Children’s Sermon

Matthew 16: 13-20

More Than a Friend

OBJECTS SUGGESTED:
Some type of display board on which the “qualities of a friend” can be listed.

What are the qualities you look for in a friend? Someone who is kind. Someone who seeks you out and is friendly. Someone who likes you and accepts you just the way you are. Someone who will help you when you need help. Can you think of other qualities a friend might have?

How do you know someone is your friend? Yes, you can tell someone is your friend by the things they do – they demonstrate love and friendship. Their actions prove that they are a real friend.

Jesus talked about this when he was with his disciples. He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” (16:15).

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (16:16)

All of the qualities of a friend are found in Jesus. We know that by reading about the life of Jesus and learning about the loving and compassionate things he did. Simon Peter knew, first hand, that Jesus was a friend because he saw how Jesus lived his life, how he offered love and helped others.

Jesus, however, is more than a friend; he is “the Son of the living God.” The true identity of Jesus was made known to Simon Peter by God. As we pray and study the Bible, Jesus is revealed to us also, as more than a friend. Jesus is a friend and the Son of the living God.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible