Childrens Sermon Service

(Show the children the weather map.) Do you see this map? I made this map, but you've probably seen maps that look like this on television. They will show maps like this one during the morning and evening news. These maps help us see what the weather is going to be like in different parts of the country. (Point to the wind symbol.) What does this mean? (Answers.) When we see this symbol we know that it's going to be windy in that part of the country. (Point to the rain and sun.) What about these symbols? (Answers.) When you see these symbols you know exactly how to plan for your day.

(Now hold up the picture of Jesus.) What about this? What do you think of when you see this picture? (Get their responses for a few moments.) This one is a little bit different than the other ones, isn't it? Our verse today is really a serious one. Jesus is talking to a crowd of people and he is very frustrated. He has been with them for a while and they have seen all the marvelous things he has done, but they still don't understand who he is. Somehow Jesus is strange to them, but he thinks that they ought to know better. They are familiar with the weather. Jesus wants them to be familiar with him too.

Let's see how familiar we are with Jesus. What are some things that Jesus did? How does he want us to treat others? (Think of your own questions and don't be afraid to spend some time discussing this. See how much the children know about him -- let them help teach part of your lesson today!) We know a lot about Jesus, but do we live like he did? Do we see the world like he does? That's what he wants. He wants us to be as familiar with him as we are with this map. He wants us to think of him and immediately know how to act in every situation. The more time we spend with him, the more we will begin to see the world the way he does.

Prayer: God, it isn't always easy to see the world the way you do, but we are learning. Please help us grow and be more like you every day. Amen.