Put Me In, Coach!
Put Me In, Coach!
Matthew 9:35 – 10:1
- We’re not called to be spectators, we’re called to be participants.
- 35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. – Matthew 9:35-38
10 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. – Matthew 10:1
1. Jesus has compassion on those most in need of a shepherd
- Splanchnizomai (Greek): to have compassion or deep sympathy
2. We get to be called workers!
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. – Isaiah 53:6
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” – John 15:15-17
- Despite our rebellion, God redeems us and lets us help with the rebuild.
3. We have power from Jesus that ensures victory.
- We are on the winning team. But are you in the game?
- The wave always starts in the student section!
- In 2017, 75% of kids left the faith from ages 18-29
Since 2007 in the United States…
- Suicide rates have increased by 76% for ages 15 to 19
- Suicide rates have nearly doubled in teen girls
- The highest rate of increase in suicide among all age groups is in kids between 10-14 years old
- Depressive symptoms are up 21% in teen boys and up 50% in girls
- In early 2020, an estimated 1 out of 4 young adults contemplated suicide
- In the 25% that stay, one of the key factors was having at least one-faith focused, consistent adult in their lives other than their parents
- “A secure attachment with an adult can not only help heal and rewire the brain… but it can also help decrease the risk for despair and suicidal thoughts in adolescents.” – Chinwé Williams, Ph.D.
- Teens need a team.
- 712 Student Ministry Vision: “To create environments where students can be known and experience God. To partner with parents to help them win in the lives of their students.”
- Text “Put me in, Coach!” to 712-214-4319 to learn more about our Youth Ministry and how to apply
“20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ – Matthew 25:20-21
- Well done, my good and faithful servant.