OPPORTUNITY WEEK
STUDENT GUIDE
WELCOME & OPEN PRAYER
[Host] Hey everybody, welcome to First Priority. We’re really glad you’re here today. We know life can be crazy busy, so thanks for showing up and making time for something that really matters. Today [insert name] is going to talk about why it’s important to tell our family about Jesus, even when it feels awkward or scary. But before we dive into that, let’s take a minute to talk to God together. Let’s pray!
Sample prayer: God, thank You for bringing us here today. We know it’s not always easy to talk about You, especially with the people closest to us. Help us today to really hear what You want us to say and give us boldness to share Your love with our families. We know You’re with us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
THE CONVERSATION
[Speaker] Last week we learned how to use our hand to share the Gospel with our family. Who did you share it with and how did it go? (Take a moment to let a few people share and share your own response too.) And if you didn’t get the chance yet, that’s okay. It’s not too late to start the conversation.
This week we’re going to be real about how challenging that can feel, especially when it comes to sharing our faith with family. Sometimes it feels way easier to share with a total stranger than with our own family. Why? Because with family, they know us. Our past. Our mistakes. Our weird moments. We can’t fake anything.
And because of that, sharing our faith with them can come with a lot of fear. “What if they reject me?” “What if they throw my past in my face?” “What if they just don’t want anything to do with me anymore?” These aren’t small fears. When we tell a stranger about Jesus, we might never see them again. But with family, their reaction can really affect us.
So what do we do with all that fear? Let’s see what the Bible has to say:
- What if they reject what I tell them?
Jesus said in Luke chapter 10 verse 16, “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Their response isn’t really about you — it’s about Jesus. That takes a lot of the pressure off. You’re just delivering the message.
- What if they bring up my past. Good!
That’s actually a chance to be honest. First Peter chapter 3 verse 15 says, “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Let them see how God has changed us. We can’t pretend we’re perfect. Our brokenness can help them see the power of Jesus.
- What if they distance themselves from me?
That’s hard. But we fight that fear with prayer. Ask God to soften their hearts and open their ears. And remember: God didn’t give up on us. He won’t give up on them either.
I want to take a second and pray for our families. I want to ask everyone to bow your head and close your eyes. “God, I am thankful that You know our families. You also know our fears. You hear our prayers. Help us trust You with the people we care about most. Give us courage to speak with love, even when it’s hard. And remind us that You’re always working, even when we can’t see it. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
DISCUSSION TIME
[Speaker & Mentor] Let’s take a few minutes to talk about this together. (Give students a chance to share their thoughts on the ques!ons below and be sure to join the conversation.)
- Why do you think it feels harder to share Jesus with family than with strangers?
- Have you ever felt judged by your past when trying to talk about faith?
- What’s one small way you can show Jesus to your family without saying anything?
- How can we pray for each other and our families this week?
We don’t have to have all the answers, and we don’t need to be perfect. We just need to care enough to try. God can use us to help someone in our family take one step closer to Him. How will they know unless we tell them!
(Have the student host come back up and give the CHALLENGE and PRAY.)
CHALLENGE & PRAY
[Host] Our challenge for this week is to start a real conversation with someone in your family about what Jesus means to you and use the Hand Gospel as a guide to help share the message clearly. And don’t forget to keep praying for them. God is working, even when we don’t see it.
Sample prayer: God, thank You for our families. Give us the boldness to talk to our family about you. Use us to bring hope to the people we care about most. In Jesus’ name, amen.
GAME TIME – Optional
[Host & Mentor] (See the Game Time tab for options.)
