Confirmation Week 1: Luke 1:1-25 (The Announcement of John the Baptist’s Birth)
Introduction
This year, I’m meeting with three teenagers to guide them through their confirmation journey. I approach confirmation like one-on-one discipleship, where my goal is to equip them with the tools to study the Bible for themselves and develop a personal prayer life.
Over the past eight years, I’ve noticed two things teenagers consistently want from confirmation. Every time I ask, “What do you want to gain from this experience?” they give the same answer: “Pastor Jason, I want to learn how to pray, and I want to know more about Jesus.”
To support this, I start by gifting each confirmand a study Bible. We sit together, open to the table of contents, and explore the structure of the Bible—from the Hebrew Scriptures to the New Testament, from Genesis to the Gospels. I guide them through finding books, chapters, and verses, starting with Luke 1:1-3. When I ask, “Why did Luke write this Gospel?” they immediately see the answer: so that Theophilus—and now they—can know more about Jesus. It’s a powerful moment of connection.
Soon, they’re finding their way around the Bible, reading the notes, and sharing their thoughts. Each week, I see their confidence grow as they get comfortable engaging with Scripture.
Recently, I put together a reading plan that takes confirmands through the life of Jesus over about 30 weeks—roughly the length of the school year. It’s accessible, manageable, and something they genuinely enjoy. I even received a text from an eighth-grader a few months back, sharing just how much they’re learning. I’ve included that below.
I would share the content here and the process as well.
Week 1: Luke 1:1-25 (The Announcement of John the Baptist’s Birth)
To Do: Read this passage in your study bible. Think about these questions and your own experience. We will discuss the passage and our answers in our meeting. Remember to set a reminder for your prayer routine.
Reflection Questions:
How does Zechariah’s doubt reflect challenges in your own faith journey?
Have you ever been confused about faith or when you hear others talk about God or spiritual matters? Does anything in this passage connect with you?
What can we learn about God’s timing and faithfulness from this story?
How might you stay open to God’s plans, even when they seem unexpected or difficult?
Prayer:
Dear God, help me to trust your promises, even when I don’t fully understand your plans. Strengthen my faith and guide me to be open to your work in my life. Amen.
Ideas We Will Discuss
Patience:
Humility:
Hope:
Resilience:
Openness:
