WHAT WE DO WITH JESUS

Equip Week

Student Leader Roles:

• Promo – Promote the Club through social media, announcements, and any other outlets the school allows.
• Welcome – Stand at the door and welcome students to the Club as they arrive. Be sure to connect any new students to the Club and Leadership so they feel like they have a place.
• Host – Start the Cub with the Welcome, Prayer, Game (if applicable), and Memory Verse.
• Speaker – Lead the Cub through Tool Time, and Dig In, using the EPIC Guide, and any supporting materials.
• Follow-up – Follow up with new (or newer) students, and students who accepted Christ for the first time or want to know more. This role requires follow-up every week, not just after INVITE Weeks.

Welcome: Welcome to First Priority! We are so glad that you have chosen to join us today! Our focus this month is going to be centered around “What we do with Jesus.”

Today is EQUIP Week where we want to equip and encourage you on how to better share your faith with your friends.

Let’s start today’s Club with prayer.

Opening Prayer: God, thank you for another great week that we get to be here at First Priority! I am thankful for those who are here today and thankful for your love for each of us! Prepare our hearts now to hear your Word. In Jesus name, Amen.

Game – Optional (if time allows): Feel free to select a game that fits your needs best!  Click here to see the list of games available.

MEMORY VERSE: John 14:6(NIV) – “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Today we are going to revisit the fourth and final part of a Gospel Tool called The FOUR. The FOUR is made up of four symbols that represent each part of the Gospel story and give us a tangible way to explain and share the Gospel with others. These symbols guide us in sharing the message of the Gospel fully. Let’s dive in and focus on the fourth icon and what it represents.

The Question Mark: Will you Choose to Follow Jesus?
The Question Mark represents a decision—a personal response to the Gospel. God loves you, sin separates you, and Jesus has made a way to rescue you. But the question remains: How will you respond? The decision to follow Jesus is the most important choice you will ever make. It means accepting His forgiveness, trusting Him as your Savior, and committing your life to Him. It’s not about religion or rules—it’s about a relationship with God and letting Him guide your life.

Let’s take a moment to read a few verses about this choice.

Revelation 3:20 (NIV): “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Romans 10:9 (NIV): “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Leader Tip: Break into small groups or have a large group discussions based on Club size. Give students 1-2 minutes per question based on Club time.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to truly follow Jesus?
2. Have you made the decision to follow Him? If so, what led you to that choice?
3. How can you help others consider their own response to Jesus?

The Question Mark reminds us that the Gospel is an invitation, not just information. God is asking you to respond to His love and what Jesus has done for you. If you haven’t already, take time to think about your answer. Will you choose to follow Jesus and step into the life He has for you? The decision is yours.

Let’s dig into God’s Word today starting with the book of Matthew.

Matthew 16:13-16(NIV) – “13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “you are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Throughout the Gospels, we encounter numerous occasions where Jesus asked thought-provoking questions. These questions were not merely meant to gather information but to invite individuals into a deeper understanding of themselves, their beliefs, and their commitment to follow Him. Today, we will reflect on some of these questions and consider the significance they hold in our own lives and the decision to follow Jesus.

One of the most pivotal moments in Jesus’ ministry is recorded in Matthew 16:13-16, where Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” This question was posed in the context of the disciples’ journey with Jesus, witnessing His miracles, hearing His teachings, and experiencing His presence firsthand. It was a moment of truth, a turning point that demanded a personal confession and a conscious decision.

Similarly, Jesus asks us today, “Who do you say that I am?” This question beckons us to reflect on the identity of Jesus, not just as a historical figure or a good moral teacher, but as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior of the World. How we answer this question determines the course of our lives and our willingness to follow Him.

In another instance, Jesus encountered a man and asked him, “Do you want to be healed?” (John 5:6). This question may seem obvious, but it revealed a deeper desire within the man’s heart. Jesus was not only addressing physical healing but also inviting the man into a transformed life. It required faith, surrender, and a willingness to let go of the past. Jesus extends the same question to us today: Do we truly desire to be healed, not only physically but spiritually, emotionally, and mentally? Are we willing to let go of our hurts, our past mistakes, and our brokenness, and allow Jesus to bring wholeness and restoration?

Furthermore, Jesus asked His disciples in John 6:67, “Will you also go away? This question arose after many followers turned away from Him due to His teachings about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. It challenged the commitment of the disciples, prompting Peter to respond with profound words, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of Eternal Life” (John 6:68). Jesus’ question demands a personal response from each of us. When faced with challenges, and doubts, or even when the world offers alternative paths, will we remain steadfast in our decision to follow Jesus? Will we stand firm in our faith, trusting that He alone holds the words of Eternal Life?

As we look at these questions from Jesus, it becomes evident that following Him requires more than mere acknowledgment or casual commitment. It involves a personal encounter, a genuine confession of who Jesus is, a willingness to be healed and transformed, and an unwavering commitment to remain faithful, even in the face of challenges.

So, will you follow Jesus? Will you embrace His identity as the Son of God? Will you allow Him to bring healing and wholeness to your life? Will you commit to Him, knowing that He holds the words of Eternal Life?

May we all respond to Jesus’ questions with hearts filled with faith, surrender, and a resounding “yes.” As we journey with Him, let us continually seek His presence, draw strength from His teachings, and live as faithful disciples, knowing that in following Jesus, we find true life, purpose, and eternal joy.

Leader Tip: Break into small groups or have large group discussions based on club size. Give students 1-2 minutes per question based on club time.

Discussion Questions:

1. What areas of my life need to be transformed by Jesus?
2. How can I deepen my relationship with Jesus?
3. What challenges or temptations threaten my commitment to follow Jesus?

Leader Tip: Have Student Leaders pass out Prayer Cards.

Let’s take a moment to think about those in our lives who are searching for hope and truth. Write down a few names of people who could use your prayers this week and ask God to reveal Himself to them.

Give them time to fill out Prayer Cards.

Allow 2-3 minutes for students to share prayer requests and pray for one another.

Closing prayer suggestion: Father, thank you for the chance to gather today and learn more about your Word.

Let’s pause to silently bring before you those in our lives who are lost and in need of your salvation. (Pause for silent prayer.)

We lift up those who are lost and in need of your salvation. Give us wisdom and compassion as we share your love with them this week. In Jesus name, Amen.

PREPARE Week is next week, and we’re looking for two people to share their Faith Story! If you’ve been working on yours, let a Club Leader know. It can be a short 2-3 minute reflection or a full testimony—we’ll guide and encourage you to make it a great experience.

Announcement suggestions:

• This is the place for the Club to make any announcements for the upcoming week and or month. This is a great spot to add Student Leaders to your team and give responsibilities to them. It is also the place to check on the upcoming school schedule for days off or breaks (your Faculty Sponsor is a great resource for this).

Leader Notes:

• Remember to file the report on this week’s Club numbers!
• Prepare for PREPARE Week by reviewing the planning guide at the beginning of this month.

Leader Tip: Use the First Priority Club app to keep leader roles organized so you can reference this list on the go!