The pastor had his lesson...
Illustration
The pastor had his lesson plans firmly implanted in his mind as the young students arrived for catechism class. It must have been a particularly trying day for both the pastor and the students, because conflict arose from the moment the class began. It became clear from the outset that the students were not the least bit interested in following the pastor's carefully prepared lesson plans.
About 20 minutes into the lesson, it got to the point where students seemed to be mocking their Lord, the church, and catechism class itself. It was almost as if they were ashamed of their faith and their Lord. The class was turning into nothing more than one big joke.
Finally, the pastor got so upset with the young people and their mocking attitude that he exploded with angry words. He heard himself say, "How dare you be ashamed of our Lord Jesus Christ! He died for your sins, for crying out loud. I want you to go home. Think about what has happened here, and maybe we will accomplish a bit more next week."
The students hung their heads, walked hesitantly out the door, obviously not looking forward to the expected explanation for their early arrival at home.
Sure, there were some parents who were upset with how the pastor had handled the situation ... especially his display of anger in front of the children. But the pastor felt he was taking Mark 8:38 seriously by urging the young peopIe to appreciate the saving act of Jesus Christ.
-- Thompson
About 20 minutes into the lesson, it got to the point where students seemed to be mocking their Lord, the church, and catechism class itself. It was almost as if they were ashamed of their faith and their Lord. The class was turning into nothing more than one big joke.
Finally, the pastor got so upset with the young people and their mocking attitude that he exploded with angry words. He heard himself say, "How dare you be ashamed of our Lord Jesus Christ! He died for your sins, for crying out loud. I want you to go home. Think about what has happened here, and maybe we will accomplish a bit more next week."
The students hung their heads, walked hesitantly out the door, obviously not looking forward to the expected explanation for their early arrival at home.
Sure, there were some parents who were upset with how the pastor had handled the situation ... especially his display of anger in front of the children. But the pastor felt he was taking Mark 8:38 seriously by urging the young peopIe to appreciate the saving act of Jesus Christ.
-- Thompson
