Start Seeing Lazarus
Children's sermon
Object:
A pairs of glasses with blacked-out lenses
“Child, remember… Lazarus...” (v. 25a)
Good morning boys and girls,
I am so glad to see you. I get to talk and listen to you today. I know we will have an amazing time together.
Some of us adults, and children too, wear eyeglasses. We need a little help to see better.
Some of us are far-sighted and some near-sighted. Some have astigmatism. There are people who are blind. They have no physical eyesight. Some people are lucky enough to have a seeing-eye dog to help and guide them. Some people use a white cane to help them maneuver. Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be blind? (children respond) Jesus healed people who were blind in the Bible. It must have been a wonderful experience to be blind and then be able to see again.
This morning, we meet a rich man, in Jesus’ story, who was like he was blind. Notice I have on a pair of special glasses. (presenter wears blocked lens glasses)
This rich man could see physically enough to feast sumptuously and enjoy a wealthy life, but he could not see spiritually. The eyes of his heart were darkened.
A poor beggar, Lazarus, with sores on his body, was nearby and starving. But the rich man’s soul had darkened glasses on. He never saw poor Lazarus. Dogs came and licked Lazarus’ sores on his body. Lazarus yearned for the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. He was so hungry. Then both men died. Jesus’ story tells how the rich man in the next life was punished. Poor suffering Lazarus, was given a better next life.
Because the rich man’s “heart” wore darkened glasses, he never saw Lazarus.
Are there people like Lazarus today? (children respond) (take off glasses)
There’s a bumper sticker that reads, “Start Seeing Motorcycles.”
It’s a good reminder for people who drive cars, trucks, and buses to be aware of a small vehicle like a motorcycle. Start seeing people like Lazarus, means to really see with one’s heart, the poor, the crippled, the blind, and begin to care for them!
Prayer: Dear Jesus give us eyes to see Lazarus all around us today. Amen.
Good morning boys and girls,
I am so glad to see you. I get to talk and listen to you today. I know we will have an amazing time together.
Some of us adults, and children too, wear eyeglasses. We need a little help to see better.
Some of us are far-sighted and some near-sighted. Some have astigmatism. There are people who are blind. They have no physical eyesight. Some people are lucky enough to have a seeing-eye dog to help and guide them. Some people use a white cane to help them maneuver. Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be blind? (children respond) Jesus healed people who were blind in the Bible. It must have been a wonderful experience to be blind and then be able to see again.
This morning, we meet a rich man, in Jesus’ story, who was like he was blind. Notice I have on a pair of special glasses. (presenter wears blocked lens glasses)
This rich man could see physically enough to feast sumptuously and enjoy a wealthy life, but he could not see spiritually. The eyes of his heart were darkened.
A poor beggar, Lazarus, with sores on his body, was nearby and starving. But the rich man’s soul had darkened glasses on. He never saw poor Lazarus. Dogs came and licked Lazarus’ sores on his body. Lazarus yearned for the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. He was so hungry. Then both men died. Jesus’ story tells how the rich man in the next life was punished. Poor suffering Lazarus, was given a better next life.
Because the rich man’s “heart” wore darkened glasses, he never saw Lazarus.
Are there people like Lazarus today? (children respond) (take off glasses)
There’s a bumper sticker that reads, “Start Seeing Motorcycles.”
It’s a good reminder for people who drive cars, trucks, and buses to be aware of a small vehicle like a motorcycle. Start seeing people like Lazarus, means to really see with one’s heart, the poor, the crippled, the blind, and begin to care for them!
Prayer: Dear Jesus give us eyes to see Lazarus all around us today. Amen.
