Take care of others
Children's sermon
Object:
none
Today we are going to use our imaginations. Listen to me read part of today's lesson. Pay attention, because I'm going to have you think about the story after I'm done reading. (read verses 19-21) Okay. Now close your eyes. Imagine a rich man dressed in purple. Imagine him sitting at a big table with lots and lots of food. There's probably meat and bread, fruits and vegetables. Maybe there's cheese and desserts and other fancy food.
Now imagine a poor man who lives outside the rich man's house. His name is Lazarus, and he has no home. He has no fancy table with lots of wonderful food on it. To make things worse, Lazarus is sick. His body is covered with sore places. Who will help Lazarus with his troubles? Who will help him feel better?
Now open your eyes. Somebody in our Bible verse takes care of Lazarus. Who is it? (see if they remember) It's the dogs! The Bible tells us that the dogs come and lick his sores. They care for him. Does the rich man? No! Even though he has more than he needs, he doesn't think to share with the sick man outside his house. Isn't that a shame? Lazarus is sick and hungry, and the only ones who try to help him feel better are the dogs.
No matter how much or little you have, there is always someone who has less than you. God wants us to appreciate the blessings we have and share with those who are in need. The dogs in the story were less selfish than the rich man was. They didn't have anything either, but they didn't mind showing a little kindness to the sick man. Why couldn't the rich man do the same thing? Don't be like the rich man: stingy and unwilling to help those around you. We should all be more tender and giving like the dogs in our story.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive us when we are selfish. Please show us the way to share and help those who are in need. Amen.
Now imagine a poor man who lives outside the rich man's house. His name is Lazarus, and he has no home. He has no fancy table with lots of wonderful food on it. To make things worse, Lazarus is sick. His body is covered with sore places. Who will help Lazarus with his troubles? Who will help him feel better?
Now open your eyes. Somebody in our Bible verse takes care of Lazarus. Who is it? (see if they remember) It's the dogs! The Bible tells us that the dogs come and lick his sores. They care for him. Does the rich man? No! Even though he has more than he needs, he doesn't think to share with the sick man outside his house. Isn't that a shame? Lazarus is sick and hungry, and the only ones who try to help him feel better are the dogs.
No matter how much or little you have, there is always someone who has less than you. God wants us to appreciate the blessings we have and share with those who are in need. The dogs in the story were less selfish than the rich man was. They didn't have anything either, but they didn't mind showing a little kindness to the sick man. Why couldn't the rich man do the same thing? Don't be like the rich man: stingy and unwilling to help those around you. We should all be more tender and giving like the dogs in our story.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive us when we are selfish. Please show us the way to share and help those who are in need. Amen.
