A great man
Children's sermon
Object:
A reproduction of a famous painting
Good morning! This morning I have a copy of what is called a
masterpiece. I know this is a reproduction because I purchased it
for just a few dollars. If this were the real painting, it would
be worth many tens of millions of dollars! Wouldn't it be
something to actually own the real painting?
Why do you think the original painting is so important and valuable? (Let them answer.) There may be many reasons, but one of the reasons surely is because it is a "one of a kind." There are no more paintings exactly like this by the same artist. If there were several, it might not be nearly so valuable, but since this is the only one like it, it becomes extremely valuable.
Today we read about a very important "one of a kind" human being. His name was John. He is often called "John the Baptist" because he is different from the disciple John. John the Baptist was the last of the Old Testament prophets. As such, he was very, very important. Jesus said that there was no one as great as John the Baptist -- except for (point your finger at each individual child) you! And you! And you!
Like this masterpiece, you are a "one of a kind" who was created by God. There is not another one like you in the whole wide world! Think of that! All the billions of people on the earth and you are the only one like you!
Jesus said that John the Baptist was the greatest man who ever lived, and yet even "the least" of those in the kingdom of heaven are greater. Since you and I are in this kingdom that Jesus spoke of, that means that you and I are greater than even John the Baptist!
I'm glad for you, and you, and you ...
Dear Jesus: Thank you for each of us. We are so important to you and we thank you for each other. Amen.
Why do you think the original painting is so important and valuable? (Let them answer.) There may be many reasons, but one of the reasons surely is because it is a "one of a kind." There are no more paintings exactly like this by the same artist. If there were several, it might not be nearly so valuable, but since this is the only one like it, it becomes extremely valuable.
Today we read about a very important "one of a kind" human being. His name was John. He is often called "John the Baptist" because he is different from the disciple John. John the Baptist was the last of the Old Testament prophets. As such, he was very, very important. Jesus said that there was no one as great as John the Baptist -- except for (point your finger at each individual child) you! And you! And you!
Like this masterpiece, you are a "one of a kind" who was created by God. There is not another one like you in the whole wide world! Think of that! All the billions of people on the earth and you are the only one like you!
Jesus said that John the Baptist was the greatest man who ever lived, and yet even "the least" of those in the kingdom of heaven are greater. Since you and I are in this kingdom that Jesus spoke of, that means that you and I are greater than even John the Baptist!
I'm glad for you, and you, and you ...
Dear Jesus: Thank you for each of us. We are so important to you and we thank you for each other. Amen.
