Lesson Overviewstorage.cloversites.com/fusionstudentministry/documents/... · 2009-11-03 · novel The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, in which the Great Lion, Aslan, was sacrificed

Reverb StudyLesson: The Mission's Cost

Lesson Overview

Biblical Passage

John 12:23–33

Supporting Passages

Matthew 10:37–39, Mark 8:34–35, Luke 14:27, John 3:14–15

Memory Verse

John 12:25

Biblical Truth

God’s mission requires a willingness to sacrifice self-interests—even at great cost.

Context

When God calls us to be on mission with Him, what should we expect? Scripture tells us that there are many wonderfulrewards for being a part of God’s mission. However, being on mission with God requires sacrifice, as well. Looking back onthe previous lessons of Drive, we see that obedience, passion for God’s glory, and forgiveness all require a sacrifice ofourselves. Through the prediction of His death, Jesus teaches us that complete sacrifice reflects the greatness of God’s love. He also gave clear expectations that sacrifice and service are required for all who would join His mission.

Learning Goals

• Explore Goal: Your students will understand that participating in God’s commission involves sacrifice.• Transform Goal: Your students will apply their understanding by evaluating obstacles that stand in the way of being fullyengaged in His commission.

Prayer Suggestions

As you prepare to teach this lesson, pray for your students.

Pray that students will know the significance and meaning of Christ’s words to His disciples as He prepared to be offered●

up for them.Pray that students will be willing to surrender and sacrifice their self-interests for the sake of following Christ.●

Pray that students will identify and surrender an action or attitude that is preventing them from following Christ fully.●

Biblical Commentary

InvestigationThe setting of this story is probably found within the context of Jesus’ final week that led up to His crucifixion. A day or twoearlier, He had made a triumphal entry into Jerusalem while riding on a donkey. Today we identify that day as Palm Sunday.Following His ride into Jerusalem, Jesus probably returned to Bethany for an overnight stay. On Monday, He attended theTemple and found that the people were making a market and a mockery of the Court of the Gentiles. His cleansing of theTemple was sure to have made an impression on some of the Gentiles who witnessed the action. Jesus may have then movedinto the Court of Men, a place where Gentiles were not allowed. Some of the Greeks approached Philip and asked to seeJesus. Philip responded by going to Andrew, who in turn told Jesus.

Jesus considered this inquiry a sign that the time had come for Him to be offered up as a sacrifice. He announced this to themultitude around Him and illustrated the nature of His sacrifice with a lesson from nature. Jesus expressed His sorrow andwillingness to be lifted up. He closed the discourse with a prayer of surrender and desire to glorify the Father. The Fatherspoke approval in an audible voice that sounded like thunder. God would be glorified—but at the high cost of the death of HisSon. Jesus would pay the price of glory: the loss of His own life by His death on the cross. Service and sacrifice are the priceof glory.

ImportanceThis passage contains the Essential Truth that Jesus is God and Savior. Obviously, He was no ordinary man. Having cleansedthe Temple and defended His Father’s house, Jesus then referred to Himself indirectly as the Son of Man who was soon to beglorified. For the Jews and the God-fearers, this was recognized as a Messianic term drawn from the book of Daniel. The

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International BibleSociety. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.Copyright © Clarity Publishers, Inc., 2009. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of StudentLifeBibleStudy curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

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manner in which Jesus would serve as the Savior was contrary to that messianic expectation. The Son of Man was expectedto come and avenge the people of God, overthrow the government, and reign for eternity. Jesus, on the other hand,announced that He would be lifted up, and he subsequently showed what kind of death He was supposed to die and what itwould accomplish. The devil would be driven out, the world would be judged, and people would be drawn to Him.

InterpretationJohn 12:23 “Some Greeks,” as they were identified in verse 20, were most likely “God-fearers” or “proselytes” that hadcome to Jerusalem to attend the annual Passover. After seeing Jesus drive out the moneychangers, they desired an audiencewith Him and attempted to set up the meeting through Philip. Philip went to Andrew, who then told Jesus. Something aboutthis conversation triggered an interesting response from Jesus: He announced that “the hour” had come. Interestingly, “thereis no record that Jesus either gave these Greeks an audience or sent a reply back to them” (Gaebelein, 1981). Instead, Headdressed the disciples and the multitude around Him. It was time to be “glorified.” Contrast this statement with the onefound in John 2:4 in which Jesus told Mary his mother that His hour had not yet come. Up to now, the time had “not yetcome.” But now it was time. The manner is which Jesus was to be glorified was quite evident. The crucifixion would serve asthe glorification of the Son. This was made clear by the illustration given in the next verse.

John 12:24 Like a grain of wheat, Jesus would die and bring forth many seeds. We are told that “the weight of this utteranceis marked by a double seal of verity and the added seal of authority” (Lenski, 1961). Other translations make this more clearwhen the phrase “verily, verily” or “truly, truly” is used rather than “I tell you the truth.” Notice the irony of this illustration.A single seed is anything but glorious or significant. It does not resemble the fruit or indicate the size of the plant. Onceplanted, the seed’s appearance and glory are even further diminished. Yet it is only after the seed dies and decays that itreveals life and glory. Jesus was but a single solitary life. At the point of His crucifixion, He was beaten beyond recognitionand appeared even more unsightly and weak than before. The fruit that resulted is now immeasurable. Augustine said, “Thedeath of Christ was the death of the most fertile grain of wheat” (Lenski, 1961). The number of followers is nowimmeasurable and innumerable.

John 12:25 Jesus spoke not only about His death, but about the necessity of death and denial or service and sacrifice forthose who would follow Him. The one who loves this life and clings to it will miss out on real life. The one who dies to thisworld’s influence becomes alive to that which is real life. This probably refers to both salvation and service. Emphasis couldbe placed on the meaning of “love” and “hate,” but the weight of Jesus’ statement seems to rest on the issue of “choice.” Onechooses to cling to the object of affection or chooses to reject that which is hated. “Loving and hating refer to choice” (Hobbs,1968). Service and sacrifice are a choice that is made willingly and voluntarily. The price of glory is not coerced, butcommanded. It is, however, to be paid freely.

John 12:26 The choice to which Jesus referred was that of following Him unconditionally. Following Him requires thesacrifice and service demonstrated by His own life. Surrender precedes service, and service includes sacrifice. The promiseof Jesus’ presence and God’s glory accompany the one who surrenders and serves.

John 12:27 Jesus’ next statement revealed the weight of the matter of sacrifice. He understood that there would be “no glorywithout suffering, no fruitful life without death, no victory without surrender” (Wiersbe, 1988). It is as if further revelation orrealization had come to Jesus. Just as He acknowledged that the time had finally arrived, He seemed to feel the impact of themoment in an eerily fresh way.

A doctor tells a man with bad knees that he will have to have total knee replacement someday, but not immediately. The timecomes when the doctor declares the replacement to be necessary and schedules the surgery. In doing this, the “not yet”becomes the “now.” When it comes, the man’s emotions become fully engaged, and the thought of the procedure of replacingboth knees and the suffering that will accompany such a surgery causes the man to be very troubled. Gaining the fruitfulnessof mobility requires surrender and suffering. Jesus knew the price that He would have to pay. His prayer expressed Hisheaviness as a fact, not a fear. His response was to embrace the reality, not escape from it. Jesus knew exactly the price ofglory, and He knew that it was the reason for His presence at that moment.

John 12:28–29 God’s approval of Jesus’ surrender and obedience was audible to all, but it was understood only by Jesus (andpossibly by His disciples). This is the third time in which the Father had validated Jesus’ ministry like so. The other timeswere at Jesus’ baptism and during His moment of transfiguration on the mountain.

John 12:30–32 It is possible that the disciples understood what was said, because Jesus affirmed that what had been saidwas for their benefit, not His. He then explained the meaning to them. The next couple of verses offer meaning to the deaththat Jesus was about to experience. Jesus’ death would achieve four things, according to Bruce Milne (1993): 1) It would passjudgment on the world, 2) it would drive out the prince of this world, 3) it would exalt Jesus, and 4) it would draw all men to


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Him.

Interestingly, the Greek word used for judgment is krisis. “The world had faced many crises. But this will be the greatest”(Hobbs, 1968). The prince of this world refers to Satan. C.S. Lewis provided a beautiful picture of this scenario in his fantasynovel The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, in which the Great Lion, Aslan, was sacrificed on behalf of those he loved,which served to effectively and permanently overthrow the White Witch.

John 12:33 While Jesus spoke these words to clarify the fact that He must die and to signify the manner in which His deathwould take place, the audience was confounded. They believed that the Son of Man was to come and overthrow the tyrannyof the Romans, not be executed by them.

ImplicationsThe purpose for Jesus’ coming was serious business. If He had denied that purpose, we would have no reason to hope today.But because Jesus was willing to deny Himself, we now live with the hope of eternal life, sealed in a relationship with Him.What does this mean to us today? Jesus’ revelation of His own purpose called into focus the cost of discipleship. He revealedthat through His death many would have life, and that life would spread because of the living. What do you hope will beaccomplished in your life because of His death and your relationship with Him? How much might this cost you? Jesusindicated that it would cost no less than our very selves. Are you willing to lay down your own will and your own life so thatothers may know Him? It begins right here, right now.

History and Hollywood are replete with portrayals of the price of glory. Recorded history reveals that many of the discipleswhom Jesus addressed eventually died the death of martyrs in service to their Lord. Movies such as The Lord of the Rings,The Chronicles of Narnia, Saving Private Ryan, and Braveheart are also such examples. The brave men and women serving inthe armed forces have taken an oath, surrendered their rights, and risked the ultimate sacrifice for our sake. The key wordsor thoughts to get across to students are surrender, service, and sacrifice. Think of some ways in which you can illustratethese words to your students.

Teaching Plan: Connect ActivitiesAll activity sheets are at the end of this printable lesson

Review Questions: Called and Sent(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)Download the “Review Questions” activity sheet. Print one copy for your own use.

Use the review questions to test what students can recall from the previous lesson as well as to provide context for today’slesson.

Drama: Just This Once(5–10 minutes, easy set-up)Download the drama script. Prior to the session, enlist two students to enact the drama. Give copies of the script to castmembers ahead of time so that they will be ready to perform it.

Prompt actors to perform the drama. Afterward, conclude the activity by saying: Have you ever considered that there issome sacrifice involved in having a relationship with Jesus Christ? That’s today’s focus—to know what thosesacrifices might be.

Reverb Media Option: Simple Sacrifices(3–5 minutes, Reverb Media Pass required)If your church has purchased the Reverb Media Pass or the Reverb DVD, preview and arrange to play the “Simple Sacrifices”video, which is available in the “Media” tab. (If your church has not purchased the Reverb Media Pass, you can purchase thissingle media piece through the “Media” tab.)

Play the “Simple Sacrifices” video. Afterward, ask students if they can relate to the idea of sacrifice expressed in this video.Ask students what comes to mind when they hear the word sacrifice as it pertains to God. Explain that while they may becalled to make large sacrifices as they follow Christ, there are simple, easy things they can do each day to make a difference


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in the world for Christ. Say: Today’s lesson will take a closer look at the idea of sacrifice.

Especially for Younger Students: Course of Action(10 minutes, easy set-up)Provide masking tape and an assortment of chairs, trashcans, and other items to be used as obstacles.

Before students arrive, create two courses or mazes on the floor with masking tape. The courses should be clearly marked,include some sudden shifts and circles, and have clear beginnings and endings.

Next, divide students into two teams and assign each team a course. Then, tell students they have 30 seconds to findobstacles such as chairs, trashcans, and other items to place in the course of their opposing team. The items should fit withinthe boundary lines or lanes of the other team’s course. Then tell students to line up on the starting lines of their own course.When you give the word to begin, they are to race one at a time through their course until everyone is through. The catch isthat they must make their way up, over, around, or under each obstacle without going outside the boundary lines of theircourse. (They are not allowed to remove any of the obstacles.) The first team to get all teams through the course to the finishline wins.

After completing the race, say to students: Just like there are obstacles in this race, there are obstacles in our abilityto commit to following Jesus’ mission. Today we’ll talk about how we can remove these obstacles.

Especially for Older Students: Big Word: Altruism(10 minutes, easy set-up)Provide paper, pens, dry erase board, and marker.

Distribute paper and pens to students, inviting them to make a list of all their hobbies and interests. After students havefinished making their lists, ask: What would be the easiest on your list to give up? Tell them to circle those things. Thenask: What would be the most difficult to give up? Tell students to cross out those things. Then ask for volunteers to sharetheir lists and one or two of the circled or crossed out items.

Next, write the word altruism on the dry erase board. Ask students if they know a definition for this word. Help studentsconclude that the definition means placing the needs of others before their own. Say: God may ask you to give up all thethings on your list, or He may ask you to give up none of them, but He will definitely ask you to make somesacrifices for the sake of others. Today we will focus on how Christ made altruism a practice that resulted in theultimate sacrifice.

Teaching Plan: Explore ActivitiesAll activity sheets are at the end of this printable lesson

Key Study: Seeds(15–20 minutes, easy set-up) Download the Student Worksheet. Print a copy for each student. Also provide pens, an apple, a small knife, and a smallwater pistol full of water. If you choose, provide the Life of Christ Timeline and the Judea, Samaria, and Galilee at the Time ofChrist map, which are available in the “Media” tab.

Using the Life of Christ Timeline, point out to students that Jesus’ revealing of His death probably occurred on Monday of thePassion Week while He was at or near the Temple. Next, explain to students that Jesus had already entered Jerusalem onSunday (known as Palm Sunday) during His triumphal entry. Point out Jerusalem on the Judea, Samaria, and Galilee at theTime of Christ map.

Display the water pistol and the apple. Then say: After I toss you this apple, you have three seconds to answer aquestion, or I will squirt you. When you have answered the question, toss the apple to someone else. Toss the appleto a student. Ask: What is this object? (apple) If the student doesn’t answer quickly, squirt him or her with the water pistol.(Don’t squirt vigorously, and make sure to squirt the student in the hair or on the arm. Avoid getting clothes wet.) Then tellhim or her to quickly toss the apple to another student. Ask the student with the apple: Where do you think that I got it?


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(grocery store) Continue this process, allowing the student who answered the question to toss the apple to another student.This should be a rapid process so that students have to pay close attention. Ask each successive student a question such as:What do people do with apples? (eat them) Where do apples grow? (on apple trees) Your last question should be:Where did the tree come from? (a seed) Ask the last student to toss the apple back to you. Use the knife to cut open theapple and remove its seeds. Lead students to discuss the basic life cycle of the apple as it goes from a seed planted in theground to an apple tree producing fruit, which is filled with more seeds that become trees.

Ask: What is the purpose of the seed? (to produce an apple tree) What if the seed never breaks open? (then there is notree and no apple) Explain that the seed must give up its life as a seed in order to become a tree and produce more fruit. Tellstudents that Jesus said that following Him is similar: Just as the seed gives up its life to become something greater, we mustgive up our right to live the way we want in order to follow Christ and become more like Him.

Ask four or five volunteers to each read a portion of John 12:23–33 aloud. Explain that although Jesus recognized thedifficulty of His sacrifice, He knew that it was part of God’s plan to save humanity. Explain further that this demonstrates theEssential Truth that Jesus is God and Savior. Point to Jesus is God and Savior on the Eight Essential Truths poster. (Ifyour church has not purchased the poster, you can access a list of the Eight Essential Truths by visitingwww.studentlifebiblestudy.com.) Say: Jesus also explained that following Him means giving up our lives and lettinggo of our right to live as we want to. He produced fruit for all humanity through His sacrifice, and we can likewisedo great things by sacrificing ourselves for Him.

Distribute pens and copies of the Student Worksheet at this time. Tell students to focus on the “Jesus’ Sacrifice” section.Instruct them to fill in the blanks during the following discussion. Ask: Who was defeated by Jesus’ sacrifice? (Satan)Whom did Jesus draw to Himself through His sacrifice? In other words, whom did Jesus die to save? (all men)What did Jesus’ sacrifice do for God’s name? (His sacrifice glorified it. Countless people have praised God’s name as aresult of Christ’s sacrifice.) Direct students to the “Our Sacrifice” section of the Student Worksheet. Tell them to fill in the blanks during the followingdiscussion. Then ask: What do we have to do if we want to serve Jesus? (follow Him by living sacrificially like He did)What happens to your life if you love it more than Jesus? (You lose it; if you live your life for your own desires, yourdeath will be for all eternity.) What do you gain if you love Jesus more than your own life? (eternal life)

Explain that Jesus sacrificed His life in order to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for humanity. He also called us to sacrifice ourright to live as we choose in order to follow Him. When we sacrifice ourselves in this way, God glorifies Himself through us.

Master Teacher Key Study: At Great Cost(15–20 minutes, easy set-up)Download the Master Teacher Key Study. Print one copy for your own use. Download the Master Teacher Student Worksheet.Print a copy for each learner. Also provide pens.

Pass out pens and copies of the Master Teacher Student Worksheet. Then use the Master Teacher Key Study to teach John12:23–33.

Especially for Younger Students: Why Me?(10 minutes, easy set-up) Download the “Why Me?” activity sheet. Print one copy.

Ask a volunteer to read aloud from the “Why Me?” activity sheet. Then say: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. thought that hemight die before seeing the ultimate fruit of the Civil Rights Movement. What do you think it was like for him tothink that he would die while pursuing God’s plan for his life? Lead students to discuss the emotions that King mighthave felt when thinking about his death. Ask them to consider the following questions about King: Did he question God’splan? Did he try to treasure every moment with his family? Did he try to tell his followers everything that hewanted them to know? Did he forgive his enemies? After a brief discussion, explain that Dr. King tried to pursue God’splan for him even though he was grieved by it. He knew that God’s plan was best, even if he died pursuing it. Share that somany opportunities have opened for African-Americans and other races because of Dr. King’s personal sacrifice.

Reminds students that they just learned that Jesus’ heart was troubled by the fact that He would have to die to fulfill God’splan of salvation. Tell them that the Bible reveals more of Jesus’ emotions about His sacrifice. Ask a student to read Luke


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22:44. Then ask another student to read Matthew 26:38–39. Explain that these events took place just before Jesus wasarrested and sentenced to die. Tell students that Jesus’ burden was infinitely greater than Dr. King’s. Say: Jesus knew thatHis sacrifice would bring salvation to humanity, but He still asked God to “pass the cup” from Him if at allpossible. Ask: What do you think that Jesus felt when He thought about sacrificing His life for God’s plan in orderto save all humanity from a death that they deserved? (Possible answers: grieved, sad, angry about sin)

After a brief discussion, ask another student to read John 17:11 aloud. Then say: The previous verses showed us thatJesus was grieved by His sacrifice. But what does John 17:11 say that he decided to do? (He decided to go forwardwith the sacrifice and be with God in Heaven. He prayed that God would protect the unity of His disciples once He was gone.)Explain that despite the burden of His sacrifice, Jesus put God’s plan first. Explain that we should praise Jesus even morebecause we know that He chose to save us (who weren’t even born) rather than save His own earthly life. Say: Jesus’sacrifice set the model for the apostles, Christians like Dr. King, and followers like you and me.

Especially for Older Students: The King Who Came to Die(5–10 minutes, easy set-up)

Explain that in today’s passage, Jesus talked about the sacrifice that He would soon make to fulfill God’s salvation plan.Explain further that when this event took place, Jesus was nearing the end of His earthly life, and He was revealing evenmore of His divine mission. Say: Let’s take a look at an event that took place just before Jesus’ discussion of sacrifice.

Ask a student to read John 12:12–15 aloud. When the student has finished, ask: Can anyone explain the significance ofthe events in the passage? If no one can, explain that Jesus’ triumphal entry was significant to Jesus’ ministry. Tellstudents that the words Jesus’ followers spoke as He rode into Jerusalem actually came from some Old Testament passagesthat prophesied the coming of the Messiah.

Ask another student to read Zechariah 9:9–10 aloud. Then ask: Now that we’ve read this prophecy, what is thesignificance of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and the words that people said as He rode in? (Answer:They echoed the words of the messianic prophecy from Zechariah.) Ask another student to read Psalm 118:26–27. Ask: Doyou see any similarities between this psalm and the triumphal entry? (The people quoted this psalm when Jesus cameinto Jerusalem. Also, the psalm mentions “boughs,” and the people waved palm branches when Jesus rode into Jerusalem.)Explain that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem fulfilled both of these messianic prophecies.

Ask students to think back to the passage from the Key Study. Ask: In John 12:23–33, today’s biblical passage, what didJesus say that He came to do? (He came to sacrifice His life to “draw all men to Himself” and cast out “the prince of thisworld.” He came to die for the sins of humanity.) So when we put together all of these events from John 12, includingthe triumphal entry and the discussion of sacrifice, what picture do we get of Jesus? (He is the Messiah, and Hecame to sacrifice Himself to save humanity.)

Explain that the disciples did not understand the significance of Jesus’ triumphal entry when it happened. Say: In fact,people expected the Messiah to be a warrior who would drive out the Roman Empire, according to Luke 24:21.But Jesus’ sacrifice did so much more than save Israel; rather, it brought salvation to the whole world. Explain thatthe context of today’s passage clearly explains Jesus’ role on earth.

Teaching Plan: Transform ActivitiesAll activity sheets are at the end of this printable lesson

Deeper Discussion(5–7 minutes, easy set-up)

Explain that in today’s passage, Jesus said that His servants must follow His sacrificial example.

Ask:

In the past, have you been obedient in sacrificing your desires to follow God’s plan? What things have you given●

up in order to follow God more closely (i.e., ungodly friendships, questionable TV shows, possessions that youidolized, etc.)? Share that Jesus knew that God had called Him to sacrifice His life for the salvation of humanity.Are there specific sacrifices that you know you need to make in your life? What are they? Tell students that Jesus●


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admitted He was troubled by His sacrifice. He knew that it would be difficult. What difficulties will you face when you make the sacrifices that God has called you to make? ●

Do you find yourself pursuing your own hobbies and extracurricular activities more than God’s call? ●

Especially for Younger Students: What Can I Sacrifice?(15 minutes, easy set-up)Download the “What Can I Sacrifice?” activity sheet. Print a copy for each student. Also provide pens, dry erase board, andmarker.

Ask: What is your understanding of God’s commission in your life? What are the obstacles that are keeping youfrom doing this? (Possible answers: apathy, prejudice, fear of rejection by friends, fear of being called to be a missionary,fear that God will ask me to do something that I don’t want to do) Explain to students that Jesus’ physical sacrifice was verydifferent than the kinds of sacrifices that they face every day.

Ask students to briefly call some of the sacrifices that they make (or fail to make) on a daily basis. Write a few of theircomments on the dry erase board. Then ask: Think about your family life: How do you make sacrifices where yourfamily, time, and friends are concerned?

After the brief discussion, distribute pens and copies of the “What Can I Sacrifice?” activity sheet. Instruct students to reflecton the discussion and think about some specific sacrifices that they need to make on a daily basis in order to fulfill God’s planand purposes. Give students a few moments to work, then remind them that sacrifice doesn’t have to be frightening becauseGod gives grace every day to help them follow His plans.

Especially for Older Students: What are You Afraid Of?(8–10 minutes, easy set-up) Download the “What are You Afraid Of?” activity sheet. Print a copy for each student. Also provide pens.

Say: Jesus sacrificed His life to fulfill God’s salvation plan. He also called us to sacrifice our own lives and desiresto follow Him.

Distribute pens and copies of the “What are You Afraid Of?” activity sheet. Then say: Every day, we are faced with adecision: We can sacrifice ourselves to follow God, or we can follow our own desires. Think about specificsituations in your daily life: Do your hobbies keep you from spending time with God? Are you afraid to befriendsomeone at school because you might be made fun of? Are you afraid to stop gossiping because you’ll lose afriend? Are you afraid to get out of a physically intimate relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend because youdon’t want to be lonely? What sacrifices do you need to make?

Give students a few minutes to think of some specific situations that they face every day. Then instruct them to look at theiractivity sheets. Say: What you are afraid of, and what keeps you from making sacrifices in order to fulfill the plansthat God wants you to be a part of? What may be the obstacles that keep you from fulfilling God’s purposes inyour life? Instruct students to fill in the box beside all fears that apply and to write any other fears that aren’t on the list.Give students a few minutes to write. Then lead them to describe what sacrifice looks like in their world while understandingthat in some parts of the world, people may lose their lives by committing to be a part of fulfilling God’s plan.

Say: We know that Jesus was troubled by His sacrifice, but we also know that He boldly went forward to fulfillGod’s eternal plan. Tell students to boldly pray that God will allow them to overcome their fears so they can make thesacrifices necessary to pursue His plan.

Creative Prayer(10–15 minutes, moderate set-up) Download the “Creative Prayer” activity sheet. Print one copy. Provide four blank posters. Using a red permanent marker,write on each sheet one of the following words in large letters: relationships, hobbies, school, other. Cut apart the activitysheet, then tape each of the sections to its matching poster. If possible, reserve a meeting area that allows you to dim thelighting. In each of four separate sections of the meeting area, attach one of the four posters to the wall using tape or puttytack. Last, provide a CD/digital media player and the Hillsong United song “My God” from the album To the Ends of the Earth.


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Dim the lights in your meeting area. Divide students into four groups. Assign each group to a different prayer station,instructing them to read the poster at their prayer station and then spend two or three minutes in silent prayer based onwhat they’ve read. Rotate the groups among the stations every two or three minutes until everyone has prayed at eachstation. While students pray, play the Hillsong United song “My God” as background music.

Afterward, bring the groups back together. Close the activity by praying aloud that God will give your students the boldnessto make the sacrifices that He has called them to make. After you finish the prayer, make yourself and other adults availableto any students who need to talk about difficult sacrifices.

Reverb Student Book Option: The Cost(5 minutes, Reverb student book Required)If your church has purchased the Reverb student book, preview the activity on page 39 titled “The Cost.” If you choose,provide a copy of the book to reference as you mention the activity to students.

Remind students that living on mission doesn’t happen without cost. Say: As we talked about today, there is a cost. Thedecision that you must make is whether God is important enough to you for you to be willing to follow Him at allcosts. If you have a student book available, turn to page 39 and point out the activity titled “The Cost.” Explain that thisactivity is merely designed to make them think and to challenge them in their spiritual lives. Encourage students to readpages 36–41 this week, paying close attention to page 39. Challenge them to pray to God and be honest with Him about theirattitude toward the cost of following Him.

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2005. All rights reserved. Drive 5, Prep GuidePermission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

Drive: The Mission of God in the WorldLesson 5, Overview

Biblical Passage: John 12:23–33

Biblical Truth: God’s mission requires a willingness to sacrifice self-interests—even at great cost.

PRAYER SUGGESTIONSAs you prepare to teach this lesson, pray for your students.

• Pray that students will know the significance and meaning of Christ’s words to His disciples as Heprepared to be offered up for them.

• Pray that students will be willing to surrender and sacrifice their self-interests for the sake offollowing Christ.

• Pray that students will identify and surrender an action or attitude that is preventing them fromfollowing Christ fully.

COMPLETE SUPPLY LISTConnect . . .

Review Questions: Called and Sent—copy of the “Review Questions” activity sheet Drama: Just This Once—Copies of the drama script; any necessary props Reverb Media Option: Simple Sacrifices—Reverb Media Pass Especially for Younger Students: Course of Action—masking tape; assortment of chairs,

trashcans, and other items to be used as obstacles Especially for Older Students: Big Word: Altruism—paper; pens; dry erase board; marker

Explore . . . Key Study: Seeds—copies of the Student Worksheet; pens; apple; small knife; water pistol filled

with water; Life of Christ Timeline; Judea, Samaria, and Galilee at the Time of Christ map Master Teacher Key Study: At Great Cost—copy of the Master Teacher Key Study; copy of the

Master Teacher Student Worksheet; pens Especially for Younger Students: Why Me?—copy of the “Why Me?” activity sheet Especially for Older Students: The King Who Came to Die—No supplies needed

Transform . . . Deeper Discussion—No supplies needed Especially for Younger Students: What Can I Sacrifice?—copies of the “What Can I Sacrifice?”

activity sheet; pens; dry erase board; marker Especially for Older Students: What are You Afraid Of?—copies of the “What are You Afraid

Of?” activity sheet; pens Creative Prayer—copy of the “Creative Prayer” activity sheet; four blank posters; red permanent

marker; tape; CD/digital media player; “My God” song by Hillsong United (To the Ends of the Earth) Reverb Student Book Option: The Cost—Reverb student book

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2009. All rights reserved. Drive 5, “Review Questions” PDFPermission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

Drive: The Mission of God in the WorldLesson 5, Review Questions

1. Jesus sent the disciples out to _____.a. feed the poor and clothe the needyb. preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sickc. find five loaves and two fishesd. teach the Scriptures and equip the saints for the work of the ministry

2. Jesus told the disciples to take _____ for their journey.a. nothingb. bread and waterc. a tunicd. a little extra money

3. If people in the towns did not welcome the disciples, they were supposed to ____.a. leave quietlyb. call down a plague on the townc. shake the dust off their feet as they leftd. go on a prayer walk.

4. In Luke 10, Jesus sent 72 workers ahead of Him _____.a. individuallyb. in pairsc. in groups of fourd. in one large group

5. Jesus compared people who need to hear the gospel to a _____.a. farmb. swarmc. harvestd. crowd

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2009. All rights reserved. Drive 5, “Review Questions” PDFPermission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

Drive: The Mission of God in the WorldLesson 5, Answers

1. Jesus sent the disciples out to _____. (Lesson 4)a. feed the poor and clothe the needyb. preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sickc. find five loaves and two fishesd. teach the Scriptures and equip the saints for the work of the ministry

2. Jesus told the disciples to take _____ for their journey. (Lesson 4)a. nothingb. bread and waterc. a tunicd. a little extra money

3. If people in the towns did not welcome the disciples, they were supposed to ____. (Lesson 4)a. leave quietlyb. call down a plague on the townc. shake the dust off their feet as they leftd. go on a prayer walk.

4. In Luke 10, Jesus sent 72 workers ahead of Him _____. (Lesson 4)a. individuallyb. in pairsc. in groups of fourd. in one large group

5. Jesus compared people who need to hear the gospel to a _____. (Lesson 4)a. farmb. swarmc. harvestd. crowd

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Drive: The Mission of God in the WorldLesson 5, Drama

Just This Once

Characters:JULIEALISON

Props: two coffee cups, two cell phones, parkbench

Costumes: casual attire

Creative Note: Two friends learn how hard it canbe to make even the smallest of sacrifices forone’s relationship with Christ.

(JULIE and ALISON enter stage left, coffee cupsin hand.)

JULIE: Isn’t it just an absolutely beautiful day?

ALISON: I know. It’s perfect.

JULIE: You wanna sit?

ALISON: Sure.

(They sit on the park bench. JULIE lets out a longsigh.)

JULIE: When was the last time you just took awalk in the park like this?

ALISON: Uh . . . maybe when I was eight. Maybewith my dad.

(They laugh.)

JULIE: I know. I can’t remember the last time Ihad a whole hour with nothing to do.

ALISON: Me too! Is your schedule as crazy asmine?

JULIE: Worse.

ALISON: That’s impossible.

JULIE: Okay. I have to pick my little brother uptwice a week from his school.

ALISON: I work three school nights a week andon the weekend to pay for my cellphone bill.

JULIE: You have to pay for your cell phonebill?

ALISON: You don’t?

JULIE: No. But I have do have to pay for myown gas.

ALISON: Ugh. You win.

JULIE: I only work two nights during the week,but I study twice a week for three hourseach time for the ACT.

ALISON: I need to be doing that.

JULIE: That’s on top of my regular homework.

ALISON: I don’t even know how much time Ispend filling out college applicationsand writing essays.

JULIE: Then there’s church on Sunday . . .

ALISON: And Wednesday . . .

JULIE: And I have to keep up with my shows.

ALISON: I watch my shows and Facebook at thesame time.

JULIE: So do I!

ALISON: How else are we supposed to keep up?

JULIE: Oh! And there’s one little thing I forgotabout.

ALISON: What?

JULIE: Jared.

(They laugh.)

ALISON: Oh, yeah, our boyfriends! I knew wewere forgetting something!

JULIE: Do you ever see Brandon?


ALISON: I mean, we see each other at schooland talk on the phone. And we usuallydo something on Friday night.

JULIE: That’s what we do.

ALISON: I think our lives might be a littleovercommitted.

JULIE: I know. (pause) But you know what theworst part is?

ALISON: What?

JULIE: There’s hardly any time left over forGod.

ALISON: (wincing) Thanks for the guilt trip.

JULIE: You know what I mean?

ALISON: Yeah.

JULIE: If I have like one quiet time a week, I’mdoing great.

ALISON: I know. I’m the same way.

JULIE: I put it off until like eleven or eleven-thirty at night, and by then I can’t stayawake.

ALISON: I try to do it in the morning.

JULIE: How’s that working for you?

ALISON: Terrible.

(They laugh.)

ALISON: Every night, I set my alarm for six a.m.,thinking that I’m going to get up andpray and read my Bible for half an hour.And every morning, I hit the snoozeuntil six-forty-five, when I barely haveenough time to get ready for school.And every morning I tell myself thesame thing: “It’s just this once. I’ll getup early tomorrow.” And I never do.

JULIE: (deep in thought) You know what weought to do?

ALISON: What?

JULIE: What are you doing this Saturday?

ALISON: Brandon and I are hanging out.

JULIE: And I’m supposed to work. But here’swhat we’re going to do instead. We’regoing to set the whole day aside forGod.

ALISON: What do you mean?

JULIE: We get together early, but not too early. . . grab some coffee . . . grab ourBibles and our journals . . . and spendthe whole day reading, praying, andjournaling.

ALISON: The whole day?

JULIE: We can take little breaks! Get togetherand see what God’s been telling us. Gofor a walk, like this. Grab lunch. I mean,when was the last time you set a wholeday aside for God?

ALISON: Uh . . . never.

JULIE: I know! Me neither. But we both saythat He’s the most important part of ourlives. Come on, wouldn’t that be great?

ALISON: What about work?

JULIE: I can get someone to pick up my shift.

ALISON: I don’t know . . .

JULIE: Alison. It’s one day. If we’re going to beserious about following Jesus, thensomething’s gotta give.

(Alison thinks about this for a moment. A smileslowly appears on her face.)

ALISON: You’re right. Let’s do it. (getting herphone out) I’ll text Brandon right now.

JULIE: Yes! And I’ll call Brandi to see if shecan work for me.

ALISON: This is a great idea. I’ve neededsomething like this.

(JULIE’S cell phone starts to ring. She has the


following conversation as ALISON texts.)

JULIE: Uh-oh. Blowin’ up. (answering) Hey,girl! What’s up? . . . Nothing. . . . Um, Idon’t know. Why? . . . No way! Theyhave a lake house? . . . That soundsawesome. Yes. I’m in! . . . I don’t knowif he can go, but I’m in for sure . . .Where are we meeting? . . . Should Ibring anything? (laughs) You’re sogreat. Thank you so much. . . . Okay.Bye.

(JULIE hangs up just as ALISON finishes hertext.)

ALISON: Brandon is cool. We’re on for Saturday!

JULIE: Change of plans.

ALISON: What?

JULIE: The parents of Samantha Greer’sboyfriend Matt have a lake house, andshe invited Jared and I to hang out withthem this Saturday!

ALISON: (stunned) Julie! We just made plans!

JULIE: I know! I’m so sorry! You know that Iwouldn’t flake out on you normally. It’sjust this once.

ALISON: “Just this once.”

JULIE: We’ll do it next Saturday, I promise.

(JULIE looks at her phone and springs up.)

JULIE: I have to get to work. This was so muchfun!

(JULIE gives ALISON a hug.)

JULIE: I’ll see you at church?

ALISON: Sure.

(JULIE dashes off stage right.)

ALISON: (to herself) See you then.

(ALISON wanders off stage left.)

(The End)

SEEDS

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2005. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of Student Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

the mission’s costbiblical passage: John 12:23–33memory verse: John 12:25 “The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

student worksheet

JesUs’ sAcRiFiceJesus’ sacrifice defeated _______________ (v. 31).

Jesus’ sacrifice drew _______________ _______________ to Himself (v. 32).

Jesus’ sacrifice _______________ God’s name (v. 28).

oUR sAcRiFiceWhoever serves Jesus must _______________ Him (v. 26).

If you love your life more than Jesus, you will _______________ it (v. 25).

If you love Jesus more than your life, you will gain _______________ _______________ (v. 25).

ReVeRB::DRIVE::the mission of God in the World::lesson five

Copyright © Clarity Publishers, 2009. All rights reserved. Drive 5, Master Teacher Key Study, Page 1Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

Drive: The Mission of God in the WorldLesson 5, Master Teacher Key Study

Master Teacher Key StudyAT GREAT COSTUse this outline and any of the corresponding activities to share the Biblical Truth with students.

Intro: Jesus exemplified the perfect life by sacrificing Himself for God’s plan.

Description: In today’s passage, Jesus revealed that He must die to fulfill God’s purpose for His life.Jesus’ sacrificial life gives us an example to follow.

Illustration: Hold up an apple for students to see. Explain that an apple is tasty and nutritious and that itgoes through a process to become that way. Cut open the apple and expose the seeds. Explain that eachseed must be sacrificed in order to become a tree, which eventually produces the apple. In the same way,Jesus had to die to bring the fruit of salvation for humanity. We must also sacrifice our lives to producefruit for the gospel.

1. Following God means sacrificing your life to serve Him (John 12:23–26).

Description: Jesus understood that God had called Him to sacrifice His happiness, His body, and His lifein order to fulfill the purpose that God had given Him. He taught that only people who love God more thantheir own lives can follow Him.

Illustration: On March 30, 1981, a gunman attempted to assassinate Ronald Reagan, president of theUnited States. Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy jumped between the gunman and the president, takinga bullet to the chest. Jerry Parr, head of the Secret Service unit, threw the president into his limo andjumped on top of him. McCarthy and Parr placed President Reagan’s life above their own. We shouldshow the same devotion to God’s calling.

Application: Sacrifice means making God’s will a priority at the expense of other things in your life. Someof these things may need to be sacrificed in order to keep God’s purposes and plans front and center.Only you know what those things are.

2. Following God means persevering even when sacrifice is difficult (John 12:27).

Description: Jesus acknowledged that His sacrifice was difficult to accept, but He knew that fulfillingGod’s purpose for his life meant facing hardship.

Illustration: Play the clip starting at 23:05 and ending at 23:45 on the second disc of the The Lord of theRings: The Fellowship of the Ring extended DVD edition. (If students are unfamiliar with the movie,explain that Frodo must carry an evil ring to an evil land in order to destroy its power.) In this clip, Frodowishes that he did not have to bear this burden. Gandalf tells him that all people who bear burdens feelthat way, but they cannot control their calling. Instead, they must do what they can while they are able to.Explain that only God controls our calling, and He gives us the power to face the difficulties that arisewhen we live out our calling.

Application: The word sacrifice implies giving up something. Giving up things that you love in order tofollow God can be very difficult. He will give you strength to persevere when sacrifice is difficult.

Copyright © Clarity Publishers, 2009. All rights reserved. Drive 5, Master Teacher Key Study, Page 2Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

3. Following God means seeking to glorify His name through sacrifice (John 12:28–33).

Description: Glorifying God means revealing Him through our lives. Jesus used this discussion aboutsacrifice to glorify His Father’s name just as He would later glorify God through His crucifixion.

Illustration: Play the video at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3569702. Tim Tebow, Heisman Trophywinner and BCS champion, doesn’t use his talents and fame to party and gain every earthly thing that hisheart desires. Instead, he spends time sharing the love of Jesus Christ with orphans and prisoners.Regardless of whether you’re a Florida Gators fan, you have to admit that Tebow sacrifices his time andenergy to follow God, seeking to glorify Jesus by revealing Him with every opportunity that he’s given.

Application: Every day brings opportunities to glorify God’s name. But you have to seek theseopportunities, and that might involve sacrificing the freedom to put life on “cruise control.”

Conclusion: Living out God’s calling requires sacrifice. Jesus gave us the perfect example, and He isalways with us.

Description: Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus can sympathize with our human weaknesses, and Matthew28:20 says that He will always be with us. We can trust that Jesus gives us the strength to live a life ofsacrifice.

Application: There are many mature Christians around you who have faced the same difficulties that younow face. They can sympathize with you and guide you in living the sacrificial Christian life. Theirexperience is reminiscent of the great example available in Christ’s sacrificial life.

AT GREAT COST

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2005. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of Student Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

The mission’s cosTbiblical passage: John 12:23-33memory verse: John 12:25 “The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

1. Think about your life. In the past, have you been obedient in sacrificing your desires to follow God’s plan? What things have you given up in order to follow God more closely (i.e., unGodly friendships, questionable TV shows, possessions that you idolized, etc.)?

2. Are there specific sacrifices that you know you should make in your life? What are they?

3. What difficulties will you face when you make the sacrifices that God has called you to make?

4. Think about your attitude and commitment to God’s call. Do you find yourself pursuing your own hobbies and extracurricular activities more than God’s call?

5. Think about your relationships. Do you value your friendships more than God’s call? Would you be willing to leave behind your friends if they kept you from fully pursuing God’s call?

student worksheet

questions

1. Following God means sacrificing _______________ _______________ to serve Him (John 12:23–26).

2. Following God means _______________ even when _______________ is difficult (John 12:27).

3. Following God means seeking to _______________ His _______________ through sacrifice (John 12:28–33).

ReVeRB::DRIVE::The mission of God in the World::lesson five

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Drive: The Mission of God in the WorldLesson 3, Explore

WHY ME?

Martin Luther King Jr. was an important leader in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The Civil RightsMovement resulted in America’s government and people taking strides toward equality for African-Americans. King, a Baptist minister who once led a church in Montgomery, Ala., the heart of the CivilRights Movement, believed that God had called him to seek equality for all people. But he insisted onnonviolence, a biblical principle that separated him from some other Civil Rights leaders of the time.

By April 1968, King had received many threatening letters from people who wanted to kill him. People athis peaceful protests and marches came under physical attack from enemies. He knew that peoplewanted to kill him in hopes that the Civil Rights Movement would stop. But he believed that God hadcalled him to continue on. In a sermon he gave in Memphis, Tenn., on April 3, 1968, he spoke thesewords: “I just want to do God's will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain, and I've looked over,and I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we asa people will get to the Promised Land.” The next day, James Earl Ray, whose “definite motive… [was]hatred,” shot King while the Civil Rights leader waved to friends and supporters from the balcony of hishotel room.

Because so many people had threatened his life, King thought that he would probably be killed. Hisfriends and family knew that frustration, sorrow, and stress were taking their toll on him. But despite hisgrief, King was ready to sacrifice himself for the cause that God had given him.

(Martin Luther King Jr.—Assassination. 2009. A&E Television Networks. 16 February 2009.)

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2009. All rights reserved.Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of Student Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

WHAT CAN I SACRIFICE?Circle all of the boxes that you believe apply to you in terms of the things that you feel you could sacrifice in order to be part of fulfilling God’s plan.

REVERB::DRIVE::The Mission of God in the World::lesson five

family relationships

stuff

fears

popularity

comfort

apathy

peer pressure

selfishness

hobbies

priorities

prejudices

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2009. All rights reserved. Drive 5, “What are You Afraid Of?” PDFPermission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

Drive: The Mission of God in the WorldLesson 3, Transform

WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?

Putting God’s plans above your own can be a little scary. What are you afraid of? Put a check beside allthat apply.

losing friends

making family members mad

persecution (being bullied, beat up, or made fun of)

appearing “weird”

being unpopular

having to sacrifice a hobby (TV, video games, Internet, sports, etc.)

something else (write it here):_____________________________

Sacrifice looks different to different people in the world. What does sacrifice look like to you? Write adescription below.

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2009. All rights reserved. Drive 5, “Creative Prayer” PDFPermission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

Drive: The Mission of God in the WorldLesson 3, Transform

CREATIVE PRAYER

RELATIONSHIPSThink about your relationships.

• Do you have friends who pressure you into doing things that compromise your commitment to God?• Are you worried about pleasing your friends more than living out God’s calling in your life?• Are you afraid that your friends will make fun of you if you reach out to others who are considered

weird, mean, or unattractive?

Spend two or three minutes praying that God will give you the strength to sacrifice any relationships thatkeep you from living a Godly life and following the call that He has given you.

HOBBIESThink about your hobbies.

• Do you have any hobbies (i.e., music, TV, Internet, etc.) that cause you to think about unGodly thingsand compromise your desire to follow God?

• Do you have any hobbies that simply take up the time that you could be using to serve God by servingothers or studying the Word?

Spend two or three minutes praying that God will give you the strength to sacrifice any hobbies that keepyou from living a Godly life and following the call that He has given you.

SCHOOLThink about your school life.

• Do you participate in any school activities (i.e., sports, dance, clubs, etc.) that distract you from fulfillingGod’s purposes and plans?

• Do you participate in any school activities that simply take up the bulk of your time so that you’re leftwith little time to offer to God?

• Do you participate in any school activities that expose you to questionable actions?

Spend two or three minutes praying that God will give you the strength to sacrifice any school activitiesthat keep you from living a Godly life and following the call that He has given you.

OTHERThink about other areas of your life.

• Are there any sacrifices that you need to make in order to follow God more closely?

Lesson Overviewstorage.cloversites.com/fusionstudentministry/documents/... · 2009-11-03 · novel The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, in which the Great Lion, Aslan, was sacrificed

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