Children’s Sermon

Matthew 10:40-42

The Little Things That Matter

Have you ever made a really big mess?

When I was young I would sometimes make such a mess with my toys that I didn’t quite know how to begin cleaning them up. (Sometimes I still make big messes.)

Then my mom taught me an important trick. She told me to start with just one little thing at a time. Maybe pick up all of the blocks first. Then pick some other group and work on it. And before I knew it – by doing one little thing at a time – things would start to get better.

I still use that trick. Sometimes a job can seem so big that it just doesn’t seem like it will ever get done. So I pick one thing at a time.

Trying to be like Jesus can be that way. In the Bible we learn of all of the incredible things Jesus did to help others. Some of the things he did – his miracles – aren’t things we’ll ever be able to do. So when the Bible says we should lead our lives like Jesus, that can sound like a very big job, can’t it? How could we ever be like someone so great? Sometimes it makes me wonder if I can.

But in today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us an important lesson – sort of like the one my mother taught me. He tells us about how important it can be to do even things that seem very small – like giving a cup of cold water to someone who is thirsty.

Hey, I can do that! I may not be able to do some things, but I can look for someone who needs a little help and lend a hand, right? And so can you!

So this week, I want you to try to remember to be like Jesus in little ways. Give someone a drink of water, help to hold a door open for someone whose hands are full, tell someone how much you love them…there are lots and lots of little ways. Can you do that? Good.

Will you pray with me?

Dear God,

Sometimes living up to your example can seem like a huge job – but we know that little things can make a very big difference. Help us to remember all of the little ways that we can show our love and kindness every day.

Amen.