Adult:

John 13:23 (KJV)

“Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.”

YAYA:

Exodus 18:21 (NKJV)

“Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.”

Adult Bible Passage: John 19:25–27

YAYA Bible Passage: Nehemiah 2:17–18

Adult Bible Passage:

📖 John 19:25–27 — Jesus Commits His Mother to John

This passage shows the unusual bond and trust that existed between Jesus and John the Beloved. At the point of death on the cross, Jesus handed over the responsibility of His mother’s care to John.

From the passage we learn:

• Certain women stood by the cross of Jesus, including Mary His mother (v25).

• Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing by (v26).

• Jesus said to His mother, “Woman, behold thy son!” (v26).

• Jesus said to the disciple, “Behold thy mother!” (v27).

• From that hour, John took Mary into his own home (v27).

👉 This passage reveals trust, loyalty, love, and responsibility. John’s closeness to Christ positioned him to receive a sacred responsibility.

🔎 Reflection: Can Jesus trust me with sensitive kingdom responsibilities because of my loyalty and closeness to Him?

John the Beloved was one of Jesus’ closest disciples. He was the son of Zebedee, brother of James, and originally a fisherman before Christ called him. His life was marked by devotion, love, spiritual insight, service, and faithfulness.

🔥 A. HIS CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The Character Called John the Beloved

1️⃣ He was a writer of deep spiritual truth
John wrote the Gospel of John, three epistles — 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John — and the Book of Revelation.

2️⃣ He was one of the “sons of thunder”
Jesus nicknamed John and his brother James “Boanerges,” meaning “sons of thunder.”
📖 Mark 3:17

3️⃣ He was zealous for the honour of Jesus
John cared deeply about the honour of Christ, though at one point his zeal was mixed with impatience.
📖 Luke 9:53–55

4️⃣ He once desired spiritual honour and glory
John and James sought positions of honour, but Jesus corrected their understanding of greatness.
📖 Mark 10:35–40

His Achievements

1️⃣ He witnessed the Transfiguration
John was one of the three disciples with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration.
📖 Matthew 17:1

2️⃣ He witnessed Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane
He was among the three disciples Jesus took with Him during His deep agony.
📖 Matthew 26:37

3️⃣ He received classified information from Jesus
John had close access to Jesus and received insight that others did not have.
📖 John 13:23–26

4️⃣ He stood at the cross and cared for Mary
John was the disciple present at the cross, and Jesus entrusted Mary into his care.
📖 John 19:25–27

5️⃣ He was believed to be the “other disciple” who ran with Peter to the empty tomb
📖 John 20:2–4

6️⃣ He was among the 120 baptised with the Holy Spirit
📖 Acts 1:13–14; Acts 2:1–4

7️⃣ He ministered with Peter at the healing of the lame man
📖 Acts 3:1–3

8️⃣ He ministered with Peter in Samaria
John and Peter visited the new disciples in Samaria and ministered the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
📖 Acts 8:14–17

9️⃣ He received revelation on the Isle of Patmos
While exiled on Patmos, Christ appeared to him and showed him future things.
📖 Revelation 1:9; Revelation 1:1–3; Revelation 4:1

🔟 He was known as the disciple whom Jesus loved
📖 John 13:23

🌍 B. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE

Like John the Beloved, believers should be:

1️⃣ Zealous for good works and God’s work
📖 Revelation 1:9; Galatians 6:9

2️⃣ Loyal and ready to help
John showed loyalty at the cross and accepted responsibility for Mary.
📖 John 19:25–27; Galatians 6:2

3️⃣ Concerned for God’s honour, not personal glory
Believers must serve for God’s glory rather than self-promotion.
📖 Mark 10:35–40; 1 Corinthians 10:31

4️⃣ Encouraged to stay close to Christ during hardship
John remained useful even in exile because God still had more for him.
📖 Revelation 1:9; Romans 8:28

5️⃣ Hardworking and resourceful
John was a fisherman before Christ called him, and he later wrote five books of the New Testament.
📖 Mark 1:16–20

Strategic leadership is the ability to influence people toward a long-term goal, direction, or vision. It is not just about having authority; it is about seeing the big picture, communicating clearly, motivating others, and leading with godly values.

📖 Nehemiah 2:5

📘 A. TRAITS OF STRATEGIC LEADERS

Strategic leaders have exceptional qualities that make them stand out.

1️⃣ Allegiance to the group’s vision
They are devoted to the vision, see the big picture, and map out strategies for fulfilment.
📖 Proverbs 29:18; Habakkuk 2:2

2️⃣ Problem-solving skills
They develop mastery in addressing difficult issues.
📖 Genesis 41:33–36; 1 Samuel 30:20–23

3️⃣ Effective communication
They allow free flow of communication and seek to understand and be understood.
📖 Proverbs 25:11; Colossians 4:6

4️⃣ Cautious use of power
They do not oppress their subordinates but lead with the fear of God.
📖 Ephesians 6:9

5️⃣ Transparency
They carry out their activities without dishonesty.
📖 Psalm 26:11; Proverbs 11:3

6️⃣ Empathy
They lead with compassion and recognise human strengths and weaknesses.
📖 Ephesians 4:32

7️⃣ Enthusiasm
They are dedicated and eager to work for the success of the group.
📖 2 Chronicles 2:13–14; 2 Corinthians 8:22

8️⃣ Delegation
They assign responsibilities, transfer authority, and raise future leaders.
📖 2 Timothy 2:2

👑 B. WAYS TO BE ONE

A person can become a strategic leader by doing the following:

1️⃣ Recognise and seize opportunities
📖 Numbers 13:30

2️⃣ Increase your value to the group
Contribute effectively to growth and become excellent in your assignment.
📖 Daniel 6:28; Proverbs 22:29

3️⃣ Widen your scope
Think about the progress of the whole organisation, not just yourself or your unit.
📖 Nehemiah 2:3–5

4️⃣ Pursue knowledge
Stay informed about developments within and outside your environment.
📖 Proverbs 18:15

5️⃣ Be sensitive to change
Change is constant, so leaders must guide people through new developments wisely.

6️⃣ Be creative and confident
Bring new initiatives that can move the group forward.
📖 2 Chronicles 26:10, 14–15

7️⃣ Exemplify good values
Lead by example so followers can walk in the right way.
📖 1 Corinthians 11:1

8️⃣ Lead with humility
Strategic leadership requires humility.
📖 Proverbs 22:4

How Both Classes Connect

Adult Class → John the Beloved

Devotion, closeness to Christ, loyalty, and spiritual responsibility

YAYA Class → Strategic Leadership

Vision, influence, communication, planning, humility, and execution

Together they reveal:

👉 A believer who is close to Christ can lead effectively because spiritual intimacy produces trustworthy influence.

John shows us the heart of a devoted disciple.
Nehemiah’s example in Strategic Leadership shows us the mind and skill of a visionary leader.

• John was trusted because of closeness; strategic leaders are trusted because of integrity.

• John was loyal at the cross; strategic leaders remain committed in crisis.

• John received revelation; strategic leaders must see beyond the surface.

• John served faithfully; strategic leaders influence others toward purpose.

• Both lessons show that leadership must be rooted in love, vision, and responsibility

🔥 True Christian leadership flows from intimacy with Christ and expresses itself through wise, humble, and purposeful influence.

Becoming a Devoted and Strategic Believer

God wants believers who are not only close to Him but also useful in influencing others for His purpose.

📖 1 Corinthians 10:31

A transformed believer must:

• seek closeness with Christ

• remain loyal in difficult seasons

• carry responsibility faithfully

• communicate vision clearly

• serve with humility and love

• lead others toward godly outcomes

🔎 Ask Yourself:

• Am I close enough to Christ to be trusted with responsibility?

• Do I serve for God’s glory or personal recognition?

• Can others trust my loyalty in difficult moments?

• Am I developing leadership capacity for kingdom usefulness?

• Do I only see problems, or do I help people rise and build?

👉 A devoted and strategic believer will:

• walk closely with Christ

• serve faithfully

• lead wisely

• influence others positively

• remain relevant in God’s agenda

🏆 COMPETITION PREPARATION

Focus on:

✔ The background of John the Beloved
✔ The meaning of “Boanerges”
✔ John’s key achievements
✔ Lessons from John’s life
✔ Meaning of strategic leadership
✔ Traits of strategic leaders
✔ Ways to become a strategic leader
✔ Nehemiah’s leadership actions in Nehemiah 2:17

Participants should be able to explain clearly:

✔ Why John was called the disciple whom Jesus loved
✔ Why Jesus trusted John with His mother
✔ How closeness to Christ prepares believers for responsibility
✔ How strategic leaders identify problems and mobilise people
✔ Why vision, communication, humility, and delegation are important

Key Dangers/Errors to Avoid:

• Zeal without patience

• Seeking personal glory instead of God’s glory

• Leadership without empathy

• Vision without communication

• Power without humility

• Responsibility without loyalty

📖 John 13:23 KJV:
“Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.”

👉 Adult and Yaya Weekly Homework

👉 Adult and Yaya Mock Quiz

Father, help me to stay close to You like John the Beloved and to lead with wisdom, vision, humility, and love. Make me loyal, useful, and strategic in Your kingdom, in Jesus’ name, Amen.