Children’s sermon idea: Jesus saw Simon for what he could and would become. Use a seed, acorn or small plant as an object lesson of show how God can make us into so much more than we are now. In the same way Jesus planned for Simon to become Peter (rock / stone) he also wants to help us to become all that he created us to be.

 

Object lesson items: An acorn, some seeds, a small plant / tree that is just pushing through the soil in a pot.

 

Children’s Sermon: Good morning children! In our Bible reading today from John’s gospel we read about how Jesus and Simon first met. When Jesus saw Simon he said that he was to have a new name. He was to be called Peter the rock. Now Simon – Peter was not like a strong rock at first. He kept changing his mind and he was afraid to follow Jesus when things got tough. But Jesus saw what Simon could become if he followed him and was filled by the Holy Spirit.

 

Look at this little plant in this small pot. It doesn’t look very big or strong. But believe it or not, this little shoot may one day become a huge fir tree this big around and over a hundred feet tall!

Do you see this little acorn? It’s very small but one day it might become a big oak tree. The exciting thing about this little plant or this little acorn is what they can become one day.

 

Jesus knew that Simon would one day become a Peter, strong and solid as a rock. You might think that you are very young and small. But God knows that one day you will probably be a strong follower of Jesus doing wonderful things for his Kingdom. So remember, if we truly follow Jesus he will make us into the “strong as a rock” people of God. He sees us for what we are but also what we can become.

 

Children’s Prayer: Dear God. Thank you for making Simon into Peter the rock. Thank you that if we follow Jesus, you’ll make us into strong followers and Christian disciples. In Jesus’ name – Amen!

 

Copyright 2011 Sundaychildrensfocus.com Andrew Hewlett Feel free to use this on Sunday morning but please give credit to Sundaychildrensfocus.com and consider linking to this web site. Thank you! A.H.