The day Jesus wept
Children's sermon
Object:
small medicine bottles, one for each child
Good morning, boys and girls. We are moving deeper and deeper into the season of Lent. Each day we follow Jesus, knowing that he is one day closer to dying on the cross. How does that make you feel? (let them answer) It makes us feel sad, doesn't it? No one wanted Jesus to die, but we know from reading the Bible that it is going to happen. How do you think Jesus felt about knowing that he was going to die on the cross? (let them answer) I think you are right; he was not very happy about it, but he knew he had to do it.
Let's ask another question. What happens to you when you feel bad? (let them answer) Do you get very quiet? Do you run off somewhere and hide? Do you try to find your mom or dad and tell them how bad you feel? (let them answer) Does anyone here cry? (let them answer) When was the last time you cried? (let a couple of the children tell you when they last cried) That was pretty sad thing that happened to you. I understand why you cried. We are not talking about the kind of crying that happens when we hurt our hands, leg, face, or arms. We are talking about being really sad and crying really hard. That's when the tears really come, don't they? (let them answer)
The Bible teaches us that Jesus cried real tears when he knew he was going to die for our sins. He cried and prayed to God the Father to save him from a terrible death. Did you know that Jesus cried? Jesus cried more than once, according to the Bible. So you see you are not the only one who cries and cries real tears. Jesus cried also.
I brought along some small bottles that I thought you might want to take home and keep near you for the next time you cry. You can take the bottle and while you are crying you can fill it up with some of the tears that come from your eyes. How would you like a small bottle of your own tears? (let them answer) Take the bottle of tears and put it on your dresser. Just think, if you have a small bottle of your own tears, you can always remember about the times that Jesus cried.
Jesus still died on the cross. Even though he prayed in tears, it was the decision of God that Jesus must die so that people like you and me could be forgiven and become part of God's great family. Jesus learned to be obedient to his Father in heaven. So keep your tears, remember how much Jesus loves you, and thank God for his plan to save all who believe that Jesus died for us.
Let's ask another question. What happens to you when you feel bad? (let them answer) Do you get very quiet? Do you run off somewhere and hide? Do you try to find your mom or dad and tell them how bad you feel? (let them answer) Does anyone here cry? (let them answer) When was the last time you cried? (let a couple of the children tell you when they last cried) That was pretty sad thing that happened to you. I understand why you cried. We are not talking about the kind of crying that happens when we hurt our hands, leg, face, or arms. We are talking about being really sad and crying really hard. That's when the tears really come, don't they? (let them answer)
The Bible teaches us that Jesus cried real tears when he knew he was going to die for our sins. He cried and prayed to God the Father to save him from a terrible death. Did you know that Jesus cried? Jesus cried more than once, according to the Bible. So you see you are not the only one who cries and cries real tears. Jesus cried also.
I brought along some small bottles that I thought you might want to take home and keep near you for the next time you cry. You can take the bottle and while you are crying you can fill it up with some of the tears that come from your eyes. How would you like a small bottle of your own tears? (let them answer) Take the bottle of tears and put it on your dresser. Just think, if you have a small bottle of your own tears, you can always remember about the times that Jesus cried.
Jesus still died on the cross. Even though he prayed in tears, it was the decision of God that Jesus must die so that people like you and me could be forgiven and become part of God's great family. Jesus learned to be obedient to his Father in heaven. So keep your tears, remember how much Jesus loves you, and thank God for his plan to save all who believe that Jesus died for us.
