I'm preaching for the first time at my youth group soon.

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Oct 10, 2024
122
41
28
17
USA, Indiana, Elkhart, Goshen.
#1
I'm just asking for any help, tips, or hints for John 11:17-27 (which is what I'm probably going to be preaching on) on how to make this applicable to teenage students. Here it is: 17 When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem (about two miles away). 19 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. 20 As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him. But Mary remained seated in the house.
21 Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. 22 Yet even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You.”
23 “Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her.
24 Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. 26 Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she told Him, "I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.". After reading this, I kind of thought that maybe I could say something like, "have you ever felt this way? Have you ever felt or thought that, 'if God, you had been with me, this bad thing wouldn't of happened?'. Actually, God is always with us, but He allows bad things for His glory and your good. (Earlier someone else preach on John 9, which was about the blind man being healed of his blindness) Remember the man born blind? Jesus said in verse 3, "neither this man nor his parents sinned," Jesus answered. "This came about so that the works of God might be displayed in him.". So, the reason why bad things happen is not always the result of sin and is ultimately because God allowed it for His own glory. And Romans 8:28 tells us that it's for our own good as well.". So, if you have any other thoughts or ideas I may add to this or something that should be taken out or replaced with, please let me know. Thanks! To God alone be the Glory! Praise the Lord!
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,529
490
83
#2
I'm just asking for any help, tips, or hints for John 11:17-27 (which is what I'm probably going to be preaching on) on how to make this applicable to teenage students. Here it is: 17 When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem (about two miles away). 19 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. 20 As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him. But Mary remained seated in the house.
21 Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. 22 Yet even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You.”
23 “Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her.
24 Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. 26 Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she told Him, "I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.". After reading this, I kind of thought that maybe I could say something like, "have you ever felt this way? Have you ever felt or thought that, 'if God, you had been with me, this bad thing wouldn't of happened?'. Actually, God is always with us, but He allows bad things for His glory and your good. (Earlier someone else preach on John 9, which was about the blind man being healed of his blindness) Remember the man born blind? Jesus said in verse 3, "neither this man nor his parents sinned," Jesus answered. "This came about so that the works of God might be displayed in him.". So, the reason why bad things happen is not always the result of sin and is ultimately because God allowed it for His own glory. And Romans 8:28 tells us that it's for our own good as well.". So, if you have any other thoughts or ideas I may add to this or something that should be taken out or replaced with, please let me know. Thanks! To God alone be the Glory! Praise the Lord!
Luke 21:14-15 Matthew 10:16-20, Proverbs 16:1-25
I am saying to you to learn not to make plans and sit quietly to trust God to speak through you and be surprised yourself. Then you will not get boastful over doing good and others hearing you
 
Oct 10, 2024
122
41
28
17
USA, Indiana, Elkhart, Goshen.
#3
Luke 21:14-15 Matthew 10:16-20, Proverbs 16:1-25
I am saying to you to learn not to make plans and sit quietly to trust God to speak through you and be surprised yourself. Then you will not get boastful over doing good and others hearing you
That's not what I'm hoping for. I trust God to lead me through and not go through this in my own strength, for I would stumble all over my words. I've been requested to preach that Sunday by the guy who is leading the youth group. I want people to hear Christ, not the Word of man but the Word of God.
 

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
2,841
1,635
113
#4
That's not what I'm hoping for. I trust God to lead me through and not go through this in my own strength, for I would stumble all over my words. I've been requested to preach that Sunday by the guy who is leading the youth group. I want people to hear Christ, not the Word of man but the Word of God.
What's the age range of the group?
 

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
2,841
1,635
113
#6
High-school. Probably 14-18.
Ah, great age! They are sharper than we give them credit, typically. Some, even at that age, will be able to understand the deeper things of God.

One thing that stands out to me in that passage is that Jesus represented a greater economy than the natural one: He could raise the dead! This shows that even what is scientifically observed must give way to the authority of the Lord. "Economy" is directly related to the word "household". Jesus represented the economy of His Father's House. Here, "house" is not a building but a family. Think of it like the House of Windsor in Brittan or the House of Castile in Spain. The house represents a family lineage. This is why Jesus appeared to us: to bring many into the House of His Father.

Furthermore, what does "they will never die" mean? We know people who follow the Lord actually die by observation. The answer to this will be obvious to you.

These are just some thoughts. As you get more familiar with teaching and the Lord these things will come to you. Your trouble will then be having to reduce the whole of what you see to fit the message in in the time allotted. :)

Bless you on your endeavor.
 
Oct 10, 2024
122
41
28
17
USA, Indiana, Elkhart, Goshen.
#7
Ah, great age! They are sharper than we give them credit, typically. Some, even at that age, will be able to understand the deeper things of God.

One thing that stands out to me in that passage is that Jesus represented a greater economy than the natural one: He could raise the dead! This shows that even what is scientifically observed must give way to the authority of the Lord. "Economy" is directly related to the word "household". Jesus represented the economy of His Father's House. Here, "house" is not a building but a family. Think of it like the House of Windsor in Brittan or the House of Castile in Spain. The house represents a family lineage. This is why Jesus appeared to us: to bring many into the House of His Father.

Furthermore, what does "they will never die" mean? We know people who follow the Lord actually die by observation. The answer to this will be obvious to you.

These are just some thoughts. As you get more familiar with teaching and the Lord these things will come to you. Your trouble will then be having to reduce the whole of what you see to fit the message in in the time allotted. :)

Bless you on your endeavor.
Yep, no longer than 20 minutes lol. Thanks for your insight!
 

jacko

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2024
1,017
550
113
#8
Just play the clip from the Chosen:p
 

Blade

Well-known member
Nov 19, 2019
1,779
624
113
#9
I'm just asking for any help, tips, or hints for John 11:17-27 (which is what I'm probably going to be preaching on) on how to make this applicable to teenage students. Here it is: 17 When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem (about two miles away). 19 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. 20 As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him. But Mary remained seated in the house.
21 Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. 22 Yet even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You.”
23 “Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her.
24 Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. 26 Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she told Him, "I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.". After reading this, I kind of thought that maybe I could say something like, "have you ever felt this way? Have you ever felt or thought that, 'if God, you had been with me, this bad thing wouldn't of happened?'. Actually, God is always with us, but He allows bad things for His glory and your good. (Earlier someone else preach on John 9, which was about the blind man being healed of his blindness) Remember the man born blind? Jesus said in verse 3, "neither this man nor his parents sinned," Jesus answered. "This came about so that the works of God might be displayed in him.". So, the reason why bad things happen is not always the result of sin and is ultimately because God allowed it for His own glory. And Romans 8:28 tells us that it's for our own good as well.". So, if you have any other thoughts or ideas I may add to this or something that should be taken out or replaced with, please let me know. Thanks! To God alone be the Glory! Praise the Lord!
Praise GOD.. I would seek and pray .. I mean pray to be if you will prayed up. To wait on Him and He will tell you. I once at the start when I was young teaching to a group my age talked about abortion. One got so mad so upset crying.,. I didn't teach that group any more :) I was young not prepared not prayed up nothing. She that got so upset is such a dear friend and told me one day as we were walking alone together that she had an abortion and as a believer.....well some of us ME know how to convict bring condemnation, guilt and shove it in their face with no understanding what so ever of what that is like... .. all of which He never does.

You know.. there is no other man that is more funnier laughs harder then Him :) That is one thing I am very very very good at is I always make my wife laugh. No one knows me but.... I cry because.. Nov 24th we will have been married 40 years... to which I am forever grateful and blessed and want this to be written in Heaven. Thank you Father..
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,470
13,783
113
#10
One thing I constantly see overlooked in this passage is that Lazarus had been dead four days when Jesus arrived at Bethany. Before that, when He heard that Lazarus was very sick, Jesus delayed two days before going. Even if Jesus had left immediately, He still would have arrived after Lazarus died.

Jesus' purposes may not "fit" our timelines. When He gives us clear direction, we can be certain that He is aware of all the circumstances, even though we probably aren't. We don't need to overthink things or get upset when the timing seems to be all wrong. We don't need to get upset at being delayed by someone else's apparent dawdling or incompetence; God has foreseen all of this. Teenagers today have grown up in a culture of instant gratification. You can probably find something in there to emphasize. :)
 
Oct 28, 2024
43
19
8
#11
Luke 21:14-15 Matthew 10:16-20, Proverbs 16:1-25
I am saying to you to learn not to make plans and sit quietly to trust God to speak through you and be surprised yourself. Then you will not get boastful over doing good and others hearing you
YES! ... Let the Holy Spirit speak through you ... Don't take any notes.
 

rrcn

Active member
Oct 15, 2023
471
144
43
#12
There is also a parable about a man named Lazarus in Luke 16. The lesson of the parable is given in:[Luk 16:31 KJV] 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

When Jesus raised his friend Lazarus the Jewish leaders started to plot to kill him.
[Jhn 11:43-44, 46-47, 49-53, 57 KJV] 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. ... 46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. 47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. ... 49 And one of them, [named] Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. 51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. 53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. ... 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew [it], that they might take him.
 

GWH

Groovy
Oct 19, 2024
999
278
63
#13
I'm just asking for any help, tips, or hints for John 11:17-27 (which is what I'm probably going to be preaching on) on how to make this applicable to teenage students. Here it is: 17 When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem (about two miles away). 19 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. 20 As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him. But Mary remained seated in the house.
21 Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. 22 Yet even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You.”
23 “Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her.
24 Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. 26 Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she told Him, "I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.". After reading this, I kind of thought that maybe I could say something like, "have you ever felt this way? Have you ever felt or thought that, 'if God, you had been with me, this bad thing wouldn't of happened?'. Actually, God is always with us, but He allows bad things for His glory and your good. (Earlier someone else preach on John 9, which was about the blind man being healed of his blindness) Remember the man born blind? Jesus said in verse 3, "neither this man nor his parents sinned," Jesus answered. "This came about so that the works of God might be displayed in him.". So, the reason why bad things happen is not always the result of sin and is ultimately because God allowed it for His own glory. And Romans 8:28 tells us that it's for our own good as well.". So, if you have any other thoughts or ideas I may add to this or something that should be taken out or replaced with, please let me know. Thanks! To God alone be the Glory! Praise the Lord!
JIS,

The key verses in this passage are 25-27, which indicate that being the resurrection/life is equivalent to being Messiah/Son of God. This truth is first taught by Jesus in TOJ #7: Accept Jesus as the Lord’s Messiah/Christ. [LK 4:18-22, 43] (This event is omitted in Matthew and Mark.)

By saying the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1-2 (cf. IS 49:5-7, 52:13) was fulfilled, Jesus was teaching that He is God’s Messiah {MT 16:16a//MK 8:29//LK 9:20}, whose mission is the next TOJ. Jesus asserted this teaching directly {in JN 4:25-26}, and it was also taught by the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus. {JN 11:25-44}

Accepting Jesus as Messiah/Christ the Lord is The normative way of stating God's requirement for salvation (GRFS) in the NT (as in 2CR 4:5 & CL 2:6). The Old Testament indicates that God chose the Jewish culture for the purpose of providing Messiah, through whom the world would be blessed or saved (GN 22:18, IS 42:6, 49:6, JL 2:28& 32, MIC 4:2-3, ZPH 3:8-9, ZCH 2:11, 14:9&16), and the NT proclaims that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah or Christ (ACTS 2:36, RM 1:1-4, HB 1:1-4, 3:3-6).

It is tragic that the person God has ordained to be the head of one worldwide body of believers (JN 17:20-23, EPH 1:9-10 & 3:6, CL 1:18-20, PHP 2:9-11) is rejected by so many who claim to be theists. And it is ironic that this gemstone, which is the foundation and cornerstone of ultimate reality (EPH 2:20), is the stumbling-stone (1PT 2:6-8) to faith in GRFS for many souls (1CR 1:22-25). Messiah/Christ is the key stone.

Accepting Jesus as Lord is the answer to the most important question in life, which was asked by a Philippian jailer of Paul and Silas “What must I do to be saved?” (ACTS 16:30) This question is most important, because—as sinful and mortal souls—we need saving from corruption, both moral and physical. We need saving from physical death if we value or enjoy life, and we need saving from immorality or evil-doing if it results in unhappy existence, especially after this lifetime.

The reply of Paul and Silas, “Believe in the Lord Jesus” (ACTS 16:31), is GRFS in a nutshell. Jesus Himself expressed GRFS even more succinctly using three, four and five letter words: “Ask… seek… knock…” (MT 7:7). As Hebrews 11:6 states: “he [God] rewards those who earnestly seek him” (cf. IS 45:19).

Hope this helps!
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,137
5,720
113
#14
I'm just asking for any help, tips, or hints for John 11:17-27 (which is what I'm probably going to be preaching on) on how to make this applicable to teenage students. Here it is: 17 When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem (about two miles away). 19 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. 20 As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him. But Mary remained seated in the house.
21 Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. 22 Yet even now I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give You.”
23 “Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her.
24 Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. 26 Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she told Him, "I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.". After reading this, I kind of thought that maybe I could say something like, "have you ever felt this way? Have you ever felt or thought that, 'if God, you had been with me, this bad thing wouldn't of happened?'. Actually, God is always with us, but He allows bad things for His glory and your good. (Earlier someone else preach on John 9, which was about the blind man being healed of his blindness) Remember the man born blind? Jesus said in verse 3, "neither this man nor his parents sinned," Jesus answered. "This came about so that the works of God might be displayed in him.". So, the reason why bad things happen is not always the result of sin and is ultimately because God allowed it for His own glory. And Romans 8:28 tells us that it's for our own good as well.". So, if you have any other thoughts or ideas I may add to this or something that should be taken out or replaced with, please let me know. Thanks! To God alone be the Glory! Praise the Lord!
i think it’s interesting subject God bless and may he enable you to preach well
 
Oct 10, 2024
122
41
28
17
USA, Indiana, Elkhart, Goshen.
#16
Praise GOD.. I would seek and pray .. I mean pray to be if you will prayed up. To wait on Him and He will tell you. I once at the start when I was young teaching to a group my age talked about abortion. One got so mad so upset crying.,. I didn't teach that group any more :) I was young not prepared not prayed up nothing. She that got so upset is such a dear friend and told me one day as we were walking alone together that she had an abortion and as a believer.....well some of us ME know how to convict bring condemnation, guilt and shove it in their face with no understanding what so ever of what that is like... .. all of which He never does.

You know.. there is no other man that is more funnier laughs harder then Him :) That is one thing I am very very very good at is I always make my wife laugh. No one knows me but.... I cry because.. Nov 24th we will have been married 40 years... to which I am forever grateful and blessed and want this to be written in Heaven. Thank you Father..
I used to make that kind of mistake, for example, "Believe in God or go to Hell!!!!". Things like that. Yes, prayer is very important. I pray and ask God everyday to strengthen me in His love and Word; to continue to sanctify me and conform me to His image so that I will be able to discern what is the will of God. Praise the Lord and glory to God alone!
 
Oct 10, 2024
122
41
28
17
USA, Indiana, Elkhart, Goshen.
#17
JIS,

The key verses in this passage are 25-27, which indicate that being the resurrection/life is equivalent to being Messiah/Son of God. This truth is first taught by Jesus in TOJ #7: Accept Jesus as the Lord’s Messiah/Christ. [LK 4:18-22, 43] (This event is omitted in Matthew and Mark.)

By saying the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1-2 (cf. IS 49:5-7, 52:13) was fulfilled, Jesus was teaching that He is God’s Messiah {MT 16:16a//MK 8:29//LK 9:20}, whose mission is the next TOJ. Jesus asserted this teaching directly {in JN 4:25-26}, and it was also taught by the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus. {JN 11:25-44}

Accepting Jesus as Messiah/Christ the Lord is The normative way of stating God's requirement for salvation (GRFS) in the NT (as in 2CR 4:5 & CL 2:6). The Old Testament indicates that God chose the Jewish culture for the purpose of providing Messiah, through whom the world would be blessed or saved (GN 22:18, IS 42:6, 49:6, JL 2:28& 32, MIC 4:2-3, ZPH 3:8-9, ZCH 2:11, 14:9&16), and the NT proclaims that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah or Christ (ACTS 2:36, RM 1:1-4, HB 1:1-4, 3:3-6).

It is tragic that the person God has ordained to be the head of one worldwide body of believers (JN 17:20-23, EPH 1:9-10 & 3:6, CL 1:18-20, PHP 2:9-11) is rejected by so many who claim to be theists. And it is ironic that this gemstone, which is the foundation and cornerstone of ultimate reality (EPH 2:20), is the stumbling-stone (1PT 2:6-8) to faith in GRFS for many souls (1CR 1:22-25). Messiah/Christ is the key stone.

Accepting Jesus as Lord is the answer to the most important question in life, which was asked by a Philippian jailer of Paul and Silas “What must I do to be saved?” (ACTS 16:30) This question is most important, because—as sinful and mortal souls—we need saving from corruption, both moral and physical. We need saving from physical death if we value or enjoy life, and we need saving from immorality or evil-doing if it results in unhappy existence, especially after this lifetime.

The reply of Paul and Silas, “Believe in the Lord Jesus” (ACTS 16:31), is GRFS in a nutshell. Jesus Himself expressed GRFS even more succinctly using three, four and five letter words: “Ask… seek… knock…” (MT 7:7). As Hebrews 11:6 states: “he [God] rewards those who earnestly seek him” (cf. IS 45:19).

Hope this helps!
I completely agree! The most important question in life is that will you accept Jesus as Lord and trust in Him alone for salvation? That will surely be a part I will try to impute into my little recap sermon. It's a recap sermon reinforcing the main points. I'll also watch how our pastor does it.
 
Oct 10, 2024
122
41
28
17
USA, Indiana, Elkhart, Goshen.
#19
One thing I constantly see overlooked in this passage is that Lazarus had been dead four days when Jesus arrived at Bethany. Before that, when He heard that Lazarus was very sick, Jesus delayed two days before going. Even if Jesus had left immediately, He still would have arrived after Lazarus died.

Jesus' purposes may not "fit" our timelines. When He gives us clear direction, we can be certain that He is aware of all the circumstances, even though we probably aren't. We don't need to overthink things or get upset when the timing seems to be all wrong. We don't need to get upset at being delayed by someone else's apparent dawdling or incompetence; God has foreseen all of this. Teenagers today have grown up in a culture of instant gratification. You can probably find something in there to emphasize. :)
Surely! I agree that is a common problem amongst teenagers to want things to happen on their timing, but we must remember that God has foreordained all of this for our good and ultimately His glory. That can definitely be a hard thing to except especially in that stage of growth. It feels also kind of weird talking about this for I also am a teen. Thank you for the great insight and may God bless you!