“So you testify against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of the guilt of your fathers” (Matthew 23:31-32).

Guilt is in this age.  There are many terrible things that have been done by those who have gone before us.  But that guilt is taken to the cross.  Yes, I am in bondage to sin, but Christ frees me from sin.  Should I go on sinning that grace may abound?  May it never be.  Instead, we are to humble ourselves so that we walk fully in the presence of the One who made us.  Live in the whole truth and know all of its blessings.

Lord, I become comfortable with the way things are.  Resurrect these white washed bones in order that I may live the life You have given me.  Guide me into the way of truth.  Yes, I have had my part of sin.  Teach me how to repent and walk in the way You have designed life to be lived.  Keep me from slipping back into the way of life that would trap me in this world’s lies.  Lead me into Your truth.

Lord Jesus, You speak the words of truth.  You have guided me into the truth of the goodness of the Father.  Lead me in the way You know I need to go so that truth abounds in me.  Let me never be puffed up, but help me to humbly walk in the way of truth that You have revealed.  You have given me grace upon grace so that the sin that binds me may be shed to prepare for the eternal life You have given me.  Keep me walking with You always.  Amen.

 

John 21:1-19

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, boys and girls!

Pastor: How are you doing today, Sammy?

Sammy: I am doing great! I am ready for the breakfast buffet that you guys brought for me.

Pastor: Um. What do you mean, Sammy?

Sammy: You know, just like in the Gospel reading for today. Jesus had breakfast with his disciples on the beach. I like breakfast. I like the beach.

Pastor: So what makes you think that we brought you a breakfast buffet?

Sammy: Well, Jesus gave direct orders to Simon Peter today. He said to Peter, “Feed my sheep.” I don’t see any other sheep in church this morning, so I must be getting all of the good food you brought for me today.

Pastor: Boys and girls, what do you think Jesus means when he says, “Feed my sheep”?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: You see, Sammy, Jesus isn’t talking about feeding the literal sheep in the pasture—although we do need to feed our sheep if we are raising them.

Sammy: Oh. He’s not?

Pastor: No, he’s not. He’s talking about the people he loves, all of us. We are Jesus’s sheep and he is the good shepherd. Jesus calls Simon Peter to feed and take care of the sheep—that’s us—because Jesus loves us. As Christians, we are called to serve each other in love.

Sammy: Jesus loved us first, so we are called by Jesus to love other people.

Pastor: That’s exactly right. That’s what being a Christian is all about: following Jesus: He is the way, the truth, and the life. When Jesus comes into our hearts when we are baptized and become part of God’s family, we are changed forever, and we can’t help but serve each other.

Sammy: It’s amazing what the love of God can do!

Pastor: Yes it is.

Sammy: Okay, but I do have one more question: can you all bring me breakfast next week?

Pastor: Sammy, we are going to pray now. I would be glad to bring you breakfast after church. Boys and girls, can we please fold our hands and bow our heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for feeding us. Thank you for taking care of us. Thank you for sending your people out to love each other. Thank you for modeling that love for us. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!