The importance of being humble
Children's sermon
Object:
... for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted. (v. 14b)
Object: two balloons, deflated, and a lot of hot air
Good morning, boys and girls. I have a couple of friends who can't wait to get out of my pocket. Would you like to see them? (let them answer. Bring out the balloons one at a time. Indicate by your reaction that one of them is especially loud.)
My goodness, this is a loud balloon. He just keeps saying, "I'm the greatest! I'm the prettiest! I'm the smartest!" I'm going to put this one away for a minute and see what his friend has to say.
(Say to the second balloon, "Are you ready for the parade today? Do you think you can make things fun for everyone?" Pretend that you can hardly hear the response. Say, "What did you say? I can hardly hear you.") He said, "I hope I can make the other people happy. I want someone to blow me up, but not too big. I wouldn't want to receive more attention than the clowns or other performers." (Ask the balloon, "Does that mean you think the others are more important than you?" Pretend to listen for an answer) He said, "We're all on the same team and I want to make everyone feel happy." I'm going to find someone to blow you up to just the right size. (ask for an adult in the front row to blow up the balloon)
Let's get back to the loud balloon. (Say, "Mr. Balloon, would you like to be blown up so you can be part of the parade, too?") Did you hear what he said? (Listen very carefully and then say, "You want to be blown up, but the person must have fresh breath? You want to be bigger than any other balloon and walk only with the most important people?" Select a volunteer and have him blow up the balloon. Encourage him to blow it bigger and bigger until it bursts. If necessary, have a pin in your hand to make sure it breaks) Mr. Balloon was so full of himself that he actually blew up!
Thank heavens we have another balloon. Let's have this nice balloon walk with the important people at the front of the parade.
Jesus told a story like this in the Bible. He said some people think they are so great that they even brag to God about themselves. But people who know that God is the greatest are sure to be friends of Jesus.
The next time you see a balloon I want you to think about that Bible story. Jesus said that people who think they are great will be humbled in the presence of God. People who are humble and love God will be made great by God.
