Children’s Sermon

Matthew 20: 1-16

All of God’s Love

(NOTE: This week’s sermon begins with several personal references. Adapt to your own circumstances as appropriate.)

Did I ever tell you that I have two sisters? How about you? Raise your hand if you have any brothers or sisters.

Now, I am the oldest child in my family – but that doesn’t mean I was (or am) any more special to my parents. When they tucked my sisters into bed they never once said, “I love you…but I love your brother a little bit more because he’s been here longer.” That sounds almost silly, doesn’t it? Our parents loved us all just the same – and as much as they could.

The same thing is true at school, isn’t it? When a new student come into class we wouldn’t expect the teacher to say, “I’ll teach you a few things, but not as many as the kids who were here first.” Instead he or she becomes a part of the class – and just as important as everyone else.

In this week’s Gospel lesson Jesus tells a story to help us understand that God’s love is just the same way.

He tells about a man who hires some helpers one morning to work in his fields. Then later in the afternoon he finds some more helpers and hires them too. At the end of the day he pays everyone just the same – for the whole day – even though some of the workers were there longer than the others.

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.

Let’s pray.

Dear God,

Thank you for giving us all of your love. Help us to love others in just the same way.

Amen.