Children’s Sermon

John 15:26-27, 16: 4b-15

Listening to The Spirit

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John 15:26-27, 16: 4b-15

Listening to The Spirit

Object suggested: Bird book with pictures.

This lesson could be supplemented by inviting a knowledgeable “bird person” to participate.

There are so many things in this world we can enjoy by being a careful listener. What are some of your favorite sounds? The wind in the trees? The sound of waves rushing onto the shore? Rain on the roof? Perhaps you like the sounds of the city – cars honking, people talking, or a concert in the park.

Birds can be heard in the country and also in the city. Each type of bird has a distinctive sound. If we listen carefully we are sometimes able to recognize what type of bird is nearby without even seeing it. Let’s list some of the more familiar bird sounds.

An owl hoots. A duck quacks.

A wild goose honks.A rooster crows.
A crow caws. Pigeons coo.

Woodpeckers make a rapping sound as they hammer on wood.

When you are outside, paying close attention to birds, you will learn to recognize the music that various songbirds make. A good bird book will help you identify birds and the distinctive sounds each produce. It is fun to keep a list of the birds you recognize, either by seeing them or by listening to their song.

This lesson is meant to encourage you to be a careful listener. There is another kind of listening that Jesus talks about in the Bible. Just before Jesus left this earth to be with God he told his disciples that God would send the “Spirit of truth” (16:13). He said, “… when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth” (16:13).

The Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, is the part of God that lives in us and helps us know what is true. Each one of us has the opportunity, at any time, to listen closely to the voice of God that is within us. If you believe in God and try to live closely with him, his Spirit will be in you and help you make good choices. The Spirit of God will help you do the right thing. Become a good listener and try to identify God’s Spirit, the Spirit of Truth.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible