Scripture:

Luke 9:28-36 [37-43a]

Script:

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

Sammy: Good morning, everyone! Pastor, there’s a scary story in the gospel reading today.

Pastor: What is scary, Sammy?

Sammy: Well, when Jesus came down from the mountain after the Transfiguration, a dad met him and asked him to heal his son, a little boy.

Pastor: Yes. What is scary about that?

Sammy: Well the little boy was shaking and foaming at the mouth. And he kept screaming. He must have been really sick.

Pastor: He was really sick. None of Jesus’s disciples could heal him, and the boy’s father advocated for his son. He asked Jesus to heal him.

Sammy: And Jesus did heal him.

Pastor: Yes he did. Boys and girls, can you think of a time when you were really sick and your dad or mom helped you?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: I guess what is scary about this story is there are so many sicknesses and boo-boos that we cannot control.

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. But the great thing is that Jesus can heal any illness or hurt that we have. He shows us through scripture that we have the same power through the Holy Spirit, and we just need to have faith.

Sammy: Pastor, I like that you help me see that I don’t have to be afraid. Jesus wasn’t afraid, and the little boy’s dad knew that Jesus could heal his son. When we have faith, our faith changes everything.

Pastor: That’s the goodness and power of Jesus in our lives. Let’s pray. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for faith. Help us to look to you for the power of the Holy Spirit. Please be with us always. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

“The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their cloaks on them; and He sat on the cloaks” (Matthew 21:6-7).

The disciples did not know what they would find.  Jesus did.  The disciples obeyed Jesus, but they did not know what it would be like one week later.  Many, at that time, were expecting Jesus to become king.  He has always been a king.  He was coming to redeem those who believe.  The disciples lived each day and learned how to simply do what Jesus told them to do.  Should we be any different?

Lord, teach me to do things as You instruct me.  Many around me are prognosticating.  Help me to listen to You and follow Your instructions.  Take me from thinking in the way of the world and see how You have done things.  You walked with Your disciples each day and things unfolded as You planned.  Is it any different for me, Lord?  Is that not how my life is to be lived?

Lord Jesus, guide me to follow Your instructions.  Help me to cherish the day-to-day things that I do knowing that You are aware of all things.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly walk with You and obey all that You command.  Lead me to lay everything down before You, for all that I have, all that I am, belongs to You.  In the power of Your Holy Spirit, guide me this day.  Amen.