“Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength’” (Mark 12:29-30).

The Lord is One.  The unbeliever asks how the Lord can be three and yet be One.  The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are One God.  We have the revelation He has given us.  Hear, listen, and learn: God is love.  The relationship of our Triune God exudes His love into creation.  Learn to love the One who first loved you.  Come into His love and learn to love others as He loves them.  Do so with all that you are.

Lord, you know that this world promotes that love is a feeling and so I often do not feel like loving.  But, by Your example, I see that love is action.  While yet we were sinners, You loved us.  Teach me the principle that goes deep into my soul so that I may act by Your direction knowing that all that You direct comes from the love that You have for Your whole creation.  Teach me what it means to love.

Lord Jesus, You and the Father are love in relationship.  You subjected Yourself to death, even death on a cross, out of love for us all.  Help me so that I enter into that love relationship You have established knowing that in You alone will I find life’s meaning and purpose.  Guide me so that I learn how to love You and my neighbor.  Keep me from the distractions of this world to abide in You and the love You have in order that it may flow through me.  Amen.

Scripture: Luke 24:44-53

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! 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: Today is a special day, Sammy.

Sammy: Yes it is. We have church today!

Pastor: Yes, Sammy. And today at church it is Ascension Sunday.

Sammy: What does that mean?

Pastor: Well today we read a passage from the Gospel of Luke about Jesus ascending into Heaven.

Sammy: Ascending. Ascending. Boys and girls, can you try that word with me? Ascending. Ascending. What does ascending mean? 

Pastor: Ascending means that Jesus went up into Heaven while the disciples were looking at him.

Sammy: Oh I think I get it! Jesus was standing on the ground and then he started floating in the air and then he went into Heaven.

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy.

Sammy: That’s kind of like this one time I was standing on a sidewalk with a balloon.

Pastor: What does a balloon have to do with Jesus?

Sammy: Hang on, Pastor. I am getting to that part. So I was standing on a sidewalk with a red balloon, and then all of a sudden, I let the balloon go.

Pastor: Boys and girls, what do you think happened to Sammy’s red balloon?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: These are good answers.

Sammy: My balloon floated up and up and then I couldn’t see it anymore. I don’t know where it went, but it went up really far.

Pastor: Jesus ascended just like your balloon, Sammy, but Jesus went to Heaven. Most balloons that float away from us pop and the pieces come back down. Or they get stuck somewhere.

Sammy: I miss my red balloon. Do you think the disciples missed Jesus?

Pastor: I think they missed him in a way, but you know, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with the disciples. And Jesus promised to always be with them. He was with the disciples, and he is here with us today.

Sammy: I love that Jesus is always with us.

Pastor: Me too. Let’s pray. Boys and girls, will you please fold your hands and bow your heads with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to earth as a tiny baby. Thank you for choosing to die on the cross for our sins. Thank you for showing us your glory in beating death, rising again, and ascending to Heaven. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

“One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” (Mark 12:28)

We love to quantify and make an economy of things.  Ask me what is the most important thing and I will focus upon that.  The Lord looks at our heart, and what may be the most important thing for us in this moment may not be of significance in another.  All the commandments are important.  What is most important is that we live by faith, trusting that the Lord will lead us in the way of salvation.

Lord God, how I love to quantify.  How much?  How many?  Tell me what is important so that I can ignore what is not.  You have created us to live life.  You have called for us to learn how to be faithful.  Lead me, Lord, so that I do not just quantify things, but live in the relationships You have established around me.  Guide me into Your grace and goodness so that I humbly see that what You give me in this moment is the most important thing.

Guide me, Lord Jesus, so that I do not constantly question You, but hear and heed Your word.  Yes, some things are more important than others in the moment.  By the power of Your Holy Spirit, show me the most important thing which is before me in each moment.  Lead me to learn from You how to live in the righteousness You give.  Keep me from arguing and help me to spend that energy learning how to be faithful.  Amen.

“But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?  He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken” (Mark 12:26-27).

God is the God of the living.  When Jesus returns, He will judge the living and the dead.  All shall rise to face Jesus, both those who are alive in Him and those who are dead to Him: some to life in Him and others continuing on the path of hatred and vitriol.  The mystery is great, but God has spoken and we shall all be raised on the last day.  Do not make the mistake of those who do not believe.  Their unbelief will be revealed when they stand before the Lord.

Lord, this is so simple, but it strikes at the heart of the religious battles that take place in this age.  You have created us to live eternally with You.  You have promised that we shall rise to stand before You.  Help my unbelief so that I do not fall victim to the great unbelief that is all around me.  Lead me away from doubts to live in the trusting faith You have given me.  Guide me now and always to humbly abide in You.

Lord Jesus, let me not be mistaken.  Help me to see clearly what You have spoken in Scripture.  You are the One who has redeemed us to dwell with You forever.  Guide me to live my life preparing for my final destination with You.  Help me to apply all that You teach to my life so that I become like You.  Lord, You have given me the words of life.  Help me to abide by Your word now and forever.  Amen.

“Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?  For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven” (Mark 12:24-25).

Jesus gives us the answer we need.  Heaven, in many respects, will be different than the way things are in this age.  This is not permission to speculate but tells us plainly that the order of things here has its own purpose, which prepares us to be in heaven eternally.  We will not become angels, but we shall be like them.  What we have been given in this age points to the reality of what shall be in the age to come.

Lord, I have enough to do in this world as You prepare me to be with You forever.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to seek what You give me to do knowing that You are preparing me to dwell in the house of the Father forever.  As with all things, teach me to trust what You have said and to apply these things to my own life so that I may become ready for what You have prepared.

Lord Jesus, we cling to that which we know.  The love in marriage is a wonderful thing.  I am unable to comprehend what it will be like.  You say there shall be no marriage in heaven.  Teach me to trust You when You tell me these things believing that it will be better and complete when I am with You in eternity.  Help me to be engaged properly in this world as You prepare me for the world to come.  Guide me into all faithfulness.  Amen.

“There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no children.  The second one married her, and died leaving behind no children; and the third likewise; and so all seven left no children. Last of all the woman died also.  In the resurrection, when they rise again, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her” (Mark 12:20-23).

A person is not property.  A group of Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, are asking a hypothetical question – and a silly one at that.  There will be those who ask questions from the place of unbelief and even hatred.  Suppose these or those facts and then give me an answer.  Prove that God exists.  Prove that you exist, and you will find in seeking the answer the absurdities of this line of reasoning.

Lord, teach me to not get caught up in the games of perverted thinking.  You have revealed the truth.  You are truth.  You have given me the words I need to hear.  When I encounter another, help me so that I do not seek to be clever, but instead answer them simply and honestly.  Guide me so that I see through the world’s traps that others may set before me.  None of us knows what eternity will be like, but in trusting You, we know it will be glorious.

Lord Jesus, You have put up with the doubts and foolish questions of every age.  Help me to move beyond my doubts and not ask foolish questions.  Guide me in the wisdom You give to learn to trust You above all things.  Help me learn from You how to be gentle with those who ask such questions so that I may have the opportunity to share the truth You have spoken.  Lord, You love us all and desire that we would abide in You together eternally.  Help me to abide in You. Amen.

Scripture: John 14:15-21

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! 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! Today is a special day! Today is Mother’s Day!

Pastor: Happy Mother’s Day to all of our church mamas out there. 

Sammy: You know what’s great, Pastor?

Pastor: What is that, Sammy?

Sammy: I have a mama at home, but here at church, I have many mamas and grandmas that God gave me. We all believe in God, and we are a church family. I love looking around at my family here at _______ (church name).

Pastor: That’s a gift, Sammy. Boys and girls, what are some of the things your mamas and grandmas do for you because they love you?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Those are all great answers. My mom helps me _______. 

Sammy: Pastor?

Pastor: Yes, Sammy?

Sammy: What is an avocado?

Pastor: An avocado is a fruit that grows on a tree.

Sammy: No. No. Let me try again. What is an ad-vo-cat? 

Pastor: An ad-vo-cat?

Sammy: Yes, an ad-vo-cat.

Pastor: I don’t think that’s anything, Sammy. I think you are making up words.

Sammy: I am not making up words. You were the one who read the Gospel, Pastor.

Pastor: Oh! You mean an advocate. Jesus is talking about an advocate, Sammy.

Sammy: Phew! I was worried that you were not going to understand me, Pastor. So what is an advocate.

Pastor: An advocate is someone who speaks on our behalf and who watches out for us. In the Gospel, the Advocate Jesus is talking about is the Holy Spirit. Jesus has to go back to Heaven, and he promises his disciples, and us, too, that he is not going to leave us alone. 

Sammy: But he left!

Pastor: Right, but the Holy Spirit is with us always. God is always with us.

Sammy: I am glad he is with me and that he is my advocate.

Pastor: Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to us because he loves us. Just like our mamas love us. Just like our church family loves us. We are given these gifts from God because his love for us is so great, it is more than we can ever imagine. 

Sammy: That’s a whole lot of love. I love that Jesus sent an advocate for me. And I love that he gave me my mama, and our whole church, too.

Pastor: Let’s pray together. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, Thank you for your Holy Spirit. Thank you for mamas.  Thank you for our church family. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, everyone!

“Some Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection) came to Jesus, and began questioning Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves behind a wife and leaves no child, his brother should marry the wife and raise up children to his brother” (Mark 12:18-19).

Another trap.  The ones who do not believe in the resurrection set traps to ensnare those who do not agree with them.  This is the way of wickedness.  Seeking to be clever, they take you down a trail with a trap set at the end.  The truth is the truth and those who twist the truth for their own ends will do what they do to feel good about themselves, even if it comes at the expense of your understanding of things.

Lord, I know there are those in this world who seek their own ends.  Help me to see through them and not to be caught up in their traps.  Guide me through this world’s traps seeing them for what they are.  You have revealed truth and what I may think about things is secondary.  In You alone is the world held together.  Guide me in wisdom to not get worked up by those who are seeking for their own gain.

Lord Jesus, You entertained all these people on equal footing.  You gave each of them their time.  Help me to not put You to the test but instead seek the wisdom which You give.  Guide me to focus on the upward call that You have given me, knowing that in You I have life and liberty.  Lead me in the way of life You are preparing me to live.  Help me to put none to the test, but keep my heart and mind devoted to the Gospel.  Amen.

“They brought one. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.”  And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him” (Mark 12:16-17).

This is an amazing answer.  Seeking to trap Him, Jesus turns around and gives a piece of profound wisdom that we can apply to all of life.  The Creator, who created all things, is truly the One to whom all things belong, but He has given us these things for us to use as stewards.  What is used for something belongs to that thing for which it is used.  The principle here is one of honoring the use which has been established.

Lord, You are all wise and know us better than we know ourselves.  For those who fear You, You grant wisdom.  We are to render obedience to the authority which is over us.  We are to render what is due according to the obligations set upon us in this world.  Guide us to understand more clearly the need to be ordered and active citizens in this world to be prepared to be honorable citizens of the eternal world You for which You are preparing us.

Lord Jesus, You guide and direct us into wisdom.  Teach me to honor others knowing that in so doing I am honoring You.  Lead me to be faithful in all things knowing that only through Your Spirit can I be prepared to live with You eternally.  Guide me in the way of honor and teach me so that each day I understand more of what it means to properly render all I am and have according to the Father’s will.  Amen..

“Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at” (Mark 12:15).

The Lord knows hypocrisy.  We are not to put the Lord to the test, but we do it all the time.  “Lord, if You do this . . .”  Our prayers are to be from our heart and without condition, just as our love, in order to be love, should be without condition.  We receive mercy and the Lord has put up with the foolishness of sinners throughout the ages.  His desire is that we would not perish, but come to Him humbly, willingly, and without condition.

Lord, I confess that I too have lived with my share of hypocrisy.  Guide me away from foolishness to follow You alone in the hope that only You can give.  Help me to live according to Your grace and mercy, and not to be tempted to put You or anyone else to the test.  Teach me to live the life You have given me, looking to You as the One who will guide me in the way of living righteously.

Lord Jesus, long-suffering Savior, You have made the way possible for me to move from living a life of hypocrisy toward living righteously.  Help me to have the right fear so that I overcome those places where I am tempted to put You or anyone else to the test.  Guide me in my living so that I humbly walk under Your direction and live the life You have given me to live.  Through You, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, I am more than able to do all You command.  Amen.