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Children’s Sermon

John 6:24-35

Jesus Offers More Than A Free Meal

August 4, 2024

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Lectionary Year B

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

Good morning!
Have you ever been to a zoo?
What are some of the animals you can see at a zoo? [lions, tigers, bears, oh my!]
Did you like visiting the zoo?
When you were at the zoo, do you remember if you were sad when it was time to go home? Maybe you were sad that you couldn't take a penguin home with you?
I mention going to the zoo because for most of us, it's a one-time visit.
We really like going to it, but we're only there for one day, and then we have to go home even though it feels like there's so much more to see and do.

TELL (a.k.a. The Freeway)

I think wanting to go back to the zoo after one visit is a lot like what is happening for the people at the start of today's scripture story.
The previous day, Jesus had provided a free meal to the people.
The next day, the day of today's story, the people are thinking, "I really liked that meal with Jesus yesterday. I think I'll go visit Jesus for another meal today."
So they went to see Jesus a second time, two days in a row – which is a better deal than those of us who weren't able to visit the zoo two days in a row.
Now you might think Jesus would be excited about this.
And he probably was – Jesus wanted people to visit him.
But he also told those people something that I want to repeat and share with you.
Jesus told the people in today’s story, "When you visit me for a day, you only get a meal. Just think about what would happen if you invited me into your home and into your lives and I was with you every day!?"

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

Jesus wants us to receive the best gifts that God has to offer us.
But a lot of those things can't be learned about or received in just one visit. Or even in two or three visits.
Which is why Jesus is reminding and encouraging the people in today's story to invite him into their lives.
When we invite Jesus into our daily lives, we are able able to learn and receive the best gifts that God has to offer us.
And, as we receive those gifts that God has to offer, we can then share those gifts with others, just like Jesus did.
That's the good news for today. Let's pray.

CLOSING Prayer

This is a repeat-after-me prayer.

Dear God,

Thank you for Jesus...

...who teaches us...

...each and every day…

...each and every day...

…how to receive your best gifts...

…and then share them with others.

Thank you and Amen

Originally posted July 20, 2018

Updated on July 6, 2024

Written and edited by Nathanael Vissia

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Related Bread Message(s): John 6:35, 41-51; John 6:51-58; John 6:56-69