Lesson: We can believe even what we can’t see
Bible Passage: Genesis 1, Matthew 13:1-40, Matthew 17: 14-20, similar stories in all the Gospels
Procure seeds. The best would be squash seeds in August or pumpkin seeds in the fall. Though these seeds are large (as opposed to the scripture), they are tiny in comparison to the vegetables they bear and are easier for the congregation to see. You will also want a plant without the vegetable – just the flower – and paper cups half-filled with dirt. For maximum effect, get the largest vegetable possible, which is why squash and pumpkins are best for this Moment. Finally, have a glass with water.
Do you know what faith is? Faith is believing in something you can’t see. In church, we ask you to believe in the greatest thing imaginable – our Creator God – even though you can’t actually see God. But you can show your faith in other things you can’t see.
You see this seed? This seed is the perfect example of faith. Watch what happens when I water it. (Pour water on the seed) Now Stand Back! No, this seed is not going to grow. I could hold this in my hand all summer and it wouldn’t grow. BUT, if I put it in this glass of water and watch it… Nothing! It will just get soggy.
Now, if I take the seed and put it in the dirt and give it a little water… but I can’t see the seed – I don’t know WHAT is going to happen! But I do. Just because I can’t see the seed, doesn’t mean that I don’t have faith that from that little seed will grow this beautiful plant. (Show plant)
That seed is hidden away, growing and changing and becoming this plant. But there is more! Because from this plant, we can get beautiful flowers, we can get fruits and vegetables (show vegetable) and bushes and trees and all these wonderful gifts from God for eating and smelling and shelter and beauty. All from this tiny seed, put into the ground and based on faith.
If you would like to try this, I have a little cup filled with dirt for each of you and a seed you can plant. And let’s have faith that later this summer, we will have some wonderful squash in our garden. And let’s say “thank you” to God for restoring our faith in so many ways as we plant the seeds of your garden in the ground and as we plant the words of your son in our children – may they both grow fruitful and beneficial to all. And for these gifts and blessings, we say “thank you” and “Amen.”
Presented June 17, 2012 at Parkside Congregational Church. A video of this Moment is available at Seeds of Faith.