Luke 16:1-13

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, I’ve decided today that I am going to be a manager.

Pastor: That’s a great goal, Sammy! When you become an adult sheep, I am sure Farmer Luke would be willing to give you more responsibilities around the farm.

Sammy: Actually, Pastor, I am going to start being a manager today.

Pastor: Sammy, in order to be a manager, you need someone or something to manage.

Sammy: Yes, Pastor. I know that. Today is the first day that I am going to be your manager.

Pastor: Sammy, that’s not going to work.

Sammy: Why not?

Pastor: I am not sure you know what a manager is, Sammy. Boys and girls, will you help me explain this concept to Sammy? What is a manager?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: That makes sense. A manager keeps track of people and items and helps to run a business in a smooth way. This person keeps everyone focused.

Pastor: Exactly.

Sammy: I don’t know, Pastor. I think you really need me in this role.

Pastor: Sammy.

Sammy: I’ve seen your office, Pastor. The dust bunnies tell me everything. You need me to be your manager.

Pastor: Let’s refocus. Jesus talked to his disciples about a manager who wasn’t doing a good job in the Gospel of Luke today. The manager almost lost his job, but he decided he needed to try once more to impress his boss. He settled accounts and did his best to collect as much income as he could.

Sammy: He sounds like he tried.

Pastor: Yes, he did, but only after his master talked with him. You see, Jesus is teaching about faith. When we have a little bit of faith, we can accomplish only a little bit. But when we have a big faith, we can accomplish big things. That’s the power of God’s work in us.

Sammy: So we don’t want to be managers, then?

Pastor: There’s nothing wrong with being a manager; we just want to be good managers of all that we are given.

Sammy: That make sense to me.

Pastor: Let’s pray: would everyone please fold your hands and bow your head? Dear Jesus, we love you. Please increase our faith in you and help us to always look to you for help. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Scripture: John 3:13-17

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: Hey Pastor. I was paying attention to the gospel reading today. Jesus said the Son of Man must be lifted up. I’m not really sure what he means by that. Did they have to lift him up really high in the sky?

Pastor: Kind of Sammy. Before I answer that question. Have you seen any crosses around the church.

Sammy: Yes, I have seen them all over the place. Boys and girls, do you see any crosses around the church?

Wait for answers

Pastor: Thank you for answering everyone. I am really glad that you can find all those crosses. They seem to be everywhere. Even in places you wouldn’t expect them.

Sammy: Okay Pastor, but what does the cross have to do with the son of man being lifted up? That doesn’t seem to make sense to me.

Pastor: Well, the son of man is Jesus and sometimes when we see crosses, we see Jesus on them.

Sammy: Oh yeah, I have seen that before. You have one of those in your office. So, Jesus was lifted up on a cross?

Pastor: Yes he was Sammy. He was lifted up high on the cross on top of a mountain and many people could see him.

Sammy: That does not seem very nice. Who would do that do Jesus?

Pastor: Some very mean people hurt Jesus like he did something bad, but he did not do anything wrong. He ended up dying.  

Sammy: That makes me sad pastor.

Pastor: It made a lot of people very sad. His closest friends couldn’t even bear to watch it.

Sammy: But Pastor. You always say Jesus is alive.

Pastor: That’s because he is Sammy. Even though he died on the cross. He rose up from the dead and he was alive again. And he is still alive today.

Sammy: That makes me happy. But why did he have to die at all.

Pastor: He died to save us. Only he could save us from our sin and he did so by dying on the cross. He became a sacrifice and suffered death so we could live with him forever.

Sammy: Wow pastor. It sounds like God loves us a lot.

Pastor: He does Sammy. Jesus said,  ¹⁶ “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”

Sammy: Thank you for explaining all of that to me pastor. That all makes more sense now. Boys and girls can you pray with me? Dear Jesus, Thank you for loving us so much. That you would die for us. Thank you lord for forgiving our sins. And thank you for your love. Amen.

Pastor and Sammy: Bye Everyone!

Luke 13:10-17

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!

Pastor: Sammy, what happened to your leg?

Sammy: Well, I was playing with my friends in the meadow, and I fell and scraped my leg.

Pastor: Are you okay?

Sammy: Yes I am okay. My maa-maa says I am a brave little lamb. I did cry when I fell down, but she held me and told me that Jesus would heal all my boo-boos.

Pastor: Boys and girls, have you ever needed a band-aid or help from your family after you fell down or got hurt?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: I am glad that your families helped you all feel better. That’s what our families are for.

Pastor: Exactly, Sammy. God gives us each other and we are called to take care of one another.

Sammy: Pastor, there is something that I don’t understand.

Pastor: What’s that, Sammy?

Sammy: In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath. What is the Sabbath?

Pastor: Sabbath is the holy day of worship for Jews. It’s like how we go to church on Sunday. God commands his people to respect the Sabbath and keep it holy. Today, we as Christians are called to set Sunday or another day of worship aside to devote to God.

Sammy: That makes sense. I do a lot of things all week at the farm. It’s nice to have a day of rest and worship with you, Pastor. And with our church family.

Pastor: Yes; God’s original design for our world was broken by sin, but he still wants us. He calls us to honor and worship him through a day of rest. He wants all of his people to take a break.

Sammy: So why didn’t Jesus listen to that rule?

Pastor: What do you mean, Sammy?

Sammy: Well, doesn’t the leader of the Synagogue (the pastor) in the Gospel have a point? Jesus did do work on the Sabbath instead of resting.

Pastor: Not quite, Sammy. You see, Jesus healed a woman. You have a boo-boo on your leg, and your body will continue to heal this boo-boo even during worship today. Your body will not stop working.

Sammy: Right. But what does that have to do with Jesus?

Pastor: Jesus heals our bodies. He created us; he loves us; and ultimately, he will heal us completely. His work of healing is for every day. The healing that Jesus does is a healing of our bodies and of our souls. He heals our boo-boos and forgives our sin. That is his gift for every day.

Sammy: I am glad that Jesus does not take a break from healing us. And that poor woman in the Gospel had a really big boo-boo.

Pastor: Yes, she suffered for a long time. But God received all of the glory through her life. Her life was a gift and she was part of a great healing miracle.

Sammy: Amen!

Pastor: Let’s pray. Boys and girls, will you fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for your healing power. Thank you for the gift of worship. Thank you for creating us. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, boys and girls!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy! 

“And all the people said, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!”  Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified” (Matthew 27:25-26).

The blood of Jesus is on their children.  For those who believe, it is the healing salve of forgiveness.  For those who do not believe, it is the condemnation of the ongoing rebellion against the One through whom all things have their being.  Crowds go with the flow, under the influence of whatever fancy is passing by, and evil is done.  Hatred and anger is not enough, so taking revenge is the way of the wicked. But vengeance is Mine, says the LORD.

Lord, I have been a part of crowds that go off and do things that are wicked.  We do what is right in our own minds, but if our minds are not right, we will do what is wrong.  Jesus, You have put us into a right relationship with the Father, and wickedness will do all it can to keep us from that relationship.  Continue to interfere with the way of this world so that Your healing blood reminds me the You are the Way. The Truth and the Life.

Thank You Jesus for doing all that is needed.  I cannot begin to imagine all that You have done, but I know You alone are able to do it.  By the grace which is mine in You, forgive me when I am carried away by temptations.  Help me to be quick to repent and grant me fortitude to hold fast to the truth You have revealed so that I may humbly walk with You all the days of my life.  No matter what the shouting crowds around me say, be the One who leads me, dear Lord.  Amen.   

“So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”  For he knew that because of envy they had handed Him over” (Matthew 27:17-18).

Covetousness runs deep in the sinner.  I do not have; and I want.  Pride comes in and even if I cannot have it, I do not want you to have it.  This is one of the conditions of sin.  This has played out in every generation.  Jesus came to overcome these things so that we can learn how life is meant to be lived.  We do not live for ourselves.  If we do, we remain separated from the Lord.  If you live, live then for the Lord.

Lord, I belong to You.  You created me.  You placed me in my circumstances with the gifts You have given me.  You have called me to humbly submit to You, my Creator.  In You alone, the author of all life, life is to be lived the way it is meant to be lived.  Take me out of the life of the sinner to learn from You how to live a life that brings me to eternal life.  Lead me toward the upward way, away from the sin of this world.

Lord Jesus, You have come so that I may have life and have it abundantly.  By Your grace alone is there hope, for You alone have overcome sin.  By Your death and resurrection, You have made it possible for me to follow You.  Lead me on the narrow way so that I may leave behind the coveting and pride of this age to become more like You and learn how to live life as it is meant to be lived.  Amen.

“Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted.  At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas” (Matthew 27:15-16).

Justice may sometimes happen in this world, but then again, sometimes the notorious walk free.  True Justice is in the hands of the Lord alone.  Only in Him is there equity.  This world is neither just, nor equitable.  Any cry for such things acts as though sin does not exist.  You know better.  Look to the Lord who is the source of all justice.  He alone can and will provide; and He will judge everyone after the last day.

Lord, this world cries for justice and they do not find it because justice is found in You alone.  In You is the hope that all long for.  The world keeps seeking it, trusting in rulers, and this leads to tyranny.  The wicked go free and the innocent are trapped.  But You, Lord, set us free.  Though our remaining years may be in prison, in the Lord we are free.  Though we are free in this world, without the Lord, we are in prison.

Lord Jesus, You went through all of this for the sake of those who would follow You.  Help me to see clearly that You alone are the One who can and will set me free from the insanity of this world.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly walk with You in all Your ways.  Lead me today and each day You give me so that I may learn from You how to live as one who is free in You.  Open my eyes so see more clearly.  Amen.

“Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?”  And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed” (Matthew 27:13-14).

How does one answer the insanity of this world which wants to deny Jesus no matter what?  Sometimes the only way is to remain silent.  The world does not want to believe the truth.  But what about you?  Will you come into truth and live a life that has been redeemed?  Will you follow the One who laid down His life so that You may take up that life and live eternally with the One who made you?

Lord, the mystery of this is great.  You have done all of this for the sake of those who will believe in You.  So great is Your love that You were willing to pay a price that none of us can truly comprehend.  Guide the faithful so that we walk with You, our Savior and Redeemer.  Let us not stand back in amazement but bow humbly in love and learn to be thankful for what You have done.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for bearing the brunt of the anger and hatred of this wicked world for my sake.  In great love You have persevered through death into life.  Lead me so that I may humbly follow where You lead.  Guide me so that I may walk in the way of life that is pleasing to the Father.  Help me to be thankful and rejoice that You have made Yourself known to me, my Lord and God.  In the privilege You have given me, teach me Your ways.  Amen.

“Now when morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus to put Him to death; and they bound Him, and led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate the governor” (Matthew 27:1-2).

The world has lived the lie that if they could get rid of God, they could do what they want.  People pretend He is not here.  Others ignore Him.  Here, they plot to crucify Him.  Be rid of the reality and live the illusion.  But this is neither true, nor sustainable.  The Creator and Sustainer of the universe IS and He will bring all things together for good for those who love Him.  The Father’s will shall be done.

Lord, there is such sadness in this world where there are so many who deny You and even reality itself.  But You have called me into light and life.  Guide me, Lord, in the way of living that is right so that I dwell in Your presence always.  You, who went to the cross for my sake, have come into my life to lift me out of the rebellion and illusions of this age.  Lead me, Lord, to do the Father’s will, no matter what it may be.

Lord Jesus, I am barely able to grasp Your willingness to go through the trial and condemnation for my sake, yet You did.  Help me to meet the trials and tribulations that will come my way so that I too am willing to live the life of faith You have given me by grace, no matter what may come.  Hold me steadfastly to the narrow way of truth, and lead me now and always according to the Father’s will.  Amen.

Scripture: 

Luke 8:26-39

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, it’s amazing how one simple word from Jesus can change a person’s life.

Pastor: Isn’t that cool, Sammy?

Sammy: Yes it is! What I love about this story from the Gospel reading for today is Jesus sends the man who was healed out to tell everyone about what God has done for him.

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. And the man goes out and tells everyone he meets about how much Jesus has done for him.

Sammy: He was living like a pig before. That’s not pretty at all.

Pastor: Not quite, Sammy. But you’re pretty close.

Sammy: Hang on, Pastor. The lives that pigs live is very different from the lives that sheep live. I would know. I live with a lot of sheep and there are pigs on our farm, too. Boys and girls, what are some of the differences between pigs and sheep?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Sheep and pigs sleep in different places, eat different foods, and live very different lifestyles.

Sammy: Exactly. And we want to live like sheep. Not like pigs.

Pastor: I like that, Sammy. Jesus calls us to be his sheep; he is the Good Shepherd. We want to follow him like sheep. Let’s say a prayer together. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for helping us to live like sheep. Help us to be grateful when you speak and when you call out to us. Thank you for changing our lives. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, everyone!

John 17:20-26

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: Sammy, did you know that Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God were all present before the beginning of the world?

Sammy: What!

Pastor: Jesus talks today in the Gospel reading from John about how God loved him from before the foundation of the world.

Sammy: But how can that be?

Pastor: Our God exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The love that exists between these three persons is so great that God created our world and us.

Sammy: I heard about the great love of God many times here in church. I hear from the readings and the songs about how God keeps coming back to rescue us.

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy. He rescues his people throughout the Old Testament. He walks with Abraham and Sarah, giving them the blessing of a child. He closes the mouths of the lions to protect Daniel. He walks through the blazing fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And then, our God shows us just how much he loves us by leaving the throne of Heaven…

Sammy: And coming to earth to be born of Mary as baby Jesus!

Pastor: Exactly. The ultimate rescue was Jesus coming to earth to save us from our sins. But Jesus was present with God from before the world was created.

Sammy: There’s so much that is a mystery, that I don’t understand, Pastor.

Pastor: That’s okay, Sammy. Today we are going to pray a special prayer to ask God to open our hearts. We can ask him to reveal more of his love and truth to us as we hear his word. Faith comes from hearing. Ready? Let’s bow our heads and fold our hands. Dear Jesus, thank you for increasing our faith. Help us to hear your Word and to trust you. Let us see you walking with your people from Genesis to Revelation. We love you, Lord. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!