Children's Message: 5th Sunday in Lent

​CHILDREN’S MESSAGE for Lent 5
John 12:20-33
Theme:  How to Serve
Materials:  a cross formed by 2 branches of a Christmas tree (or a limb of a tree that could look like a Christmas tree); if possible, a tennis racquet and a tennis ball; crosses made from palm branches (or other material) to give to each child
 
I’m wondering what a person does who serves?  A tennis player can serve by using a racquet and hitting the tennis ball to another player.  Do you think that is what Jesus meant when he says in today’s lesson: “If you want to serve me, then follow me.”  No, I don’t think so.  What did Jesus do to serve others?  (He listened to them, he taught them about God, he gave them food, he healed the sick, he prayed for them, he did lots of acts of kindness.)  Can we follow Jesus’ example and be kind and caring to others?  You bet!
 
I brought this cross to remind us of something else Jesus did.  Does this cross look strange?  It’s because it was made from the branches of a Christmas tree.  It feels rough like a tree branch.  This cross helps me to think of Jesus’ special life: the time he was born in a manger that we celebrate with a Christmas tree, to all the serving he did, to even his death on a cross, because He loved us so much.
 
I have a cross for each of you to remind you to find a way to serve others this week.
 
Prayer:  Dear Jesus, as your followers, open our eyes to the ways we might serve you at home, at school, in our work place, and in our neighborhoods.  May we honor and glorify you in our service to you.  Amen.