In our story about the workers in the vineyard there is something more important than fairness––something more than cutting the cake so that both get the same size piece. The story of the workers in the vineyard is about forgiveness. When God forgives our sins, he forgives them all. A brand new Christian is as welcome to God as the person who has known God a long, long time. See…that’s not about fairness. That is about forgiveness.
This week's gospel story tells us about one of Jesus' most famous miracles. Jesus' disciples are on a boat on the sea and they're starting to get a little nervous because the waves are getting higher and higher. Just then they look out and see Jesus walking toward them on top of the water! They can hardly believe such an amazing thing - in fact they think maybe it's a ghost! Jesus can see that they are afraid and tells them not to worry.
There is a lesson for us in this story. Let's think about what it might be. Although Jesus could have ridden at the front of the parade on the finest horse or in a fancy carriage, he chose to ride on a donkey. The story teaches us that Jesus did not want to be honored as a special person, but to be thought of as an ordinary man. He wanted everyone to know that he had come to help and serve others. There we find the lesson.
Children's Sermon Matthew 22:1-14 God's Invitation Check out these helpful resources Biblical Commentary Sermons Children's Sermons Hymn Lists Matthew 22:1-14 God's Invitation By Dr. Dan Wuori Have you ever received an invitation? An invitation is a special way of asking "would you like to?" Would you like to come to my birthday party? (That's [...]
"Jesus came to them, walking on the sea" (14:25). The disciples did not understand what was happening and became very frightened. Jesus said, "Cheer up! It is I! Don't be afraid" (14:27).
We see God's generosity everywhere in the world. Can you think of examples? Think about beauty of a sunrise, how the colors spread across the sky when we awake in the morning and again, at the close of the day, when sunset colors the sky. Think of all the birds and animals, the fish in our vast oceans, and the spectacular mountains. Think of tiny wildflowers that grow in the fields and the beautiful mosses we find on rocks. Think of the people who love you and care for you. Think of your friends.
There is a story in the Bible about workers who complained to their employer that he was not treating them fairly. They had worked more hours in the day than other workers who came later, but everyone was paid the same amount -- a fair wage. This may seem unfair and difficult to understand, but the lesson is about generosity and love.
When Kyle heard the story, he realized he didn’t want to be like the unforgiving servant. Kyle quickly forgave Eric. Forgiving someone when they say mean things, or when they don’t pay back money they owe is hard. But, we can because Jesus has forgiven us all our sins—even the sins no one else knows about.
God's love works the same way. He doesn't love you more because you're older or because you've come to church longer. That's because God's love doesn't come in little pieces. Once you have it you have all of it. Isn't that a great thing to know? God loves us all - and loves us the same.
There is a story in the Bible in which the disciples were in a boat when a storm came up and they were far from shore. Jesus, who had been praying on a mountain, came to their rescue and when they saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "And they cried out in fear" (14:26). "But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying 'Cheer up! It is I! Don't be afraid'"