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Children’s Sermon

Matthew 5:13-20

We Are Made To Shine God’s Light

February 5, 2017

5th Sunday after Epiphany

Lectionary Year A

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ASK (a.k.a The On-Ramp)

Good morning
[Hold up the bag with flashlight in it] Can you tell me what this is? (A bag!)
It is a bag! And it is carrying something special inside of it. Can you tell me what is inside of it? (No, because we can’t see inside the bag!)
Oh, right … you can’t see inside the bag! Here – what if I take thing thing OUT of the bag, then can you tell me what I have? [Take flashlight out of bag] (It’s a flashlight!)
Is the flashlight on? (Yes)
And what do flashlights help you do? (See in the dark!)
So what do you think …Even when they are on, do flashlights help you see in the dark when they are in a bag like this? (No)

TELL (a.k.a. The Freeway)

In today’s scripture story, Jesus is telling his disciples that they are the light of the world.
In other words, Jesus is telling his disciples that they are to be flashlights that shine God’s light, love, and healing.
And in so doing, they will help everyone around them see God’s better way for us to live.
And when we can see God’s better way for us to live, then the idea is that there would be more peace, love and patience in the world.
In other words, we wouldn’t be bumping into each other and pushing each other and not liking each other as much, right?
Which is why Jesus also tells his disciples to not hide God’s light, to not keep what they know of God in a bag where it can’t be seen, but to let it shine!
Because, the whole point of a flashlight is to help people see. It does no good if you leave a flashlight turned on, but hidden the whole time.

SHARE the Good News (a.k.a. The Destination)

So, the same thing that Jesus told his disciples in today’s scripture story is also true for us.
We, too, can invite God’s light into our lives.
And then, just like Jesus’ disciples, we, too, can be flashlights for God and help those around us better see and know God’s light, love, and healing.
That is the Good News for today.

CLOSING Prayer

Let’s pray. This is a repeat-after-me prayer.

Dear God…

Thank you for Jesus…

…who teaches us…

…how to receive and share…

…your light, love, and healing.

Thank you and Amen.

Originally posted January 31, 2014
Updated on January 20, 2017
Written and edited by Nathanael Vissia

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Supplies: A non-transparent bag with a flashlight that is in it and turned on

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