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!
