There was a sign above Jesus that read “This is the King of the Jews” as he hung on the cross. This activity encourages students to reflect on how other people see them and the impact that they are making in their world.

Remind each student that a sign saying “This is the King of the Jews” was hung next to Jesus at the crucifixion. While none of us are called to be the king of the Jews, and hopefully all of us will long livelong healthy lives – if one statement could be made at the end of your life about the difference you made in the world, what would you hope it would say?

Have the students take 5 minutes to write a phrase in large print on their sheet of paper, and if they’d like they can decorate the paper as well if there is time. Encourage them to take this exercise seriously, and let them know that everyone will be sharing their signs.

When the time is up invite each student to share what they wrote on their sign, and why they choose that phrase (this may take a while, which hopefully will be meaningful).

You as a leader should make a sign as well, and share your sign at the end. Remind the students that God has given each of us the blessing of one life, and so many of the small daily things we do or worry about don’t have eternal significance. Instead encourage each of them to live their lives in ways that celebrate who God is and what God has done for them, and to share the kingdom of God with others.