OPPORTUNITY WEEK
STUDENT GUIDE
WELCOME & OPEN PRAYER
[Host] Hey everyone! Welcome to First Priority. We’re really glad you’re here. Today [insert name] is going to talk about how we can be a light in the world around us, making a difference through how we live and love others. Before we get started, let’s take a moment to pray together. Let’s pray.
Sample prayer: God, thank You for bringing us together today. Thank You for every student in this room. I pray that You speak through [insert name] and help us understand how we can shine Your light in our schools, homes, and friendships. Open our hearts and help us to grow closer to You today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
THE CONVERSATION
[Speaker] Last week we were challenged to share THE FOUR bracelet with the people that God has placed in our lives. Who did you share it with and how did it go? (Allow students to respond and share your own experience.) Are you finding that it is easier or harder than you expected? (Allow time for students to respond and share your own example too.)
Talking about Jesus isn’t always simple. Sometimes we’re worried about how people will react or what they’ll think of us. But today we’re going to keep that conversation going and talk about what it means to be a light in the world around us.
Think about a lighthouse for a second. Its job is to shine bright enough to guide ships in the dark. Even in storms or fog, it doesn’t stop shining. That’s what Jesus is asking from us too. In Matthew chapter 5 verses 14 through 16, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
This verse is a big deal. Jesus is talking directly to us, not just to adults or church leaders, but to every follower of Him, including students. When He says “you are the light of the world,” He means your life matters. We carry something the world needs: hope, truth, love, and purpose. Just like a city on a hill at night, our life is meant to stand out in a good way.
If you had a flashlight and someone needed help in the dark, would you hide it? Of course not. Jesus is saying don’t hide your faith. People need it. We might feel nervous about being judged or misunderstood, but when we live our faith out loud with love and kindness, others can see what God is like.
Our actions, honesty, kindness, and love are like beams of light pointing people to God. It’s not about making ourselves look good; it’s about helping others see how good God is and as students, we don’t need a big stage or a huge following to shine our light. We already have a platform right where we are.
Our school, classmates, sports team, group of friends; those are all places where God can use us. We are not too young to make a difference. Jesus already sees us as someone who can shine His light in a world that really needs it. We shouldn’t be hiding who we are in Christ. When we live out our faith boldly and with kindness, people notice. We never know who might be watching, who’s struggling, or who’s searching for something real. Our life might be the light that leads someone else to Jesus and that’s a powerful purpose.
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 questions below and be sure to join the conversation.)
- What does being a light look like in our everyday school life?
- What makes it di!cult to let your light shine at school?
- Who is someone you know that might need to see the light of Jesus through you?
- What’s one way you can show God’s love in your school this week?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Now let’s take what we’ve talked about and put it into action.
CHALLENGE & PRAY
[Host] Our challenge for this week is to look for one moment every day where we can be a light at our school. Light always stands out in the darkness and the world around us needs to see that light. Let’s pray.
Sample Prayer: God, thank You for calling us to be a light. We know You’ve placed us where we are for a reason. Help us shine in our schools, in our homes, and in our friendships. Show us who needs Your love this week and give us the courage to live out our faith with kindness and truth. Help us shine well. In Jesus’ name, amen.
GAME TIME – Optional
[Host & Mentor] (See the Game Time tab for options.)
