciences at school.”

“That is a great idea,” Mr. Malku said, “You know the first chapter of the Bible is all about how careful God was in His creative work? After each day of Creation He saw what He made and said it was “good.” After the creation of Adam on day six, He said it was “very good.”  

“He created everything slowly,” Chloe said.

“One week to create the entire planet!” Nic laughed, “That doesn’t sound slow to me.”

Stephen asked, “Couldn’t he have just said, ‘let there be a planet for my people’ and it would have appeared fully formed?”

“I guess so,” Nic said.

“Then giving a full day to each part of Creation,” Stephen said, “clearly shows He wanted to experience it in detail, because He loved it.”

“And He wants us to love and care for Creation, as well,” Drake said, “by making it beautiful!”

“Good thinking, boys,” Mr. Malku said. “So, Change Agents, over the next week, let’s see what we can do to be agents for justice and beauty in the world.”

“We will,” the group said.

“Alright,” Mr. Malku said. “Until next week, what are we?”

The group spoke as one, “We’re Change Agents!”

“And why are we Change Agents?”

“Because we’re changing the world for Jesus Christ!”

“Very good!” Mr. Malku said, “I’ll see you back here next week. Let’s pray. Any volunteers?”

“I’ll pray,” Nic said. “Dear Jesus, help us make a change in our world this week. Help us to create justice and beauty in the world around us. Amen.”

“Amen!”
 

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Want to read the rest of this series?

The rest can be found here.

2013 GCY-JWoP - Day 5 - The Greater Commission (6/9)

Junior/Teen Study Guide

Day 5 - The Greater Commission

“Good evening,” Mr. Malku said. “Welcome to another Change Agents Group meeting. How was your week?”

“It was awesome,” Stephen said. “Building the birdhouses was fun!’

“That was a great idea, Drake,” Mr. Malku said. “Did you each get a chance to hang your birdhouse somewhere?”

Each of the group members nodded. “I put mine behind the church,” Drake said, “in the trees next to the parking area. My dad said it was ok.”

“Very good,” Mr. Malku said. “I hope the rest of you all asked permission.”

Again everyone nodded.

“Other than the birdhouses,” Mr. Malku said, “How did you guys reveal the children of God to Creation?”

“Melissa and I,” Chloe said, “planted some flower seeds around all the trees at school. Next Spring they are going to surprise everyone!”

“That’s a great example,” Mr. Malku said. “Good job, girls!”

Mrs. Malku’s voice sang from the kitchen, “Dinner is served!”

“And the Kingdom is growing!” The group yelled as they flocked to the table.

After prayer and a few bites of food, Mr. Malku asked, “Who has been challenged to conquer a fear?”

“What kind of fear?” Nic asked.

“Something you thought you couldn’t do,” Mr. Malku said.

“When I was a kid,” Drake said, “I always wanted to be a rock climber. But I was afraid of heights.”

“You’re a great rock climber!” Nic said, “How did you do it?”

“I started with small climbs,” Drake said. “And my coach taught me to trust the ropes by hanging on them and doing practice falls.”

“Wow,” Mr. Malku said. “That’s great. Anyone else conquered a fear?”

“I used to be scared of old people,” Stephen said.

Everyone giggled. “It’s true,” he continued. “When I’d see them in the shops, I would run and hide.”

“How did you overcome it?” Chloe asked.

“Yeah,” Nic said, “You seem to handle my dad just fine!”

A roar of laughter went around the table as Mr. Malku threw his hands up and said, “Hey, thanks a lot!”

“My dad started taking me to visit my grandpa,” Stephen said. “He lived in an old-folks home. I played games with my grandpa and he told me stories. After a few weeks I realized all old people were somebody else’s grandpa or grandma. And that fixed it.”

“Very good,” Mr. Malku said. “Jesus gave His disciples a challenge that must have seemed impossible to them. Tonight we’re going to talk about that challenge because it has been given to us as well.”

“Because we are disciples too,” Chloe said.

“That’s right,” Mr. Malku said. “Does anyone know what the challenge Jesus gave to His disciples is called?”

“The Great Commission,” Liam said. “He said it right before He went up to heaven.”

“Excellent memory!” Mr. Malku said. “Let’s have a look at the Great Commission and the first commission Jesus gave the disciples as He was training them.”

“He gave them two?” Shane asked.

“He sure did,” Mr. Malku said. “Let’s clear the table and head back into the lounge room. Then we can explore both of them.”

Group Interaction Time

Read Matthew 28:18-20. 

At the beginning and end, when Jesus mentions Himself, what does He promise?

What do these two promises (before and after the great commission!) do for your faith?

How should these three verses impact our boldness in living and speaking like Jesus? 

When Jesus said, “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you,” what commands was He talking about?

Read Matthew 10:5-8. 

Jesus sent His disciples to those who knew God first. What words did He tell them to say? 

What acts did He tell them to do? How have you seen your church—both local and global—demonstrating these words and deeds? 

How could we live these deeds and speak these words in our everyday lives?

Story Conclusion

“So long before He gave them the Great Commission,” Liam said, “Jesus taught them how to do miracles?”

“Looks that way,” Mr. Malku said. “And He promised we will do even greater things!”

“That’s insane,” Nic said. “Can you imagine if we were walking around healing the sick and raising the dead? We’d be on the news every night!”

“Maybe that’s why Jesus said He would be back soon,” Shane said.

“Yeah,” Melissa said, “because if the disciples kept doing miracles like that after He left, the whole world would have known really fast!”

“So what happened?” Mr. Malku asked, “Why didn’t their evangelism change the whole world in a generation?”

“Evangelism?” Drake said. “Evangelism is preaching. Not doing miracles. I know, I’ve sat through my share of evangelism.”

“Is that what happened?” Liam asked. “Did evangelism change from deeds to words?”

“Fairly quickly,” Shane said. “Quick enough that the Good News of Jesus’ miraculous resurrection from the dead didn’t make it all the way around the world before the disciples died.”

“But they made more disciples,” Mr. Malku said, “just as Jesus told them to do.”

“I guess so,” Nic said. “Or there would be no church at all now.”

“True,” Mr. Malku said. “And I don’t think we should be so hard on the disciples. They did their best. Jesus knew it was going to be a long job. That’s why He taught them to make more disciples.”

“We’re disciples,” Chloe said, “because we do things for Jesus in our Change Agents Group and at church.”

“We sure are,” Mr. Malku said. “And how are we participating in the Great Commission Jesus gave? Are we making disciples, teaching what Jesus taught and baptizing those who believe?”

“I’ve been baptized,” Nic said. “So have lots of us.”

“I’m thinking about it,” Stephen said. “Because I do believe in Jesus and want to be part of His Kingdom.”

“That’s awesome!” Nic said. The rest of the group clapped and cheered for Stephen.

Stephen looked at Mr. Malku and said, “Mr. Malku, you’re a disciple maker, aren’t you? I mean, I wouldn’t be making this decision if you weren’t running Change Agents for us. So you’re making disciples, just like Jesus said.”

“That’s kind of you to say, Stephen.” Mr. Malku smiled, “I believe God wants me to disciple my children. That’s why we started this group. It allows Liam, Nicholas, and Chloe to be part of something faith-filled that involves them at their level. I’m glad all the rest of you keep coming back!”

“Well, I love it!” Melissa said. “And you’re my disciple maker, too!”

Everyone laughed.

“What about the other part of the commission,” Mr. Malku asked. “How are we practicing and teaching what Jesus practiced and taught?”

“By making a difference in the world,” Stephen said. “Just like Jesus made a difference.”

“And we talk to people who we help,” Chloe said. “When people get hurt and we care for them, they want to know why we care. So we tell them.”

“We tell them,” Melissa continued Chloe’s thought, “That we love them because Jesus loves them. And we want them to be well because Jesus wants them to be well.”

“This all sounds like a perfect utopia,” Drake said. “But it’s just not reality. Friendship evangelism doesn’t work. Even if we were being nice to everybody every day, what difference would it make really? Is the world a better place? I don’t think so.”

Mr. Malku said, “Drake, is there any way to win a soccer match in the first minute of the game?”

Drake looked completely confused. “Soccer match?” He said, “Um, no, you’ve gotta play the whole game to win.”

“Is it possible to win in the last minute,” Mr. Malku continued, “if your team hasn’t been trying until then?”

“Well, no,” Drake said. “The other team would be way ahead.”

“The winning team,” Mr. Malku said, “plays their best for the entire game. Right?”

“Yes,” Drake said. “But, I don’t see what this has to do with evangelism.”

“If soccer players know that every pass, every block, every shot, every goal is part of the win,” Mr. Malku said. “Then...”

“We should know it too,” Drake said with a smile. “Christianity is like a soccer game. Nice one, Mr. Malku.”

Mr. Malku smiled back, “What is the ‘win’ for us as Christians?”

“Heaven!” Chloe and Melissa sang together.

“Alone?” Mr. Malku asked.

“NO!” Everyone said.

“Who wins the soccer match?” Mr. Malku was looking directly at Drake.

“The team who played best,” Drake said.

“The entire team,” Mr. Malku said, “who played best. We are in this together! Bringing the Kingdom of God to the world, one play at a time! That’s evangelism.”

“That makes sense,” Drake said. “I guess.”

“We often think the goal shots are the most important,” Mr. Malku said. “Not so. Every play of the game makes the win. So the Great Commission is actually a series of acts of service with salvation as the end goal.”

“That’s really cool,” Shane said.

“Alright,” Mr. Malku said. “Until next week, what are we?”

The group said, “We’re Change Agents!”

“And why are we Change Agents?”

“Because we’re changing the world for Jesus Christ!”

“Very good!” Mr. Malku said, “I’ll see you back here next week and I hope to see you all at Sabbath school as well. Who wants to pray?”

“I’ll give it a shot,” Drake said. “Dear Jesus, help us play the game well this week. We want to bring your Kingdom to every person we can. Amen.”

“Amen!”
 

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