“When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”  (Matthew 9:11)

Why does Jesus do what He does?  Jesus is God in the flesh.  Who are we to ask anything?  Jesus showed up as a man, which meant He was hanging out with sinners.  Who are we to say where the line is drawn?  Sinners are sinners, for none are righteous, no, not one.  Thank You, Jesus, for coming and showing up for all of us.  My friends, do not repeat what the Pharisees did.  Jesus has come to hang out with us sinners.

Lord, there are so many in this world who think they are better than others.  We need what only You can do.  We do not invite You; You have come to invite us.  Let me recognize that as the truth of how I should view others.  I do not invite them, You do.  We are all  invited to give up this life of sin and walk with You into the everlasting life where sin has been forever banished.  Lead me, Lord, onto that way.

Lord Jesus, You know where I have been guilty of segregating myself so that I think myself superior.  Guide me in Your goodness to walk humbly with You always in the life You have given me from the cross.  May I now and always humbly follow wherever You lead, doing those things which are pleasing in Your sight.  Thank You, my Savior, for the goodness You have given me.  Amen.

“And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples” (Matthew 9:10).

In other words, we earthlings showed up.  So many think of themselves as better than “those people.”  We love to segregate.  But God has created every human in His image.  We are all image bearers.  Whether it’s a sex worker or a socialite, we’re all in need of salvation.  Behavior is one thing and who we are because of sin is an issue we all have.  Of course, Jesus sat down with sinners, otherwise He would have been eating alone.

Father in heaven, why do I want to set myself apart because of another’s occupation, status, origin, or any other difference?  I think I am afraid that this other disdained person is just really like me and I do not want to be like that person.  You have created each one of us to be who we are.  You have put into each of us the gifts You have given us.  Lead me away from judging by my own standards to living by Yours.

Lord Jesus, You came to save us all.  Guide me this day to live the way You would have me live.  Lead me in Your goodness and mercy to know that in You I have hope and a future.  You sat down with us sinners.  This sinner thanks You for being willing to come to my level.  Lift me up to live at Your level.  I am Your servant and I will do as You direct me to do.  Make me one of Your disciples.  Amen.

“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him” (Matthew 9:9).

Who are you?  Do you think yourself unreachable?  Amongst the lowest of the low was a tax collector in Jesus day.  No one, I repeat, no one is beyond the love of Christ.  He has come to save sinners.  The reality of Jesus is beyond what this world thinks.  We all are called into the amazing love of God which has been lavished upon us by Christ.  Come into His presence and purpose and learn how to really live.

Lord, I have my days when I am in doubt and do not believe anything good.  Help me to move beyond my selfishness and live as You created me to live.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy so that I understand that, yes, You have called me too.  It does not matter where I am, what I have done, or what I can or am not able to do, You call all to come unto You and learn how to live life more abundantly.

Lord Jesus, there are many things in my secret room that only You know.  You know where I doubt and feel that I am beyond Your help.  Save me from all despair and guide me into the goodness of Your grace and mercy.  Guide me all the days of my life humbly and simply to follow You.  Savior of my soul , You know all that is needed.  Lead me this day in the grace You purchased for my redemption.  Amen.

“And he stood up and went to his home.  When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings” (Matthew 9:7-8).

Why is it, in a moment that amazes, that so quickly afterwards we go on to the next thing?  Yes, some of those in the crowd that day probably did follow Jesus, but so many just moved on.  Remember this when you hear, “If only I could see it.”  We want signs.  Jesus is the One through whom all things are made.  What do you need to move from life on your own to living as the author of life designed it to be lived? What more do we need than the sign of the Cross?

Lord, I am guilty of wanting to see things the way I want to see them.  I have exciting moments and then immediately forget about them.  I waver in this world of constant storms.  Turn my heart from being constantly tossed about to realize that You are the One in whom all authority is exercised.  Teach me to have awe for You as I have awe for so many things around me.  Help me learn how to live in Your amazing grace.

Lord Jesus, author of life, lead me in the way life is meant to be lived.  Guide me in Your goodness to know that in You there is hope and a future.  Lead me today so that I may see  things around me and be amazed.  Then help me to look to You and give praise and thanksgiving for the goodness You give all the time.  Help me live so that my life reveals the glory of Your creation and redemption.  Amen.

“But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” – he then said to the paralytic – “Stand up, take your bed and go to your home” (Matthew 9:6).

Who can heal another with a word?  Even when a miraculous healing takes place through one of the faithful so gifted, it is still the word of the Lord.  The One through whom all things have their being grants power through His word.  He who made all things is more than able to heal.  From the cross He said, “Father forgive them.”  And thus are we forgiven.  All who trust and believe that our Savior has accomplished this are in His salvation.

Lord, it is so simple, but I make it so complex.  I love being one of those saved, but then I turn on my brothers and sisters and judge them by my own internal standard.  You have given me the words of eternal life.  Let me not use them as a sword to wound, but let Your word come through me to heal.  Remove the things I see too often amongst those who say they follow You that I might live a life according to Your word.

Come Holy Spirit and work on my innermost parts.  Where I do evil, bring me to repentance.  Where I speak, let it be Your gracious word of forgiveness.  Guide me in the way I need to live as one who lives in forgiveness.  Guide me by Your goodness to do those things today which You give me to do.  Through all things, continue to minister to my heart so that I may always be guided by You.  Amen.

Scripture 

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 

Script 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Uggg! Good morning, everyone.  

Pastor: Sammy, what’s wrong?  

Sammy: I am really tired, Pastor. I haven’t had any rest in several days.  

Pastor: That’s not good, Sammy. What have you been doing?  

Sammy: Pastor, the better question to ask me is, “What haven’t you done?”  

Pastor: It’s that bad?  

Sammy: It’s that bad.  

Pastor: You seem upset, Sammy.  

Sammy: Of course I am upset! I didn’t get any naps this week. I have been helping Farmer Mark with all of the chores around the farm, and I have been making sure my younger cousins know where to go in the barn when we come in from the pasture. They get lost so easily. It’s just go-go-go and I don’t get any breaks.  

Pastor: Just take a deep breath, Sammy. In fact, let’s all take a deep breath. Ready? Breathe in. Breathe out. Feel better?  

Sammy: A little.  

Pastor: Boys and girls, do you ever feel like Sammy? Do you ever feel tired and frustrated about not getting time to rest? 

[Allow time for responses]  

Sammy: I am glad I am not the only one who feels this way.  

Pastor: Of course, not, Sammy. Even Jesus and his disciples didn’t have time to rest sometimes.  

Sammy: They didn’t?  

Pastor: Jesus had to be very intentional about resting, and he encouraged his disciples to rest, too.   

Sammy: But why does Jesus need rest?  

Pastor: Jesus is fully God and fully man, and he modeled for us how to live in the best way, and part of living full lives includes taking time to rest.  

Sammy: Pastor, I think I am going to go home after church and take a nap. Who’s with me?  

Pastor: That’s great everyone. Sundays are the perfect days to rest and spend time with your family. We are going to say a prayer. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, Thank you for encouraging us to rest. Thank you for helping us to center our lives on you. Amen.  

Sammy: Bye, everyone!  

Pastor: Bye, Sammy! 

Scripture 

Ephesians 1:3-14 

Script 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Good morning, everyone! Pastor, I heard a big word during your reading of the gospel lesson today. 

Pastor: There were several big words. Which one would you like to talk about, Sammy? 

Sammy: In-her-i-tance. 

Pastor: Inheritance. Sure, Sammy. We can talk about that. I want to see if the boys and girls know what this word means. Boys and girls, what is an inheritance? 

[Allow time for responses] 

Pastor: These are great answers/guesses. An inheritance is something that a person gains after another person dies. When a person is still living, he or she usually decides to give his or her money and house and car to another person or to many people. Then, when that person dies, the family members receive an inheritance of a house, a car, or money. 

Sammy: Can a person give an inheritance of smaller things, too? 

Pastor: Of course! Sometimes people give their family members jewelry or special objects that they have in their homes. 

Sammy: That’s so cool! So my great-grand-maa-maa gave my maa-maa a shiny bell to wear around her neck in the pasture. And one day I will get the bell. 

Pastor: That’s the right idea, Sammy. An inheritance is really special because it shows people that you love them. 

Sammy: Hmm. 

Pastor: What’s the matter, Sammy? 

Sammy: I’m confused, Pastor. How does an inheritance matter in church? What does it mean in the reading from Ephesians? 

Pastor: In the reading from Ephesians, Paul explains to the people of Ephesus that when Jesus died on the cross, we received an inheritance from him. 

Sammy: We did?! 

Pastor: We did. 

Sammy: That is the coolest inheritance yet! Wait, what is the inheritance from Jesus, again? 

Pastor: We are given many gifts, but the main gift is the Holy Spirit. We are also given an inheritance as sons and daughters of the King of Kings: Eternal Life with Jesus. 

Sammy: That is the sweetest inheritance. 

Pastor: Yes it is. Let’s pray. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, Thank you for dying on the cross for us. Thank you for giving us an inheritance of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for letting us party with you forever. Amen. 

Sammy: Bye, everyone! 

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture 

Mark 6:1-13 

Script 

Props: You will need a duffle bag or suitcase filled with items for the beach or for a vacation to the beach. Suggestions: beach toys, sunglasses, a towel, a book, clothes, a swimsuit, snacks) 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy! 

Sammy: Good morning, everyone! Pastor, I am going on a trip.  

Pastor: Where are you going, Sammy?  

Sammy: It’s summer, and I am going to the beach!  

Pastor: Have you ever been to the beach before, Sammy?  

Sammy: Nope! It’s my first time going to the beach. I am looking forward to traveling and relaxing.  

Pastor: Sammy, I think you should talk to the boys and girls about the beach. There’s some things that you need to know about it. Boys and girls, what can you tell Sammy about the beach? 

[Allow time for responses]  

Sammy: The beach sounds great! I cannot wait to go.  

Pastor: Sammy, did you pack a bag for the beach?  

Sammy: I did! I left it on the floor in the front of the church.  

Pastor: Boys and girls, do you see Sammy’s bag?  

[Allow the children to retrieve and open the bag]  

Pastor: Sammy, this bag is big—you must have a lot of items packed for the beach. How many days are you going to stay at the beach? 

Sammy: Just two days. 

Pastor: Let’s see what Sammy packed. [Have the children help unpack Sammy’s bag. Name the items as they come out.] There’s a lot of stuff in here, Sammy.  

Sammy: Baa-haha. I have to be prepared, Pastor.  

Pastor: You know, Sammy, I know a lot about being prepared and making sure you have what you need, but a lot of this stuff isn’t important or necessary for the beach.  

Sammy: Oh?  

Pastor: You know, in our gospel reading for today, Jesus sent out his disciples on a trip. He told them not to take anything with them.  

Sammy: What?!  

Pastor: They were only to take a staff and the clothes they were wearing.   

Sammy: And their wallets so they could buy whatever they needed.   

Pastor: No, Jesus told them not to take any money with them.  

Sammy: Okay, so then they packed a lot of snacks.  

Pastor: No snacks.  

Sammy: . . . Baahahaha.  

Pastor: Really, Sammy. No snacks.  

Sammy: But how did they survive? What did they eat? What did they wear?  

Pastor: That’s the whole point, Sammy. Jesus wanted them to trust that God would always provide for them, no matter what. The disciples did incredible miracles in the name of Jesus and God took care of them every step of the way.  

Sammy: You know, Pastor, I think that you can take that bag with you. I’ll trust God to provide for me on my trip to the beach.   

Pastor: That’s the spirit, Sammy. Boys and girls, can we please fold our hands and bow our heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for calling us to trust you. Thank you for sending us into the world to serve. Thank you for providing for us. Amen.  

Sammy: Bye, everyone!  

Pastor: Bye, Sammy! 

“But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?  For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?” (Matthew 9:4-5).

What is truly the very thing we need?  Is it to be in good health, or to be eternally healed?  We will all die.  Good health is a wonderful thing, but it is temporary.  The real health that Jesus offers is with an eternal reconciliation with the Lord.  Which is more important?  The evil in our hearts is that we think we know when, in fact, we do not.  The Lord, who knows all things, will accomplish our salvation, for salvation is of the Lord.

Look to where evil resides in your heart.  I am not talking about what we often consider wicked things, but those places where you judge circumstances, or even others.  We all judge.  This is blasphemy when we think we’re in the place of knowledge, or judge another’s behavior without knowing what is true.  We too may forgive others and, in fact, are under admonition of doing so when we pray the Lord’s prayer.

Lord Jesus, with great patience You have reached out to heal all who come to You.  We may still have our earthly issues left in place for Your purpose, but we have eternal healing through Your redemption made possible from the cross.  Lead me now and always to grow into the life for which You died.  Guide me today and confront me when evil enters my heart.  Heal me from the inside out, my Savior.  Amen.

“When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming” (Matthew 9:2b-3).

Blaspheme is standing in the place of God.  That is the real meaning of taking the name of the Lord in vain.  The ones accusing Jesus stood as judges.  There is the real blasphemy.  Mind you, if Jesus were not God, saying, “your sins are forgiven” would have meant nothing.  But Jesus is God, so no matter what He says, it shall be done.  The arrogance of judging has been the downfall of many.

Lord, I too stand in Your place and judge things.  I judge You.  Forgive me and open my heart to see that in this struggle between good and evil it is not a matter of power, for all of that belongs to You. Instead, help me to see that we all are tempted to decide what is good and what is evil.  We cannot, for all things are in Your hands and only You know all things.  You speak and it is so.

Lord Jesus, You who have all authority and power, when I stand in the place of judgement, slay my pride and raise me in Your likeness.  Yes Lord, I do not want to speak Your name as a swear word, but more importantly, I do not want to stand in the place where I blaspheme.  You alone are Lord.  Guide me in the goodness of Your grace and mercy to know that in You alone is the power and the glory.  Amen.