Lesson: God’s Love is meant to be shared
Bible Passage: Mark 2:13-17, Luke 19:6-8, Matthew 9:10-12
Invite the children to join you on the stage. Throw out a blanket. Tell them we are going to have a picnic and they are all invited. Have picnic foods available.
An adult from the congregation will then come up and ask, “Can I join your picnic?”
“Sorry, this picnic is not for you. It’s only for the right people.”
“Please, can I join you.”
“Well, you’re not one of us, but…” (Ask the kids) “Should we let him join us? Okay, you can join us.”
Someone else will come up and ask, “Can I join you?”
“No, you simply don’t qualify. Sorry.”
“PLEASE?”
(Ask the kids) “What do you think? Okay, you can join us.”
A third person comes up. “Can I sit and eat with you?”
“No, sorry – no room. Not for someone who isn’t like us.”
Person starts to walk away.
“Well, wait. Let me ask.” (To the kids) “Do you think we have enough room at this table for someone else? So do I. In fact, whenever people meet in the name of Jesus, there will always be room. The blessings of Jesus are so huge, we can’t contain them at one table. So why don’t we continue this picnic in the Fellowship Hall after church?”