Here is a free lesson on St. Patrick’s Day, based on Romans 10: 13-15 (NLT), Romans 12: 6-8 (MSG) and Matthew 5: 13-16 (MSG).

Enjoy!

-Nick Diliberto, Ministry to Youth

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Youth Group Lesson – St. Patrick’s Day

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Title: “What’s Your Shamrock?”

Bible Verses:

  • Romans 10: 13-15 (NLT)
  • Romans 12: 6-8 (MSG)
  • Matthew 5: 13-16 (MSG)

Introduction

Hold up or show a picture of a shamrock. Ask students if they know what it is, and what holiday is associated with a shamrock. Once they answer St. Patrick’s Day…ask them if they know why.

Give brief history of shamrock being associated with St. Patrick’s Day:

St. Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland by using the shamrock to explain the Trinity…you know God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

So, you may be asking a few questions right now. What does St. Patrick and a shamrock have to do with me? Why is this person talking about it in church?

Point #1: Why did St. Patrick share Christianity with Ireland?

St. Patrick was born in Ireland, but moved away at a young age. He was told about Jesus and what he did on the cross, and he loved his home country so much, he felt compelled to go back home and tell other people about Jesus.

Can you think about someone you love dearly?  Do you know if they have a relationship with Jesus? Do you know if they need to be saved from stuff like…

Depression?

Addictions…like drugs, alcohol, and lust?

Parents just split up and they feel like everything is falling apart?

You know there is someone willing to save us from this stuff right? It isn’t Dr. Phil or Oprah Winfrey, it’s God.

Read Romans 10: 13-15 (NLT)

13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say,“How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

So you are probably thinking “Oh great! Now they are going to tell me that I need to walk around school and work and home holding my Bible, yelling bible verses at people, beating them in the head with my bible”!

Nope, that’s not what I’m going to tell you!

Point 2: Let your life and interests tell people about Jesus

What did St. Patrick use again? A shamrock…very easy and very simple, right?

Think for a minute. What are you passionate about? What wrongs would you like to see made right in the world?

World hunger ended?

Children educated?

Elderly taken cared of, not taken advantage of?

People following Jesus?

Making sure everyone knows they are worthy and lovely and encouraged?

Read Romans 12: 6-8 (MSG)

6-8 If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

You might be saying…”it’s that simple”? Yes!

You don’t have to be a pastor to do these things (nothing against pastors we need them)!!

Take your talents, your interest and passions, take what you are good at, and use them as a way to show other people the love of Jesus!

Another question running through your mind might be “Why me”? “Aint nobody got time for that”!!

Point 3: The World needs YOU!

Wait what? Someone needs me…you must be joking?!

Read Matthew 5: 13-16 (MSG)

13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

The world needs you!

Your talents,

What you are passionate about,

Your convictions about the wrongs in this world,

The world needs you to use all of this, and show it the love of Jesus!!

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your favorite holiday and why?

2. When was the last time you needed someone to save you? From a bad grade, from feeling alone, from a bully?

3. What talents, passions, or gifts do you have that could be used to tell people about Jesus…St. Patrick used the shamrock, what could you use?

4. How could you take your answer to question 3 and make a difference in your home, neighborhood, or school?

Lesson Outline

I. Introduction

  • The history of St. Patrick and significance of the shamrock (use an illustration)

II. Why Did St. Patrick Share Chrisitianity with Ireland

  • He loved his home country

a. Romans 10: 13-15 (NLT)

III. Let Your Life and Interest Tell People about Jesus

  • What are YOU Passionate About?

a. Romans 12: 6-8 (MSG)

IV. The World Needs YOU!

  •  Your talents, passions, and gifts

a. Matthew 5: 13-16 (MSG)

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End lesson.

Looking for youth ministry curriculum? Check out the…

ONE YEAR PASS – For one year save 93% on $1,440 worth of youth group lessons, Bible studies, games, events & more. Only available through March 28!

Want another free lesson? Check out this…

Youth Group Game for St. Patrick’s Day. You’ll love it!

8 Replies to “St. Patrick’s Day Youth Group Lesson”

  1. Jody
    • March 16, 2016

    Hi Just to let you know that St Patrick was NOT born in Ireland! He was captured by Irish slave traders and taken to Ireland to work as a slave. It was there as a slave that he started to listen to God. Later he escaped and went back to Briton or Gaul where he became a Christian. While away from Ireland he heard the people of Ireland calling to him in his dreams to return to them and share the Gospel with them. Just thought you might want tp correct that info in you info above. Blessings!

    Reply 2 Response
    1. Nick Diliberto
      • March 16, 2016

      Thanks for the clarification on that 🙂

      Reply
    2. Karina Melena
      • February 9, 2018

      So where did he was from?

      Reply 1 Response
  2. Billy Fyffe
    • March 15, 2018

    Hey!

    Greetings from Belfast, Ireland.

    Just want to clarify a few myths about St. Patrick.

    Patrick was not Irish. He was born in mainland Britain, probably Scotland or Wales although historians cannot agree.

    Patrick was not the first person to INTRODUCE Christianity to Ireland. Christianity was already here. In fact, we have monasteries here that proceed Patrick.

    There is no historical evidence to suggest that Patrick used a shamrock to explain the Trinity. This legend is based on a story in the Book of Armagh written some 400 years after Patrick, and not based on historical fact.

    Reply 1 Response
    1. Kristy Preston
      • March 15, 2018

      Hi Billy, Thank you for reaching out to us about St. Patrick and giving us insights on facts about the history of him. We really apprecitate it.

      Reply
  3. Mary Katherine Peery
    • March 14, 2021

    I agree with the correction about St. Patrick being a slave. However, the basis of your lesson is great – thanks for helping to spread the message –

    Reply 1 Response
    1. Stefanie
      • March 17, 2021

      I was thinking the same, Mary. I’m going to use this lesson for youth group tonight. When I read the first few lines, I had doubts because I knew he wasn’t born in Ireland. But when I went on to read the rest, I love the message. The Veggie Tales version will make them giggle and then this lesson will make them think

      Reply

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