Following Jesus: 8-Week Jr High Series
This 8-week junior high series encourages 6th-8th graders to experience the adventure of following Jesus.
In John 20:30-31, we read:
"Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."
John basically says there was a whole lot more stuff that Jesus did – even miracles – in addition to what we have in the Bible.
Two words come to mind: “Like what?!”
What kind of things did He do for these miracles? Did He heal anyone or bring someone back from the dead? What did the disciples get to see that we don’t get to know about? But we don’t get any answers to those questions. That’s not John’s point.
He simply reminds us that what we have isn’t everything that Jesus did. But there is a reason for what we do have.
In verse 31, we discover the purpose of what John and the other Gospel authors did write about Jesus.
What is that purpose? That we would learn enough about Jesus to believe in Him and be able to make the choice to follow Him in our lives, much like those early disciples followed Him with their lives!
And that's what this series is all about. To help your junior high students experience the adventure of following Jesus!
You can order this series here individually or get it as a part of the one year junior high curriculum.
ONE YEAR JUNIOR HIGH CURRICULUM
This series is one of many included in the One Year Junior High Curriculum. Get an entire year of strategic teaching curriculum for junior high ministry. Save 79% on an entire year’s worth of new junior high ministry lessons and games!
Or you can purchase it individually here.
This series, like all the resources we create, is only available as a digital download.
Series Overview:
Week 1: Go … Make Disciples … Baptize … Teach
Bible: John 20:30-31; Matthew 28:18-20; Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Bottom Line: When others see how we love, live and follow Jesus, they’ll want to follow him as well.
Question: Are you ready for the adventure of following Jesus?
Week 2: Introductions
Bible: John 1:29-42; Leviticus 14; Acts 2:14-41
Bottom Line: Decide to follow Jesus and then help others to do so.
Question: Are you ready to follow Jesus? Who can you introduce to Jesus?
Week 3: From Fans to Followers
Bible: Luke 5:1-11
Bottom Line: Expect the unexpected with Jesus.
Question: What are you willing to leave behind to follow Jesus?
Week 4: The Anointed One
Bible: Matthew 16:13-18
Bottom Line: Jesus is the Anointed One.
Question: Who do you say Jesus is?
Week 5: Receive and Give Forgiveness
Bible: John 21:1-19
Bottom Line: Jesus offers forgiveness.
Question: Will you accept His gift? Are you offering it to others?
Week 6: Standing Strong
Bible: Acts 6:1-15, Acts 7:1-60
Bottom Line: Some people, like Stephen, end up dying because they follow Jesus.
Question: Will you pray for modern day Stephens? Do you have the courage to be like him?
Week 7: God Loves …Those People?!
Bible: Acts 10
Bottom Line: God works beyond our comfort zones to spread His good news to all people.
Question: God loves all people … and offers grace. What about you?
Week 8: Commitment
Bible: Acts 12
Bottom Line: Following Jesus is a full commitment.
Question: How committed are you to following Jesus?
What’s Included?
- Series artwork for promotional purposes (cover slide and blank text slide)
- Lessons come in both Word & PDF format. Edit as needed and easily share with volunteers.
- Each lesson includes a fun opening game related to the message
- Creative, relevant & Biblical teachings
- Engaging small group discussion questions