Childrens Sermon Service

Editor's note: To prepare for this lesson invite two older students (perhaps junior high age) to help. Explain to them that they are to act out an argument during this lesson. The argument could be, for example, that both find an apple and both want it. You eventually intervene. You suggest they share the apple (agree with one another). Use a knife to cut the apple in two. Give one piece to each student. Then go on with your lesson.

Good morning, boys and girls. (Name the students) came with me this morning to help tell my story to you. Listen to what is happening here and then we'll talk about it. (Let the argument begin. You intervene and offer a workable solution.) What was happening between (name the students)? (Let them answer.) We watched an argument, didn't we? The good news is that our two friends agreed to share the apple. Now both are enjoying it. We could say that the two are "living in peace." This apple sharing reminds me of this morning's lesson. In it Jesus is saying farewell to his disciples. He leaves them with some very important instructions before he goes. He says: listen to me, agree with one another, and live in peace. That's what (name the two students) did. They finally agreed with each other and now they are living in peace with each other. That's what Jesus wants us to do. He doesn't want us to argue or fight. He wants us to find a way to be friends. In the case of the apple, it is to share it. Jesus says that when we agree and live in peace that the God of love and peace will be with us. Don't (name the two students) look better sharing their apple than fighting over it? This week, try to agree with your friends and family members. When you do you will live in peace, too.