Genesis 18:1-14

LUKE 10:38-42

Everyone Gets a Front Seat Next to Jesus

I need the kids to help me to explain today's Gospel story to the grown-ups. [Kids gather up front. I address them.] Do you want to know what church was like for me as a kid? Well~ to start with, we have to walk all the way to the back of the sanctuary [which we then do], and then we have to pretend that we're walking farther because the church I went to when I was little was much longer than this. [We walk in place.] It was also much darker than this is. Now, imagine how little I was when I was little. [I squat down behind the very last row of the pews until I can barely see over the pew in front of me.] This is how much I could see! Except that sometimes, there was a pillar in front of me, too! How many times do you think I was invited up front for the sermon? [Zero.] And do you know that I never even came up front at communion time for communion or even a blessing? When I was little, baptized children were excommunicated!

Do you think this is what Jesus wants for kids? [“No!”] That's right! Jesus wants everyone to get a front row seat right next to him, in church or any place else! [We walk up to the front.] No one has to “sit in the back of the bus”" in church!

Today's Gospel story is about Jesus and two grown-up women, Martha and Mary.

In those days, lots of people didn't think women should be allowed to have front row seats as important followers of a leader. But Jesus gave, and gives, first class treatment to everyone who wants to be his follower! Always remember that - no one is second class as far as Jesus is concerned, no matter what anyone else says!

Let's sing together, “I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world! Yes, we're the church together!”

The Rev. Francis A. Hubbard
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church Monmouth Junction, New Jersey