ROMANS 12:1-8

MATTHEW 16:21-27

Sermon with Children

10:30a.m. Service

August 28, 2005

Last week, in our Bible Story about Jesus, we heard Jesus call his important helper, Peter, “the rock upon which Jesus would build Jesus’ Church.” (Aside to the teens and grown-ups: this did not mean that Peter was to be like the professional wrestler named “The Rock.”) Jesus called Peter “the rock” because when people know the truth about who Jesus is – and what that means – knowing the truth about Jesus is the foundation of their faith helping them to grow bigger in faith, just like standing on these stones [brick pavers] helps me to stand taller.

So, I’m going to ask you some questions about Jesus. The answer to each question will be either “true” or “false”. Raise your hands if you think you know the answer and I will call on you. “Jesus is called the Christ, the Savior of the World.” True or false? [Child who is called on and answers “true” can stand on the brick pavers as if on the Olympic gold medal stand and we all cheer.] “Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” True or false? [Repeat behaviors.] “Because Jesus is our Savior and King, that means he never had to suffer any pain.” True or false? [Child who correctly answers “false” gets to stand on the stand, and then we “all fall down”, because false ideas about Jesus can make us “stumble.”] This is the question that Peter got wrong! He thought Jesus wouldn’t have to suffer and die, and Jesus called Peter a “stumbling block.” O.K. “Jesus took the blame on himself for all the bad things everyone everywhere has ever done, suffered and died so that everyone could get a second chance.” True or false? [Repeat behaviors.] Now, is this true or False: “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so” (sung). [Repeat behaviors.] O.K. is this true or false: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” [Repeat behaviors.] (I continue as long as seems appropriate, with different questions, and then finally the great thing is that, unlike in the Olympics, God makes it possible for everyone to be a winner and to stand tall on a huge victory stand, because “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son so that all who believe in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

(The Rev.) Francis A. Hubbard

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church