“At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will” (Matthew 11:25-26).

Our faith is not something you figure out.  It is a gift of the Holy Spirit.  It is something you would not think up on your own.  The Lord knows who will come to Him.  The ones who think they are somebody are running on their own steam.  The ones who come knowing they need all the help they can get from the Lord are living in truth.  It makes it simple when you realize you really do need Jesus.

Lord, You are not saying that only the brainless make it.  You are saying that those who think they are smart and have all things figured out are depending only upon themselves.  You have given me the ability that You have given me.  Help me to overcome those times where I think I have it all figured out, and to come to the place where I know what I know and the first thing I know is that there is much that I do not know.

Lord Jesus, You have come into this world to save as many as would come to You.  Trying to figure everything out first is not what you call us to do.  Understanding that You have come to save us is the first reality.  Lead me into all truth and help me to learn how to trust You.  Guide me in truth, Jesus, and if You show me something, help me to share it with humility.  You, in Trinity, are the One who knows all things.  Amen.  

 

Scripture: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

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: Boys and girls, what are some of the things you have to do before you eat your food?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: In my house, we wash our fruits and vegetables before we eat them. We also wash our hands before we eat. Does anyone else here wash your hands before you eat?

Sammy: Boys and girls, why do you wash your hands before you eat?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: Oh I get it! We have to wash away the dirt and germs so we don’t get sick. It’s a good thing that the Pharisees were concerned about the health of the disciples.

Pastor: Actually, Sammy, they weren’t concerned with their health.

Sammy: Are you sure? When you read the gospel today, I thought I heard that the Pharisees didn’t like germs. And they really like clean hands.

Pastor: Sammy, the Pharisees wanted to look clean, but they were not clean in their hearts.

Sammy: What do you mean, Pastor? How do you have a clean heart? How can I use soap on my heart?

Pastor: Jesus gives us clean hearts. Out of our mouths come the words of our hearts, and people have evil things in their hearts.

Sammy: That’s why we need Jesus.

Pastor: Yes, we need Jesus to create in us a clean heart and to renew a right spirit within us. He can help us do just that.

Sammy: How did Isaiah know that the people living at the same time as Jesus would have unclean hearts?

Pastor: Isaiah is a prophet, and prophets receive words from God about present, near future, and far future events. They see mountaintops of events to come, just the peaks, as God gives them sight.

Sammy: And Isaiah saw many glimpses of Jesus’s life before Jesus was born to Mary.

Pastor: Yes, Sammy. Remember, before Abraham was born, I am.

Sammy: Does everyone remember the verse we practiced: “I am the bread of life.” John 6:35. Will you repeat after me? “I am the bread of life.” John 6:35.

Pastor: Let’s pray: Dear Jesus, thank you for creating clean hearts in us. Thank you for calling us to love you and serve you, not just with clean hands, but with clean hearts, too. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!