We're presenting fifteen assemblies over the next ten days, focusing on the dilemma of making decisions which often result in a form of sacrifice. Sometimes on the surface, an option may not be too appealing due to the sacrifice it brings (Fancy going two weeks without taking a shower?), but sometimes the alternative may not be too appealing either (How about one week without brushing your teeth?).
The rich young man who encountered Jesus in Matthew 19 was keen to know what he needed to do in order to get to Heaven. Realising that wealth was a main driver for this man, Jesus told him to give it all up in order to get eternal life. Jesus knew the man wouldn't be able to do this, which showed how little the man valued the level of sacrifice needed. We assure the kids at this point that it's not about living a life of poverty - it's about being prepared to do it. The rich man wasn't prepared to change his lifestyle or consider making a sacrifice which, in comparison to eternal life, was so insignificant. And therein lies the message..!
We talk about how Christians value the time of Lent and choose to give up things they value but don't need...or, in fact, take things on that could be beneficial (eg texting a different mate every day to see how they are, or clearing out their bedrooms without being asked). We share the story of Jesus in the wilderness, which frankly is pretty tricky to communicate in a society that struggles to accept miracles, and share how the time of Lent takes us to Easter morning where we celebrate the beauty of forgiveness and the ultimate sacrifice, and believe that that sacrifice opened up a massive reward for anyone who chooses to accept Jesus for themselves.
During the Olympics, there is no doubt that thousands of young people jump online to see how they can get into a certain sport because they also want to represent their country and be there at the opening ceremony. However, there is also no doubt that many will see the level of commitment and sacrifice required to achieve that and decide it's not for them. Much like the rich man, their heads will go down and they won't even attempt to go for it. That's not a criticism, just a reality check of how much they want to make it to the Olympics! It has proven to be a brilliant analogy for students to relate to and is really helping to hit the message home.
We then challenge students to consider what they are prepared to give up in order to gain so much more (less time with friends in the build-up to exams, earlier nights in order to be more alert in the morning, choosing not to argue a case at home so that the other party benefits), however trivial. It does seem to be making an impressions due to the great feedback we've received so far - happy days
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Father God, we thank you for sacrifice. We thank you for perspective. And we thank you for Jesus. Help us to focus on Him and the beauty of his sacrifice in the run-up to Easter, so that You can bring us to a place where we are happy to give up a little in order to gain immeasurably more.