DEUTERONOMY 15:7-11

Mark 5:22-24,35b-43

10:30 “Interactive” Sermon

June 29, 2003

MIRACLES OF LIFE

(Invite kids 3 and over to come up)

Today’s story about Jesus tells of one of his wonderful miracles. A 12 year-old girl’s daddy came to Jesus and told him that his daughter was very, very sick - almost dying – and asked Jesus to come to his house to put his hands on her and make her well. Jesus went with the man, but he didn’t run, and he even stopped to heal somebody else on the way! Why do you think Jesus never runs? (Responses.) I think it’s because Jesus is never late – it’s never too late for him to help, because Jesus can do anything.

Finally, he comes to the girl’s house, which is packed with people crying really loudly. Jesus tells the people he can still save her life. What did the people do when he said that? (They laughed at him.) So Jesus told everybody who laughed to leave the house – only those who believed could stay. Would you have laughed, or would you have wanted to stay and see what Jesus did? (Responses.) O.K., now who wants to play the girl in this story? Lay down on the floor, here’s a cushion for your head. Just lie still with your eyes closed. In the story only the girl’s mommy and daddy and Peter, James and John got to be in the room, but for this anybody who believes in Jesus can stay.

So Jesus came to the girl, took her by the hand and said “Talitha cum” (which means, “Get up”!) And she came back to life!

Do you think she was happy? Do you think her daddy and mommy thanked Jesus? (Responses.) From this story we can learn that Jesus loves us and can do anything. AND – we can remember all of us can give thanks to God for the gift of life he’s given to us. Right now, one girl is standing up – how about if everyone who is alive stands up and we all say “Thank you, God” for the gift of life!!

(The Rev.) Francis A. Hubbard

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church