Great Greatness
Children's sermon
Object:
Portrait of Jesus and a child (children) such as artist Francis Hook's portraits
“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes me...” (v.37a)
Good morning children,
It is so good to see you. I have a message this morning about little people like you. Want to hear it? (children respond)
Do you ever argue? Do you argue with your sister or brother? Do you ever argue with your parents? Or teachers? Or classmates?
Arguing is not the same as fighting. Actually, it is healthy to argue. Arguing can be fun and useful as long as there is respect for one another.
One day, Jesus heard his disciples arguing. But their arguments were sad. They argued about who was the greatest. It would be like someone in your playground or at school who boasts, “I'm tougher than you! I'm bigger than you! I'm smarter than you. I'm better looking than you!” Ever heard that kind of bragging?
Being great is great. But Jesus’ “greatness” differs from what the disciples and kids often boast about.
Jesus invited a child to sit on his lap. He then pointed out to the disciples that greatness is being like a child -- a humble child. So what do you suppose the disciples saw in that little child on Jesus’ lap? (children may respond) Did they see how a child teaches love? Did they realize that a child teaches laughter? Did they understand that a child is humble as a little person? Did they see how a child enjoys closeness and togetherness?
Adults can be great but not by arguing who is the greatest? Adults are great when they capture their childhood innocence and love. You children are already great.
You were created great in God's image. You are redeemed by Christ's grace and love.
So be you -- kids!
Prayer: Lord Jesus help us to be great by serving you. Help us to always be humble as a child. Amen.
Good morning children,
It is so good to see you. I have a message this morning about little people like you. Want to hear it? (children respond)
Do you ever argue? Do you argue with your sister or brother? Do you ever argue with your parents? Or teachers? Or classmates?
Arguing is not the same as fighting. Actually, it is healthy to argue. Arguing can be fun and useful as long as there is respect for one another.
One day, Jesus heard his disciples arguing. But their arguments were sad. They argued about who was the greatest. It would be like someone in your playground or at school who boasts, “I'm tougher than you! I'm bigger than you! I'm smarter than you. I'm better looking than you!” Ever heard that kind of bragging?
Being great is great. But Jesus’ “greatness” differs from what the disciples and kids often boast about.
Jesus invited a child to sit on his lap. He then pointed out to the disciples that greatness is being like a child -- a humble child. So what do you suppose the disciples saw in that little child on Jesus’ lap? (children may respond) Did they see how a child teaches love? Did they realize that a child teaches laughter? Did they understand that a child is humble as a little person? Did they see how a child enjoys closeness and togetherness?
Adults can be great but not by arguing who is the greatest? Adults are great when they capture their childhood innocence and love. You children are already great.
You were created great in God's image. You are redeemed by Christ's grace and love.
So be you -- kids!
Prayer: Lord Jesus help us to be great by serving you. Help us to always be humble as a child. Amen.
