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Youth Group Christmas Lesson on Humility: Encounter the Real Jesus

3-week series·
Name Above All Names - 2020

Quick Summary

This 3-week youth group Christmas lesson on humility and identity helps students encounter the real Jesus, from His humble entrance to His resurrection. Each week addresses anxiety and identity struggles, offering hope and transformation. Includes a free sample lesson you can preach tonight.

In this youth group Christmas lesson on humility, your students will encounter the real Jesus, the humble King whose name carries power over anxiety and identity struggles. This matters deeply for today's youth, who often face overwhelming pressure and uncertainty. By understanding Jesus' final days and His profound humility, students are offered hope beyond life's challenges. This series is designed to transform how your students view their faith and identity.

Why Christmas Lessons on Humility Matter for Today's Students

Today's students are growing up in a world where identity is constantly questioned and anxiety is on the rise. According to Pew Research, nearly 70% of teens report anxiety and depression as major issues among their peers. The humble entrance of Jesus during Holy Week offers a powerful counter-narrative to the pressures they face. It teaches them that true strength and identity come from humility and faith, not from external validation. By connecting these truths to their daily lives, you help them find peace and purpose.

What Your Students Will Walk Away With

  • A deeper understanding of humility as demonstrated by Jesus.
  • The ability to see Jesus as a source of strength and hope.
  • Practical ways to apply humility in their own lives.
  • Increased confidence in their identity in Christ.
  • Hope and peace to combat anxiety and identity struggles.

Series Overview: Name Above All Names - 2020

This 3-week series guides students through the final days of Christ's life, from His humble entry on Palm Sunday to His resurrection. Each week unpacks a new aspect of Jesus' character and His relevance today. Explore the full Name Above All Names - 2020 series to see how it can transform your youth ministry.

Week 1: Don't Miss the Humble King

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 and Zechariah 9:9. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilled prophecy and demonstrated His humility. Teenagers are encouraged to adopt a humble heart to truly see Jesus. Use an illustration of choosing a simple car over a luxury one to emphasize how appearances can deceive. **Bottom Line: It takes a humble heart to receive a humble King.**

Week 2: Covenant, Not Contract

Scripture: Matthew 26:17-30. Jesus' Last Supper with His disciples illustrates a covenant relationship. Use celebrity prenups to contrast covenant and contract, emphasizing that God desires a deep, covenant relationship with us. **Bottom Line: Jesus wants a covenant of communion.**

Week 3: He Died As You

Scripture: Matthew 27:11-26, 32-56, 28:1-10. Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection show that He died as us, not just for us. Use the story of a debt being paid at a restaurant to illustrate Jesus paying our sin debt. **Bottom Line: Jesus didn't die for you, He died as you.**

Discussion Questions to Get Your Students Talking

  1. Have you ever misjudged someone by their appearance? How were you wrong?
  2. Does your relationship with God look more like a contract or a covenant?
  3. Have you ever considered that Jesus didn't die for you, He died as you? How does that make you feel?
  4. What are a few ways that we often "miss Jesus" in our lives?
  5. How can you honor the covenant you made with God with your lifestyle?

How to Teach This Series

Set up your room to create an inviting atmosphere, perhaps with Christmas decorations. Use the bumper video to build anticipation. Engage quiet students by breaking into small groups. For different group sizes, tailor the discussion: smaller groups allow for deeper conversations, while larger groups can utilize breakout sessions. Incorporate multimedia to keep students engaged.

What's Included When You Get the Full Series

The full series includes editable sermon outlines (PDF, DOCX, Google Docs), series graphics (JPG + PSD), title slides, a bumper video, small group discussion questions, and social media graphics. See everything in the Name Above All Names - 2020 series. Members gain access to all 200+ series.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does each Christmas lesson take? Each lesson is designed to fit within a 30-45 minute teaching block.
  • What age group is this Christmas series designed for? This series is tailored for middle and high school students.
  • Can I customize the Christmas lesson outlines? Yes, all outlines are fully editable to fit your specific needs.
  • What scripture does this Christmas series cover? The series covers passages from Matthew 21, 26, and 27, and Zechariah 9.
  • Is there a free trial available? Yes, a free sample lesson is included to help you get started immediately.
  • How can I adapt this for a smaller group? Use intimate settings and encourage personal sharing to foster deeper connections.
Free Sample Lesson

Week 1: Don't Miss the Humble King

Matthew 21:1-11 and Zechariah 9:9

Here's an abridged lesson you can preach this Wednesday night. Copy it, customize it, make it yours. If you like what you see, the full 3-week series has everything you need.

Opening Hook

Imagine being given a $1,000,000 check. What kind of car would you buy? A Ferrari or a simple Toyota? Sometimes, appearances don't reflect reality. Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, not a majestic horse, embodying true humility.

Scripture Reading

Read Matthew 21:1-11 together as a group.

Teaching Points

Jesus' entrance on a donkey fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy, showing His humility and defying expectations of a glorious king. This humility is crucial in understanding Jesus' true power. As teens, you might feel pressure to appear a certain way, but Jesus teaches that true strength lies in humility. **It takes a humble heart to receive a humble King.** Recognize the moments you might 'miss Jesus' because He doesn't fit your expectations.

Discussion Questions

  1. Have you ever misjudged someone by their appearance? How were you wrong?
  2. What do you think about the God of the universe humbling himself like Jesus did?
  3. Which area do you need to experience Jesus more? Eyes, ears, or heart?

Challenge

This week, seek out one act of humility. It could be helping a friend without expecting anything in return or choosing to listen rather than speak. Reflect on how it changes your perception of strength.

Name Above All Names - 2020

What's inside

Get the full Name Above All Names - 2020 series

  • Editable sermon outlinesPDF, DOCX, and Google Docs for every week
  • Professional graphicsSeries art, title slides, and social media assets
  • Bumper videoReady to play to kick off the series
  • Small group questionsDiscussion starters for every week

Or with the Young Saints series

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