Walk with Jesus
Children's sermon
Object:
crosses in various sizes and weights -- it would be special if the children can take a cross home with them
The Point: When we walk with Jesus we never walk alone.
The Lesson: Good morning, boys and girls. It's good to be with you at church today. Look around. Do you see people you know? (let children answer) How about people you don't know? (let children answer) All of these people are here today because they want to worship God and to be a part of God's family.
Now look around again. Do you see any crosses? (let children answer) Do you see a cross on me? (let children answer) Yes and when others see it they know that I am a part of an important family -- God's family. The same is true with you. But it is not enough to just wear a cross, your words and actions should reflect your faith. I think that is what Jesus is trying to teach us this morning.
I need you to pick up one of these crosses. Now lift it up and don't put it down until I tell you.
In the Bible reading today Jesus tells us to "take up the cross and follow him." He is telling us that there is nothing more important than to be with him. Is your arm getting tired? (let children answer)
Jesus was put on a cross and died on that cross. Taking up your cross today can mean not doing what you want because you need to do something for him. Taking up your cross might mean forgiving when you would rather not. Taking up your cross might mean not doing what your friends are doing because you know Jesus doesn't want you to do it.
Jesus asks his followers to be humble, willing to serve, obeying his word, and telling others the good news. Following Jesus may cost putting Jesus' mission and his will ahead of our own. Do you want to put your crosses down? (let children answer) Arms tired? (let children answer) Remember, following Jesus doesn't mean walking behind him; it is knowing he walks with us. And when we walk with Jesus we never walk alone.
Closing Prayer: God of creation, salvation, and power, you have made us a new company of witnesses to the gospel. Enable us to be faithful to our calling to make known your promises to the entire world; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lesson: Good morning, boys and girls. It's good to be with you at church today. Look around. Do you see people you know? (let children answer) How about people you don't know? (let children answer) All of these people are here today because they want to worship God and to be a part of God's family.
Now look around again. Do you see any crosses? (let children answer) Do you see a cross on me? (let children answer) Yes and when others see it they know that I am a part of an important family -- God's family. The same is true with you. But it is not enough to just wear a cross, your words and actions should reflect your faith. I think that is what Jesus is trying to teach us this morning.
I need you to pick up one of these crosses. Now lift it up and don't put it down until I tell you.
In the Bible reading today Jesus tells us to "take up the cross and follow him." He is telling us that there is nothing more important than to be with him. Is your arm getting tired? (let children answer)
Jesus was put on a cross and died on that cross. Taking up your cross today can mean not doing what you want because you need to do something for him. Taking up your cross might mean forgiving when you would rather not. Taking up your cross might mean not doing what your friends are doing because you know Jesus doesn't want you to do it.
Jesus asks his followers to be humble, willing to serve, obeying his word, and telling others the good news. Following Jesus may cost putting Jesus' mission and his will ahead of our own. Do you want to put your crosses down? (let children answer) Arms tired? (let children answer) Remember, following Jesus doesn't mean walking behind him; it is knowing he walks with us. And when we walk with Jesus we never walk alone.
Closing Prayer: God of creation, salvation, and power, you have made us a new company of witnesses to the gospel. Enable us to be faithful to our calling to make known your promises to the entire world; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
