Kids’ Sermon 8/11/02 – 10:30a.m.

Anybody ever been in a small boat (show of hands)? Anybody ever been in a small boat when the waves were big? Anybody ever been in a small boat when the waves were big and it was night-time? Does this sound a little scary?

Let’s imagine what it was like for Jesus’ disciples that night. First, we need to squeeze together so we can all fit in this boat. Then – remember the wind was blowing hard – we need some wind (everyone makes wind sound effects). The disciples were rowing – so let’s “row”. Now, the wind is making the boat rock (kids rock back and forth). And it was dark (lights out, please) between 3-6 o’clock in the morning, so let’s shut our eyes, and rock and make wind noises and row. Anybody getting tired? Anybody like some help? (The music they were listening to on their CD player was “We’re going to rock and row all night.”)

Suddenly (open eyes) we see Jesus walking towards us over the water. Have you ever seen anyone walk on water? Does that seem a little spooky? And then Peter – someone volunteer to be Peter? – stands up in the boat – it’s still rocking, remember – and says “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus says “Come.” Peter walks on water – for a second – and then takes his eyes off Jesus and starts to sink!

Now, to help Peter out, does Jesus offer him...a weight (20lb weight)? Does Jesus offer Peter...a life saver (lifesaver candy)? Would either of those help?

No. Jesus offers Peter his hand. Jesus offers Peter himself. And then together, they walked to the boat, got in – and the wind ceased (wind, stop.) Which means you can stop rocking and rowing, and rest.

Now, sometimes in life it feels like we’re trying as hard as we can and getting no place, just like the disciples felt, because they were rowing hard right against the wind. And sometimes some of the people who say they want to help us don’t – they make the job harder by giving us more weight to lug around (pick up weight) by their attitudes or their blaming us or by their own problems. Some other people say they want to help us but offer us answers that really don’t do any good (pick up lifesaver candy).

But Jesus offers us a hand. Jesus offers us himself. And sometimes, when we invite Jesus into our “boat” and listen to him, the “wind” will stop and we will make progress. Even if we feel like we’re in the middle of a big lake at night with a heavy wind, there’s nothing that can stop him getting to us.

(The Rev.) Francis A. Hubbard

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church