Sermon
The Gift of Water
Theme
We don’t have to be grown to make a difference!18th Sunday after Pentecost - Proper 22 (27)
Object
Even small children can make a difference; they can show kindness to others even now. Show objects representative of big ways of helping others (I took in a drill and a sewing basket). Compare this to a simple cup of water and explain that even doing small things (such as giving a cup of water in the name of Jesus) is still very important to others and to God. (I had a special glass filled with ice cubes, with an LED light that lit up when I pressed the button on the bottom of it)
Scripture
"If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.” Mark 9:41 (New Living Translation)
Do adults ever ask you what you do when you grow up? Maybe someday you will be a seamstress or a carpenter or a doctor, and do great things for God. However, in the bible reading we have today Jesus said that even the small things we do for one another are important, and each of you can do small things even now. You don’t need to wait until you grow up!
Look at this glass of water. Jesus said that even if we “give a cup of water” to someone in need it’s important (and God will reward us). (Read out the text from Mark 9) Make the drill make a noise and ask the children if they would like to use the drill when they grow up. Open the sewing basket and show the children all the needles and thread, the scissors and the thimble. Ask them if they would be allowed to use the drill or the things in the sewing basket now, or if they need to wait awhile, until they grow up some more. Helping others in small way is still very important, even when we’re not very big.
God notices all the very small things we do for others. He even promises that in some way we will be rewarded. We’ve have talked about some great ways of serving God and small ways of serving others. Now let’s pray.
Dear Jesus, we look forward to your return. I pray that one day these kids will help make huge changes in the human race. But I am grateful you that even when we are little, we can still do key things that help others. Aid us, through your Holy Spirit, to do those tiny things that will bless others that you approve you of, remembering that even now, we can have a big impact. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
