Luke 18:1-8

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

Sammy: Hello boys and girls! Hey pastor! Can I have a snack?

Pastor: No not right now Sammy. Boys and girls. How do you ask your parents for something? What are some words that you say?

Wait for Responses

Sammy: Those are great answers. Pastor, can I pleeeaaaase have a snack?

Pastor: The way you asked wasn’t the issue, Sammy. It’s not the right time for a snack. It’s time to talk about Jesus!

Sammy: Okay Pastor. It just would be easier for me to learn if I had a snack first.

Pastor: Ugh. Fine. Here is your snack! You’re welcome.

Sammy: Thank you, Pastor! Omnomnomnomnom.

Pastor: Actually, what just happened is a great demonstration of what Jesus taught us today.

Sammy: What does Jesus have to do with snacks pastor?

Pastor: Jesus today taught us about persistence and prayer. How you asked me for a snack is a great example of how often we should be praying to God.

Sammy: Oh, I didn’t realize all I needed to do to get snack was to ask God so much it annoys him.

Pastor: Well, no Sammy. Really you should be praying a lot about lots of different things. Not just because you want something. But because you love God and he loves you.

Sammy: Oh I get it. We don’t ask our parents for things because of the things we get, but we know they are safe people to ask and they love us. Just like God.

Pastor: Exactly Sammy. Boys and girls, can you please pray with me? Dear God, Thank you for loving us. Help us to pray more and thank you for all the good things you give us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy! Boys and girls, before you go, I have a little snack for you to enjoy later today. Please enjoy these with your parent’s help.

“And hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17)

Who is sick among us?  Is not everyone infected with the disease of sin?  Jesus came for us sinners.  In our sick minds, we turn away from some and consider one better than the other, but it is not so.  We are all pretending what is good, and what is evil behavior.  Only in grace do we see not only our need, but the need of all whom we meet.  Do not be led by the world, but by the Savior of the world.

Lord, I am guilty of thinking myself better than others.  I am guided by the morals of this world.  Free me from such bondage so that I may see things as they are.  Guide me in Your goodness to live according to Your word and not the words of this world.  Lead me, Lord, so that I abide richly in You as You abide in me.  You have condescended to be with me.  Whom will I keep out because I think them less than me?

Lord Jesus, You have come for everyone.  Lead me ever deeper into this faith that You have given me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to be willing to be with whomever You lead me to be with.  Keep me from judging others by their outward appearance or manner.  Instead, help me to see all other people through Your eyes.  Be the One who leads my every action.  Amen.