Children’s Sermon

Mark 1:29-39

Finding a Quiet Place

Object suggested: Pictures of a stadium or a city street filled with people and pictures of quiet restful places.

Picture of mountain scene taken from hiking trail available at:
http://inspirezone.org/tonyhike.html

When you think of loud places what comes to mind? (Encourage input from the children.) I think of being in a ballpark watching a ball game. Have you ever experienced that? You are surrounded by a large crowd of people who are clapping, yelling, and even stamping their feet as they cheer for their team. Mixed in with all that sound, you may hear a band playing and also hear vendors calling out as they sell popcorn or peanuts. How does it make you feel to be in that sort of situation? You may feel the excitement of the crowd and join in the cheering or it may feel a bit too noisy for you.

Now let’s talk about quiet places. What comes to mind? (Ask for ideas from the children.) I think of being on a trail high up in the mountains or at the seashore where the only sound may be the splash of waves or the cry of a gull. Sometimes you can find a quiet corner in a library. Your room, where you are tucked in for the night, may be in a quiet part of the house. How do these quiet places make you feel? More thoughtful? Peaceful?

The Bible teaches us about the life of Jesus and we learn from one of the Bible stories that Jesus visited in a home where he healed a woman who had a fever. Then, we are told that “All the city was gathered together at the door. He healed many who were sick with various diseases ….” (1:33-34).

The story goes on to say, ” Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there” (1:35).

This story reminds us of the importance of silence – discovering a quiet place where we can think and pray. We may find ourselves in loud places where we work, go to school, and as we play with others. It is good to be together and feel the excitement of that, but we also need to locate a quiet place to be alone and feel peaceful. It is there we find rest and refresh ourselves so we are able to help with God’s work of sharing His love with others.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible.