Jesus—the Son of God

David C Cook COVID-19 Response

Middle School

Lesson 8
Summer 2023
By: RLD Editorial Team
July 23, 2023

Lesson Focus:

Jesus is the Son of God.

Bible Basis:

Matthew 17:1-12; 2 Peter 1:16-18

Materials Needed:

Step 1:

Internet access

Step 4:

Whiteboard and marker
Paper
Pens/pencils
Internet connection

Summary & Links:

Students will explore the truth of Jesus’ divinity as they discuss who people say Jesus is.

Memory Verse:

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
—John 14:6

Students will explore the truth of Jesus’ divinity as they discuss who people say Jesus is.

Materials Needed:

Internet access

Begin class by asking your students the question, “Who is Jesus?” Don’t correct anyone’s statements but allow as many students to share as possible. Most of your students will say similar things about who Jesus is.

Many people in the world have opinions about Jesus. Most people believe He existed as a man but may not believe more than that about Him. Even people who put their faith in Jesus may only know a little bit about who He is. Let’s watch a short video from BibleProject that gives an overview of Jesus.

Watch the following video and use it as a springboard for discussion about today’s focus [1:00]:
Who is Jesus?

Discuss:

What might you have added to this description of who Jesus is? (Accept all reasonable responses.)
Why is it important to ask the question of who Jesus is and to understand its answer? (Invite discussion.)
How might your friends and family respond to the question of who Jesus is? (Answers will vary. Invite discussion. Each person in your group will have different people around them, some may have faith in God and others may not. Let students know that it is okay to ask people what they think, but that we should look to God’s Word for our answers.)

Today’s lesson has to do with learning more about how we can know Jesus is the Son of God. Aren’t you thankful that we aren’t leaving this big question, “Who is Jesus?” up to chance! Let’s learn more about who Jesus is by looking at facts about Him and claims His Father made on His behalf.

Looking for Steps 2 & 3?

You can find Steps 2 and 3 in your teacher’s guide. To purchase a teacher’s guide, please visit: Bible-in-Life or Echoes.

Materials Needed:

Whiteboard and marker
Paper
Pens/pencils
Internet connection

Before this step, write the following question on the whiteboard (or screenshared document): “Why do you live/act/strive/work/play/love the way you do?” If your class is meeting online, invite students to bring supplies to class.

Distribute supplies (or invite students to have them ready at home). Invite students to write one answer to this question choosing the verb they think best fits them and their personal answer.

After a few minutes, invite volunteers to share what they wrote down. Make a mental note to yourself regarding the number of students who mention Jesus Christ as their answer.

We all work hard to live our lives. That can mean being loving or being cruel. Sometimes our circumstances and the people we surround ourselves with affect the outcome of how we live, act, strive, work, play, and love others and ourselves.

If a large number of students mentioned that Jesus Christ has something to do with how they live their lives, note that now. Simply state, “Who” we believe in affects how we live!

The disciples in today’s lesson had the privilege of hearing God’s voice proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God. However, many in the world will refute this claim.

Ask students to look at the verb they wrote on their paper earlier. Encourage your middle schoolers to take a few minutes to think and write about how Jesus being who He says He is affects their own lives. If it doesn’t appear to make much difference, have them record how it should affect them. Examples might be: representing Jesus to their friends, praying with people in the moment rather than just telling them you will pray for them later, looking for opportunities in everything they do to praise God—even if it feels small. Encourage your students to find ways to incorporate several of the things they listed into their upcoming week.

Close in prayer thanking Jesus for helping us proclaim the truth of who He is: Jesus Christ the Son of God!

Take time during the week to text with your middle schoolers during the week. Check in on how they are doing praising God. Remind them that it’s never too late to get started praising God.

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David C Cook COVID-19 Response

Middle School