If your class is meeting online, invite students to bring supplies with them to class.

Sometimes, the hardest part of being in middle school is finding a place to fit in. Maybe it seems like you have to pretend to be something you’re not in order to belong. But that’s not how life is supposed to work, especially for Christians! God wants us to overlook the little things that make us different from each other—the things we feel like we have to hide—because of the special thing we have in common: Jesus.

• Has it ever seemed like people weren’t willing to accept you into their group? Maybe you felt “different” or “weird” from other students, and were tempted to hide parts of yourself so you’d fit in. (Most middle schoolers will relate to this idea strongly.)
• On the other hand, have you ever avoided someone because they seemed “different” or “weird”? In other words, you wanted them to hide parts of themselves before you would hang out with them. (Assure your students that all middle schoolers—in fact, all human beings—have probably done this at some point.)

You can’t force other people to accept the way God made you. But you can be sure to always accept others . . . and you might make some new friends along the way if you do.

Distribute supplies (or invite students to have them ready at home). Let’s finish our lesson by making a reminder to let Jesus pull down all the barriers—removing obstacles between ourselves and others so that we can care about one another for who we really are.  

Take a moment to think of things about you that you might be tempted to hide from others. Maybe you love math but don’t want to be labeled as a “nerd.” Maybe you’re afraid people will make fun of your braces, so you don’t smile. Maybe you pretend to be into the latest social media trends just to fit in.

Instruct your students to write things about themselves they might be tempted to hide from others, such as their interests and hobbies, hopes and dreams, or fears. If desired, students may decorate their design with markers. Challenge your students to hang their lists in their rooms or somewhere they’ll see them regularly and remember not to hide who they are.

All of us feel “different” or “weird” sometimes. All of us know what it’s like to be left out. We can’t force other people—even other Christians—to accept us. However, we can make a choice not to hide who we are or pretend to be something we’re not. Instead, we can choose to accept others and be Jesus’ agent to bring down barriers! 

Close in prayer.