Children’s Sermon

Matthew 18:15-20

Gather Around

OBJECTS SUGGESTED: Marshmallows on a stick or smores

Serve the children smores (graham crackers sandwiched together with marshmallows and bits of a chocolate bar) if appropriate to setting and situation.

One of the most fun things to do on a camping trip is to gather around a campfire with your friends and family. Everyone feels close. You may sing, tell stories, toast marshmallows, make popcorn, or just enjoy being together. It is relaxing and peaceful to watch the flames burn bright, sparks shooting into the night sky.

There may be times when you don’t feel close to others. Perhaps someone did or said something that hurt you, one of your friends, or a family member. We don’t always get along. This happens to adults as well as children – we fight.

Jesus spoke to his disciples about how to settle a disagreement. He tells adults to talk to the person who is responsible for the hurt and he also gives instructions on how the church can help, if necessary.

The most important thing, however, is that Jesus says, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst” (18:20).

When there is a disagreement and people have been hurt, we are instructed to honor Jesus and place him in the center of all we do. When we gather around Jesus, all are warmed by the flame of his love. We can use that love to do the right thing; find a way to solve our disagreements and heal our hurts.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible