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Lunch for a Bunch

Children's sermon
John 6:1-21
Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
Arley K. Fadness
Object: 
Symbols from popular eating places like McDonalds, Wendy's, etc.
“...the people saw the sign that he had done...”

Good morning girls and boys,

It's fabulous to see you and talk with you this morning.

I have a question. Have you ever been hungry?” Do you ever complain, “I'm hungry?”
“I'm starving?” (children respond)

So what is your favorite eating place? (show symbols of popular eating places -- conduct a poll or vote)

One day, Jesus and his disciples were out and about. Large crowds followed him everywhere. Jesus and the crowd ended up, that day, far away from any place to eat.

The disciples were stumped. “What shall we do, Jesus?”

Lo and behold, a little boy, about your age, had brought his lunch along.

Here's what happened. The little boy generously offered his lunch to the bunch.

He had only 5 barley loaves and 2 fish. So Jesus blessed the lunch and then fed the entire bunch of 5 thousand people. And would you believe, after that multitude of people, sitting on that grassy place, ate, there were 12 baskets of leftovers?

This was a miracle. A little boy shares and Jesus blesses. This miracle was a sign -- a sign telling the people that Jesus was truly special. Miracles are signs that are not expected to happen but happen anyway.

Did you know that God wants you to be a partner in miracles?

Jesus and you are real partners in miracle making whenever you are generous.

Jesus and you make miracles happen when you are happy to share and to love and to help others who are hungry or without clothes or homeless.

Miracles happen when you hear others say, “I'm hungry, I'm starving, I'm shivering, I'm cold,” and then you and Jesus do something about it.

Prayer: Jesus, you make miracles happen. Help us to partner with you in miracle making today. And let the world know that miracles are signs of your coming. Amen.
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