This Month’s Faith Skill Share your Grace Story
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW GOD BETTER, TELL OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT HIM!
Scripture Memorization
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” (Matthew 14:27).
GETTING THINGS STARTED
Bring a picture or an item that represents something that you did to overcome a big fear. For example, you might bring a picture of you jumping into deep water or riding a big roller coaster at an amusement park—or bring a model airplane to talk about how you overcame your fear of flying.
Welcome your students and invite them into your meeting area. Open in prayer, and then ASK:
- What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done? How did you overcome any fears associated with this thing?
- What is the craziest thing you want to try someday, and why?
- Name two of the bravest people you know. Why do you consider them so brave?
- What do you think is the difference between being brave and being reckless?
The Bible tells us about lots of men and women and teenagers who took bold steps of faith. One of those guys is Peter, who was a disciple of Jesus. Peter got to see Jesus work, and he played an active role in some of Jesus’ miracles. God desires the same for us. God wants us to take big steps of faith as we follow Jesus.
It’s one thing to sit in the boat and watch all of this happen. It is a completely different experience to be the one who walks on water. Today we are going to talk about taking bold steps as we follow Jesus.
1. God wants you to take steps of faith
- Imagine you’re one of the disciples in this situation. What’s going through your mind? What emotions are you feeling?
- Why do you think only Peter left the boat and walked on water? Why didn’t the other disciples join him?
- What do you think it feels like to walk on water? Why do so many people think of this as being such an incredible, supernatural miracle?
- In verse 29, Jesus tells Peter to “come” and walk on the water. When have you felt God asking you to take a big step and do something unexpected or challenging or bold? Tell us about that experience.
- How would you define a “step of faith”? What does that phrase mean?
God wants us to take steps of faith as we follow Jesus—in other words, attempt to accomplish things that will only succeed with God’s help. It doesn’t require faith to do something if the outcome is certain.
2. Keep your eyes on Jesus
- Verse 30 says Peter began to sink once “he saw the strong wind and the waves.” Why did he become afraid then? Didn’t he already realize it was windy and stormy? Explain.
- Why is it important to focus our attention on Jesus in the middle of tough situations—or when we’re taking a big step of faith?
- The Bible doesn’t record Peter’s answer to Jesus’ question in verse 31. What do you think Peter might have said, and why?
Peter began to sink because his fears distracted him from his focus on Jesus. He was already walking on water, which is something the other disciples didn’t do and something you and I haven’t done! Jesus was capable of helping Peter stay on top of the water the whole time—just like Jesus is capable of helping you and me as we take bold steps of faith.
3. Turn to Jesus to overcome fear
- Think of one thing you used to be afraid to do but you now do confidently. How did you reach this place in life? What changed?
- Do you think this experience made Peter more willing to obey Jesus? Why or why not?
- What are some fears that might keep you from obeying God to take a step of faith?
- Read verse 27. How can these words from Jesus help you face your fears?
I know this sounds like a cliché, but when Jesus is on your side, you can do anything he asks you to do. The more you obey and take bold steps, the greater your faith becomes, and the more you realize that Jesus will help you conquer your fears. We can find courage knowing Jesus is with us, just as he was with Peter.
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION [optional]
- Read Matthew 17:14-20. A mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds on the planet. Knowing that, do Jesus’ words in verse 20 surprise you? Why or why not?
- How can taking steps of faith give others an opportunity to see God?
- What are some difficult things you have had to go through in life?
- Who are some people that have helped you get through those circumstances?
- How do you feel when you are able to get through something tough?
- Think about your relationship with Jesus. On a scale of 1 to 10 how active have you been in living out your faith in Jesus? (A “1” means being a bystander and a “10” means being extremely active.)
MAKING IT REAL
Ask students to find a partner for these questions.
- What is one bold step of faith you sense God asking you to take? Are you willing to obey, or do you need extra courage from Jesus?
- What bold steps of faith might God be asking you to take at your school? with your family? with your friends? What will it take for you to obey?
- On a piece of paper or on your handout, make a list of things that you would like to see God do in your life and in other people’s lives in the next few months. Keep this list and beginning praying for it. Ask God to use you to make these things happen. When you see changes or answers, write them on your list.
- Think about your community. Brainstorm some ways you would like to see God work in your community. What are some ways that God could use our small group or youth ministry to help make that happen?
CLOSING PRAYER
End your small group lesson here. Provide your teenagers with a quick summary or take-home challenge based on (1) the content of this lesson, (2) the dialogue that took place during the lesson, (3) your understanding of the issues and struggles your teenagers are facing, and (4) the big picture of your youth ministry and what your leadership team wants accomplished with the teaching and discussion time.