Go Deep

Week 3 Recap

This week we talked about truth — and the outrageous claim that Jesus is truth itself.

Key themes from Week 3:

• Everyone has a worldview (what they believe is real)
• Materialists say only physical stuff is real. Relativists say truth is personal. Christians say truth is a person.
• John 14:6 — Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life" — he didn't say "I point to truth." He said "I AM truth."
• Pilate asked "What is truth?" and walked away without listening — that's what most people do
• Social media says "live your truth" and "follow your heart" — but when someone lies to you, you don't say "that's their truth," you're mad because it DIDN'T MATCH REALITY
• The Scooby-Doo Principle: every "monster" is a guy in a mask — what looks real isn't always what's actually real
• The Chair Test: truth isn't about feelings or preference, it's about what corresponds to reality
• Life is choices, choices depend on your beliefs — it MATTERS what you believe

Core Question for Reflection

"Comfortable lie or uncomfortable truth?"

In Inside Out, Riley tries to live in a fake "everything's fine" world. She hides her sadness and pushes away her real feelings. But it all falls apart — and she only starts to heal when she faces the truth. You've already done that. Every time you ask "is this real?" you're choosing truth over the fake.

The question for this week: What do you believe is real?

Write down three things you believe are "real" — not just physically real, but existentially real.

1. ________________________

2. ________________________

3. ________________________

Questions to Help You Dig Deeper

1. The Hard Choice: Truth or Comfort?

   Would you rather know the truth about your life — even if it's uncomfortable — or stay in a comfortable "everything's fine" bubble?

   • What are you afraid of if you start asking real questions about truth?
   • What would be the downside of finding out some of your beliefs are wrong?
   • What would be the upside of discovering what's actually real?
2. "Your Truth" vs. The Truth

   "Live your truth" sounds empowering. But can you think of a time when someone's "personal truth" actually hurt someone or turned out to be wrong?

   • Why does the culture say truth is personal — but then get upset when someone lies to them?
   • Where in your life do you treat truth like it's about feelings instead of reality?
   • What mask needs ripping off? What does everyone agree is "true" that you're not sure about?
3. The Scooby-Doo Question: Are You Ripping the Mask Off?

   In every episode of Scooby-Doo, the "monster" is a guy in a mask. The teenagers don't respect everyone's "personal truth" about the ghost — they investigate and expose what's real.

   • Are you guilty of this? Where do you ask questions and then not listen to the answers?
   • What would it take for you to actually follow an answer wherever it leads?
4. If Christianity Is True, What Would That Mean?

   This is a big question. But answer it anyway.

   If Jesus actually is the truth, if he's who he said he is, what changes for:

   • How you spend your time?
   • Who you trust?
   • What you're afraid of?
   • How you treat people?
   • What you think happens after you die?

   Write it out. Don't hide anything.

Personal Application

This week, I will...

Choose ONE concrete action:

• Read John 14:6 and John 18:37-38 slowly. Every time you see the word "truth," stop and ask: "What does Jesus mean by this?"
• Ask someone, "What do you think is real?" Listen without arguing. Write down what they say.
• Identify one area of your life where you're living by a belief that might not be true — and ask God to show you what's actually real.
• Watch *Inside Out* (or rewatch your favorite scenes) and pay attention to the moment Riley stops pretending and faces how she really feels. What happens when she tells the truth? What does that say about facing truth in your own life?

Write your action here:

___________________________

___________________________

___________________________

My Biggest Question About Truth

If you could ask Jesus one question about truth, what would it be?

___________________________

___________________________

___________________________

Next Steps

If you're ready to dig deeper:

• Read John 14:6 and John 18:37-38 again
• Talk to a mentor or leader about your questions
• If you think Christianity could be true, try reading the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and asking: "What if this is true?"

If you're not sure:

• Keep asking questions. Don't settle for "I guess that's what everyone believes."
• Come back to this guide next week. Your answers might change.

Bonus: Journal Prompt

Write down the most important thing you've ever believed to be true — even if no one else knows it.

Now ask yourself: Is that still true? Or has God shown you something new?

___________________________

___________________________