“Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses” (Matthew 23:1-2).

Sinful humanity loves to set themselves up in seats in which they imagine that they have power.  A simple principle applies here: Jesus is the One who has all power.  We live under authority, but even that is granted by God.  God has all authority.  Do not seek power or authority, but live humbly by the call of the Lord.  He will place you where He knows you need to be.  We are all under His ultimate authority.

Lord, calm the internal wrestling in me.  Guide me so that I humbly walk where You would have me walk.  Lead me in Your goodness and mercy to live in the truth that You alone are God.  All things are possible because of You.  Let me not be led astray by the vain things of this world, but live in the truth of Your provision alone.  You have given me the words of eternal life.  Help me to take comfort in You alone.

Lord Jesus, You came to set me free from the bondage of this world.  The problem is, I am comforted by what I know.  But this is a false comfort.  Lead me forward to be comforted by You alone.  Guide me so that I humbly walk where You lead and live the life You have given me to live.  Let me not settle for what this world offers, but press on for the prize of the eternal life You give me by grace through faith.  Amen.

“Therefore, if David calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his son?”  No one was able to offer Him a word in answer, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him any more questions” (Matthew 22:45-46).

No one was able to answer.  Jesus also didn’t give the answer then, but we know the answer.  He who is Lord is also the Son.  The Creator of David is also the son of David.  The only begotten Son of the Father has set all things into motion.  The unseen God is made visible through the Son.  Each time we speak the Creeds, we say these things.  Our Savior has come.  Ask questions, but do not question our Lord.

Lord, You know how easily confused I am in this world.  Help me, I pray, to go beyond what I do not understand to learn how to live by faith.  I do this is so many ways in this world, yet for some reason, I limit myself to this world.  Guide me, Lord Jesus, to live the way You have created me to live.  Lead me into the new life for which I was created.  Help me to seek answers, but to no longer question You, the One through whom all things have their being.

Lord Jesus, with great patience and wisdom You have dealt with the foolish questions of every generation.  You have humored my constant questioning.  The answer is before me, but often I will not listen.  Guide me so that I learn how to listen to You, for You have given me the words of everlasting life.  Help me so that I trust You above all things.  In Your goodness and mercy, keep me close to You.  Amen.

“He said to them, “Then how does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying, ‘The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Until I put Your enemies under Your feet’?” (Matthew 22:43-44)

Let the mystery of the Incarnation rest upon you.  Will we ever be able to fully understand?  We often limit our understanding to worldly and human knowledge, but the Lord God is above all things.  Jesus tells us plainly: I and the Father are One.  He who has stepped into time is here.  The creator of David is also a descendent of David.  Focus upon the promise that our Lord will put all enemies under our feet.  The enemies – sin, death, and the devil – are put under our feet.

Lord, the mystery is great and I am often overwhelmed with the thought of You, the One true God, being a younger man, walking around, and living an ordinary human life.  Yet, this is what You have done.  You have personally invited me to walk with You now and forever.  You, who created life, offers me eternal life.  When I stop and marvel, and I am tempted to be overwhelmed by unbelief, take my hand and lead me forward in faith.

Lord Jesus, one moment I see an ordinary man, living amongst ordinary people.  In the next moment, You are displaying power and authority such as no one has seen before.  Lead me into the mystery in order that I may live the life You are offering.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly follow where You lead.  Teach me how to live a new life, for through You alone do all things have their being.  Amen.

“Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question:  “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” They said to Him, “The son of David” (Matthew 22:41-42).

Jesus will lead us into thinking, if we are willing to go there.  We each have our own ideas, but Scripture is the revelation of God, not the speculation of man.  But we often begin with speculation.  God has given us enough information that we can begin to think, but if we listen to the Lord we can begin to know.  Through knowledge, comes understanding and through understanding, learning more about the heart of our Lord.

Lord, I may have answers, but they are not always right.  I speculate about so many things, which are often not true.  I need Your guidance to ask the right questions and seek the right answers.  This world is filled with speculation, but You have come giving us the truth.  You have come with salvation and offer it to all who believe.  Lead me out of speculation to rely on Your truth.

Lord Jesus, You are the truth.  You, through whom all things have their being, have come into the world bringing life, liberty, and hope.  Lead me into the truth, for You are, in the flesh, the descendent of David, but You are also the One through whom David was created.  In the marvelous mystery of Your revelation, You have offered us a new life.  Help me to live into the new life You have given me.  Amen.

“This is the great and foremost commandment.  The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:38-40).

Lord, the law reflections Your character.  Born in this age, we learn who we are to love and who are to hate.  We segregate and divide.  You have called for us to see all people as Your creation, equally loved by You, and as our neighbor.  This is a clear distinction between You and how this world is doing things.  Care for the other as I want to be cared for.  Consider the well-being of all equally.

I hear these words and the first part is easier.  I want to love You, Lord.  But there are some neighbors I do not want to love.  Lead me beyond myself so that I learn how to love others the way You would have me love them.  Teach me what all of this means, taking me beyond my inclination to stop thinking I am where I need to be.  Take me to where You know I need to be.

Lord Jesus, You know what all of this means.  You know what it means for me.  Lead me through all that needs to happen so that I learn how to love as You love.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to be gracious and merciful to others.  Teach me how to love You, Lord.  Help me to see others as those who have been created in Your image, and to love all others, reflecting Your love for me.  Amen.

“And one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him:  “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”  And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind’” (Matthew 22:35-36).

Why have we been created?  To love the Lord.  When you ask what is important to God, you begin to realize that this creation is about love.  He has invited us into an eternal relationship and desires that we love Him as He loves us.  To be love, it must include your heart, soul, and mind.  You know this, for to truly love, you give everything you are and have.  Love the Lord.  He loves you.

Lord, I have heard this many times and I am familiar with the idea, but I really do not understand what love is.  You have placed in me the capacity to love and there are many things I love in part, but I am often all over the place.  Guide me to live learning how to love as You love.  Lead me to want what is right and fitting.  Help me to see that all of the other commandments are an extension of this one.

Love Incarnate, Jesus my Savior, You loved me enough to give Your life for mine.  You have loved me enough to provide everything I need to be with You in eternity.  You first loved me.  Teach me how to love You.  Help me to understand what love is.  Help me to live out love in my life through all that I do.  Guide me now and always so that I may walk in Your love and learn from You.  Amen.

John 20:19-31

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, boys and girls!

Pastor: Hey Sammy! I was thinking that we could talk about Thomas today.

Sammy: That sounds great, Pastor! Thomas the Twin. Such a great last name. Twin.

Pastor: No, Sammy. Twin is not Thomas’s last name.

Sammy: I was listening to you read the Gospel today, Pastor. I heard you call him Thomas the Twin. First name: Thomas. Middle name: The. Last name: Twin.

Pastor: Sammy, Thomas had a twin. He was a twin. His mama had two babies in her belly at the same time.

Sammy: Oh. That makes so much more sense.

Pastor: I want to talk about what being a twin meant in Jesus’s day. How many of you boys and girls know twins?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: It sounds like many of us know twins or get to play with twins. Jesus called Thomas as his disciple. What is really neat about this call was Thomas was the second born twin.

Sammy: Second born? Does that matter?

Pastor: In Jesus’s day birth order was everything. The first born baby received the inheritance and the title of his father’s last name. The second born baby was called “The Twin” and did not receive the same inheritance.

Sammy: What’s an inheritance?

Pastor: That is what parents give to their children. It’s their homes and their money.

Sammy: Well, it doesn’t seem fair that Thomas’s older brother got everything and Thomas was just called Thomas the Twin.

Pastor: I think Thomas was the one who received everything, Sammy. Jesus gave him the opportunity for fellowship with God. He ate with Jesus, walked with him, and learned from him.

Sammy: That’s true. There is no place I would rather be than right next to Jesus.

Pastor: Me too, Sammy. When Thomas received the power of the Holy Spirit from Jesus, he went to India and taught people about the amazing love of our God. He brought the love of Jesus to everyone he met. He was changed forever.

Sammy: What about his inheritance?

Pastor: He received it.

Sammy: He did?

Pastor: Yes, he did. With God, our inheritance is the same, whether we are the first born, the last born, a boy, a girl, old, or young. God gives us the gift of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven with him. He sees each of us as equals, and he doesn’t place more value on one of us over the other.

Sammy: I feel so blessed, Pastor. I have a lot of comfort knowing I have an inheritance with Jesus.

Pastor: Me too, Sammy. Let’s pray. Boys and girls, can you fold your hands and bow your heads. Dear Jesus, thank you for Thomas. Thank you for helping us see and believe. Thank you for sending us out to share your love. Help us to love others no matter where we go. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Luke 24:1-12

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning!

Bartholomew: Good morning and Hoppy Easter!

Sammy: It’s the Easter bunny!

Bartholomew: Hi Sammy! Hi boys and girls! My name is Bartholomew.

Sammy: Wow! Hey, Pastor, did you know that a celebrity was coming to church today? Can I have your autograph? Did you leave eggs outside for us?

Bartholomew: Hang on a second, Sammy. I am here to tell you about Jesus. He is risen! Our focus today isn’t on me—I’m just a little bunny. Our focus is on Jesus.

Pastor: That’s right, Bartholomew. Jesus died on the cross and rose again. Today we celebrate that he is alive. He beat death!

Bartholomew: Eggs-actly.

Sammy: But what does that mean?

Bartholomew: Jesus took on our sins and died in our place. Now, all people who believe in him get to live in heaven with him forever. He beat death. And because we have faith in Jesus, we get to beat death, too.

Sammy: That’s cool.

Pastor: Yes it is. Today is a big day of celebrating that Jesus is alive. Boys and girls, what are some of the things that you get to do on Easter?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: So, Bartholomew, did you leave eggs for the boys and girls to find after church?

Bartholomew: Yes I did. After church, we will head outside for an egg hunt for all of the children. And I have special bags for you, too. But I want you to remember that the eggs you find are a symbol of the new life we receive in Jesus. Remember Jesus loves you today.

Sammy: Thanks, Bartholomew. I am so glad that Jesus was willing to die for me and that he is now alive.

Pastor: Well, let’s close in prayer. Can everyone please fold your hands and bow your heads? Dear Jesus, thank you for the power of your name. You are the King of Kings. You are the Lord of Lords. You are God. We thank you for choosing us. We thank you for coming down from Heaven for us. We love you. Amen.

Bartholomew: Bye, everyone! Hoppy Easter!

Sammy: Bye, boys and girls! See you next week!

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, everyone! Pastor, this Gospel reading was a long one today.

Pastor: Yes, Sammy. The Gospel reading today is all about the Passion of our Lord Jesus.

Sammy: So much happened while you were reading the Gospel. Jesus shared communion, he prayed in the Garden, and he was put on trial several times.

Pastor: Several people did not like Jesus. We meet some of them in the reading today. One of the things we have to remember is that Jesus committed no sin. He lived a perfect life. Boys and girls, have you ever been blamed for something you didn’t do?

[Allow time for responses]

Sammy: Jesus did not deserve death, but he chose to die because we deserve death. We are sinful, and the price for sin is death.

Pastor: Jesus went willingly to the cross, and he knew what he was going to suffer.

Sammy: You know, Pastor, as I listened to you read the Gospel today, I wondered who I would be if I was there to witness Jesus on the cross.

Pastor: What do you mean, Sammy?

Sammy: Would I betray Jesus, like Judas? Would I deny Jesus, like Peter? Would I be one of the ones who wanted Jesus to die, like the crowds or priests or Herod? Would I be willing to carry the cross like Simon? Would I mock Jesus like the soldiers? Or would I ask for forgiveness like the thief on the cross? Or would I stand at a distance and watch like Mary and the other women? Who would I be?

Pastor: I think each of us plays all of or many of these roles during our lives. God knows our hearts. He gives us faith and teaches us through the trials and challenges we face.

Sammy: But, Pastor, I worry that I am not good enough to deserve what Jesus did for me. He took my sin so that I could eat at his table with him forever.

Pastor: Sammy, none of us deserve the gift that Jesus gives us. None of us our worthy. We are broken and made new in Jesus. And he asks us to go and love as he loved us.

Sammy: I will try, Pastor. I will try.

Pastor: Boys and girls, this week, I want you to think about how you can better love someone. What can you do to show Jesus’s love to someone else?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Great answers! Let’s close with prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for your great love. Thank you for taking our sin so we could eat at your table. Thank you for your goodness and grace. We love you. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

“When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.   But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together” (Matthew 22:33-34).

Authority is authority and one knows when they have been in the presence of authority.  Of course, the crowds were astonished.  Where else had they heard the truth?  This is what their hearts longed for.  But those who think in terms of this world hate the truth.  They gather together and plot to be rid of the truth.  The truth is forever, and the lie is a temporary illusion.  Which will you follow?

Lord, things have not changed.  You speak truth and unhindered, my heart knows the truth when it hears it.  The world speaks lies and seeks to lead us away from the truth.  You have spoken the words of truth.  Lead me into all truth and help me to have a discerning mind to both know the truth when I hear it, but also to recognize the lies that seek to counter the truth You have spoken.  Guide me into all truth.

Holy Spirit, You know clearly the way this world deceives many.  Let me not be deceived, but hear the words Jesus has spoken and live them in my heart.  Guide me in the way You know I need to live.  Help me to stay away from the dissensions of this age and humbly live in the truth You have spoken.  Lead me in the way of everlasting life.  Keep me in Your grace today.  Amen.