Lost and found
Children's sermon
Object:
a lost and found box with unmatched gloves and other items (write "lost and found box" on the side)
Good morning, boys and girls. Do you know what this is? (Show
the box and let them answer.) It is a lost and found box. Some of
you have seen these boxes at school. My box has some (name some
of the objects and hold them for all to see). I always feel sorry
for a glove that never finds its mate. Have any of you ever lost
anything that later was found in the lost and found box? (Let
them answer.) It's a good feeling to find something that was
lost, isn't it?
My lost and found box makes me think of this morning's lesson. In the lesson, Jesus says "those who lose their life for my sake will find it." What do you suppose Jesus is saying when he talks about losing your life and then finding it? (Let them answer.) Some Christians answer that question by becoming missionaries. There are many kinds of missionaries. These people serve Christ in our country and in foreign countries. Missionaries can be teachers, doctors, nurses, preachers, even farmers. Other Christians answer that question by volunteering for jobs that help others. There are many kinds of voluntary service positions that Christians are involved in. Sometimes people who become missionaries or work in voluntary service assignments make a great personal sacrifice. These people stop what they are doing to serve Christ. They may work in difficult locations and in difficult jobs. One might say that they are "losing their life" but that they are finding it in Jesus. They are losing it because they give up many of the comforts that we have. They are finding their life in Jesus because of the great personal reward they see in serving Christ. Christians who lose their life for Christ's sake are like mittens in a lost and found box that find their missing owner.
My lost and found box makes me think of this morning's lesson. In the lesson, Jesus says "those who lose their life for my sake will find it." What do you suppose Jesus is saying when he talks about losing your life and then finding it? (Let them answer.) Some Christians answer that question by becoming missionaries. There are many kinds of missionaries. These people serve Christ in our country and in foreign countries. Missionaries can be teachers, doctors, nurses, preachers, even farmers. Other Christians answer that question by volunteering for jobs that help others. There are many kinds of voluntary service positions that Christians are involved in. Sometimes people who become missionaries or work in voluntary service assignments make a great personal sacrifice. These people stop what they are doing to serve Christ. They may work in difficult locations and in difficult jobs. One might say that they are "losing their life" but that they are finding it in Jesus. They are losing it because they give up many of the comforts that we have. They are finding their life in Jesus because of the great personal reward they see in serving Christ. Christians who lose their life for Christ's sake are like mittens in a lost and found box that find their missing owner.
