Before the cock crows twice
Children's sermon
Object:
a picture of a rooster or a real rooster in a cage
Good morning, boys and girls. Today is Palm Sunday and you received a palm branch when you came into church. Does anyone know where a palm branch grows? (let them answer) That's right --Êon a palm tree.
Another name for this Sunday is the Sunday of the Passion. Does anyone know what the word, "passion" means? (let them answer) Passion means "to suffer over a long period of time" like Jesus did before he died. On this Sunday we recognize that Jesus suffered for a long time to save us from our sins. Some of us think that Jesus suffered only when he hung on the cross, but his suffering lasted much longer.
I brought with me a friend this morning. His name is Richard the Rooster. (show them the picture or the real rooster) I want to tell you a story about Jesus and Peter. Peter loved Jesus and told him that he loved him every time he had a chance. The other disciples thought he was the most loyal friend Jesus had. If Jesus asked for someone to do something difficult, Peter would be the first one to volunteer. Sometimes Peter volunteered to do things that he could not do well, but no matter how many times Peter failed, he was always ready to try the next time.
One night, Jesus was talking about how close his death was to happening. Peter protested. Peter said that under no circumstances would he allow Jesus to be put to death. Peter said that he would either protect Jesus or die trying to protect him. No one doubted that Peter meant what he said. They knew he was very loyal and very strong. But Jesus told Peter that before the rooster crowed twice, Peter would deny even knowing Jesus three times. After he said that, Jesus was captured by some soldiers and taken to jail.
All of the disciples left. Peter came near the place where Jesus was being held, and he tried to disguise himself, but people recognized him and asked him if he was a part of Jesus' group. Peter denied that he knew Jesus one time, then a second time, and a rooster crowed. Peter was again asked if he knew Jesus, and Peter said, "No." At that very moment the rooster crowed for a second time. Peter remembered what Jesus had said and he began to weep.
During tough times, we must have lots of courage to stand by Jesus, also. The next time you see a rooster I want you to remember that Peter denied Jesus three times. Peter was sorry for his sin but it would be a while before he felt forgiven. Amen.
Another name for this Sunday is the Sunday of the Passion. Does anyone know what the word, "passion" means? (let them answer) Passion means "to suffer over a long period of time" like Jesus did before he died. On this Sunday we recognize that Jesus suffered for a long time to save us from our sins. Some of us think that Jesus suffered only when he hung on the cross, but his suffering lasted much longer.
I brought with me a friend this morning. His name is Richard the Rooster. (show them the picture or the real rooster) I want to tell you a story about Jesus and Peter. Peter loved Jesus and told him that he loved him every time he had a chance. The other disciples thought he was the most loyal friend Jesus had. If Jesus asked for someone to do something difficult, Peter would be the first one to volunteer. Sometimes Peter volunteered to do things that he could not do well, but no matter how many times Peter failed, he was always ready to try the next time.
One night, Jesus was talking about how close his death was to happening. Peter protested. Peter said that under no circumstances would he allow Jesus to be put to death. Peter said that he would either protect Jesus or die trying to protect him. No one doubted that Peter meant what he said. They knew he was very loyal and very strong. But Jesus told Peter that before the rooster crowed twice, Peter would deny even knowing Jesus three times. After he said that, Jesus was captured by some soldiers and taken to jail.
All of the disciples left. Peter came near the place where Jesus was being held, and he tried to disguise himself, but people recognized him and asked him if he was a part of Jesus' group. Peter denied that he knew Jesus one time, then a second time, and a rooster crowed. Peter was again asked if he knew Jesus, and Peter said, "No." At that very moment the rooster crowed for a second time. Peter remembered what Jesus had said and he began to weep.
During tough times, we must have lots of courage to stand by Jesus, also. The next time you see a rooster I want you to remember that Peter denied Jesus three times. Peter was sorry for his sin but it would be a while before he felt forgiven. Amen.
