Let the little children come to me

Grow Ministries and the LCA’s Commission on Worship have created children’s addresses to be used as part of worship to engage and encourage the young people in our congregations. This resource provides a children’s address for each Sunday of the lectionary year. Each address has a Bible reading to focus on and ideas to ensure the gospel message is shared. You can access these free at Grow Ministries’ website store at www.growministries.org.au/shop/. There is also a ‘how to’ page for children’s addresses available under the Resources tab in the Equipping Sheets on the Grow website.

Children’s address idea

Sunday of the Church Year: Easter 3C

Main point: We get to share Jesus’ story with everyone.

Scripture focus: ‘The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you”. Jesus said, “Feed my sheep”’ (John 21:17).

Address: Peter was one of Jesus’ disciples and he let Jesus down. Does anyone know the story? He denied knowing Jesus. Do you know what that means? He pretended he didn’t know Jesus when people asked.

After he said he didn’t know Jesus three times do you know what happened? A rooster crowed.

Jesus gave Peter a new start. But he asks Peter three times if he loves him and Peter feels sad that Jesus has to ask him three times.

Sometimes our mums or dads have to ask us lots of times to do things and we might say ‘no’. It hurts their feelings then. But we know they still love us. Jesus also gives us a new start every day when we don’t always do the right thing.

What are some things that our parents have to ask us more than once to do? eg usually things we don’t want to do, pick up toys, clean teeth, turn off TV, go to bed

Why do they ask us to do these things? eg they need help, they want us to learn, to keep us safe and healthy

Jesus needed Peter to share his story and tell people about him. Jesus needs us to tell people his story too. We get to tell people that Jesus died to save them from their sins and that he loves them. That is a great job to have.

Prayer: Risen Lord Jesus, come to us today. Help us to love you, serve you and follow you. Amen.