You are blessed with five senses. You gather information by seeing with your eyes, by hearing with your ears, by tasting with your tongue and mouth, by smelling with your nose, and by using your hands to touch things. Today let's talk about our sense of touch. We learn a lot by touching things.
Jesus has never come and actually touched my body when I'm sick the way that he does the girl in the story - but when I'm feeling sad (or sick in my heart) I find that praying and reading the Bible helps to heal me inside. What's more, I find that no matter how sad or grumpy I'm feeling that when I follow Jesus' example and spend some time doing something helpful for others that my mood becomes happier almost right away. It's a little way that I find that Jesus helps to heal me. Maybe you can try it next time you're having a sad day?
Jesus wants us to know that we don't have to be afraid. Sometimes things happen, like a car accident, slipping on an icy sidewalk, or being bullied that cause us to be afraid. We can know that Jesus loves us and is always with us, so even in scary times that feel like storms inside of us, he can keep us calm. We can have faith that he will help us.
If you have ever been frightened or angry you may remember that it felt as if a storm was swirling around inside of you. Your feelings became dark, just like storm clouds, and perhaps you felt as if you wanted to cry. At those times it may help to remember how Jesus calmed the sea. He said, "Peace! Be still!" (4:39). We can use His words to calm ourselves. Take a deep breath. Allow some time to become quiet and still. Think about God's love and let His Spirit bring peace.
Jesus had a very powerful touch – the power to heal and comfort. Jesus' touch caused miracles to happen. We may not be able to cause miracles to happen as Jesus did, but each one of us is given the opportunity to use God's love to touch others in ways that comfort and heal.
Jesus touched the leper in two ways - he touched him with his hand and he touched him with his love. We see the love of Jesus in action as he touches the man whom others would not let get close. Your touch is important.
Those three words: I do choose, are so important. They help to remind us that being a Christian is not just something we are, it's something we do. We choose to be Jesus' followers - and because we do, it means that we have to be ready to make choices that match this decision.
Jesus knew that the people of that town were well and could help others themselves. He wanted to move to the next town where there were other people who needed to hear his message about God’s love. And like ripples on a pond, more and more people would hear about God’s love for them. Aren’t you glad that Jesus loved people so much that he wanted to help them feel better? (Allow children to respond.) I am, too. And, aren’t you glad that Jesus wanted all people to hear about God’s love? (Give children time to respond.) Yes, God loves us so much. Maybe we could tell others about God’s love, too.
Today let's talk about the word "famous." Do you know what that word means? It is someone or something that is well-known to a lot of people. Usually these people or things are famous because there is a good quality about them.
Children's Sermon Mark 1:21-28 What a Surprise Check out these helpful resources Biblical Commentary Sermons Children's Sermons Hymn Lists Mark 1:21-28 What a Surprise By Lois Parker Edstrom Object suggested: A yardstick. Isn't it exciting to learn new things? New information can be so surprising you feel like saying, "Wow, I didn't know that!" [...]