Distribute small puzzle pieces to each young person, making sure they’re all the right way up. Explain that each piece will eventually fit together with the others.

Invite the group to draw something on their piece that represents who they are—this could be a personality trait, a hobby, a hope, or something that feels true to their identity.

After a few minutes, collect all the puzzle pieces and assemble them together in front of the group. Emphasise how each of us is unique, yet part of a bigger picture. Take a moment to pray for the group before moving on.

Leader note: Keep the puzzle pieces—you’ll return them to the young people next week. Ask them not to mark the 

Looking at the completed puzzle:

• What do you think this picture of our group represents?

• What thoughts or feelings come to mind when you look at it—positive or negative?

• Imagine we’re seeing this from the outside. What do you think God sees when He looks at us?

• If we’re connected, do the individual pieces still matter?
  
  Leader note: This is a great opportunity for the young people to engage in discussion—and maybe even share something about themselves with each other.

A representation of us: Ningen finds himself trapped in the Wilderness.

Discussion Questions:

• What do you think Ningen was struggling with in the story?

• Who do you think he might have been talking to?

• This is a series exploring faith in Jesus. Who might Ningen be a picture or parallel of?

• The puzzle activity showed us something of our best selves. How do you think Ningen would describe himself?

Say something like this:

“This week, our chapter is about a character called Ningen, who’s found himself disconnected from Kana—the character we met in week one.

You might remember that in the last part of the story, Ningen began doing something Kana had warned him against. His choices have left him feeling disconnected and alone.

I think we’d all agree—we’re not meant to feel like that.
In our puzzle activity earlier, we saw how much better things are when we’re connected.
Just as we’re designed to fit together, we’re also designed to be connected to God."

Leader tip: This is a great moment to share a brief personal story about a time you felt disconnected or disappointed in yourself. Make sure it helps the group understand that God sees beyond those moments.

Leader tip: Encourage the group to use real Bibles if possible—it helps young people grow more comfortable with Scripture. Read the passage aloud and invite them to highlight anything that stands out:

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!

Discussion Questions:

• Which words or phrases jumped out to you from this passage?

• Which parts did you struggle to understand?

• Let’s read it again. Are there any parts you now feel more confident about?

• If God really did make you and know you in the way this passage describes, what does that say about you?

Say something like this:

“We’ve been looking at the character Ningen. He seems disappointed with how things have turned out—something’s clearly gone wrong, even if we don’t know all the details.

The truth is, we often don’t know what others are really feeling or thinking about themselves.

But the good news? We were made for connection. Life is richer when we’re connected—to each other, and to God.

Of course, life can be difficult. Maybe you’ve even been told someone’s disappointed in you. But here’s the great news:
God is not disappointed in you.
He loves you and wants you to see yourself the way He sees you.”

You might want to explore one or more of these verses to reinforce how God sees us:

• John 3:16 – God so loved the world…

• Jeremiah 29:11 – God has a plan for you.

• Ephesians 2:10 – You are God’s workmanship.

• 1 Peter 2:9 – You are chosen.

You’ll instinctively know how best to pray with your group. You might ask:

• Is there anything you’d like us to pray about today?

• Would anyone like to pray for someone else in the group?

Here are some prayer points you may want to include:

• Pray that the group would begin to see themselves through God’s eyes—not through disappointment, comparison, or failure.

• Pray for anyone feeling isolated or unseen, that they would know they are not alone.

• Pray that everyone would understand that although God may be grieved by our choices, He never gives up on us—He sees our potential and always offers grace.