Sunday Inspiration: Sunday, June 16, 2024
Take Them To Church (Father’s Day Sermon)
Picture this: my oldest son, a bundle of energy, was with us in a bustling clothing store one day. In a moment of mischief, he decided to play hide-n-seek. The only problem? He forgot to mention he was hiding.
After a few minutes, I started looking around for him and asked my wife if she knew where our son had gone. We searched the department and then the store. Becoming worried, we recruited a couple of store employees to help us. We called out his name. We even had it announced on the loudspeaker in the store. As panic was setting in, a store employee walked by a clothing rack. Our son jumped out from the middle of it and startled the employee to the point she loudly screamed.
We were angry and upset, and we let him know. But we were also relieved, grateful, and overjoyed, and we also let him know that with a tight hug.
Parenthood is a rollercoaster of emotions. One moment, you’re filled with pure joy, and the next, you’re grappling with anxiety and frustration. Part of growing as a parent is embracing these mixed emotions. We come to maturity in the complexity of feeling anger and relief simultaneously, to be frustrated and overjoyed in the same breath. This complex tapestry of feelings makes the journey of raising children so profoundly human and deeply rewarding.
In our scripture lesson, we are not just observers but participants. We are invited to join Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus, as they ride this rollercoaster of emotions in this episode from the gospel of Luke. Their journey, though unique, echoes the challenges and joys we experience in our own parenting journeys.
The gospel of Matthew features nothing between Jesus’ birth and his earthly ministry. Mark’s gospel starts off with his baptism. The Gospel of John has Jesus existing before creation itself. Only Luke gives us a glimpse of Jesus’ childhood. And it is a very small glimpse.
The Gospel of Luke places Jesus at the center of Judaism by locating Jesus' childhood story in the temple. This is important because by the time the Gospel of Luke was written—80 - 90 AD—tensions between Christians and Jews were high. Luke, writing as a non-Jew, felt it important to hold up Jesus as the Jewish messiah to his congregation.
As a matter of fact, before this story begins, we are told that eight days after his birth, Jesus was brought to the temple for circumcision, an offering was made, and he was presented before the temple officials. When it was all done, the scripture says, “When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him” (Luke 2: 39 - 40).
Fast-forward twelve years, and Luke notes, “Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival” (Luke 2: 41 - 42). The family is good churchgoers.
Through the consistency of being raised in the temple, the foundation of hearing the stories of scripture, and the practice of regular Sabbath keeping, the scripture tells us, “Jesus increased in wisdom and in years and in divine and human favor” (Luke 2: 52).
There is value in the regular rhythm of attending worship as a family. Of course, you expect a pastor to say this. But in a world where distractions are abundant, and priorities can become misaligned, we must remind ourselves of the church's crucial role in our spiritual formation. Consistency in church teaches our children that priorities are necessary for the flourishing of life.
To the Parents, children are paying attention. They see your priorities in how you spend your time. They recognize what you value in what you structure your life around. Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and others. When we take our children to church, teach them God's Word, and model a life of faith, we plant seeds that will bear fruit throughout their lives. Children are paying attention. It makes a difference.
In his ministry, Jesus created a safe place for parents to bring their children to him. In one incident, when his disciples tried to stop them, Jesus got angry and said, “Let the children come to me; do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly, I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it” (Mark 10: 14 - 15).
How intentional are you in ensuring that your children have a front-row seat to the life-transforming power of Jesus? If someone were to ask your children about your priorities based on how you spend your time, what would they say?
I am grateful for the children’s ministry of our church. Mary Lina and her team are dedicated to introducing children to Jesus and empowering families with valuable resources to grow in their faith. We are constantly exploring how we can create a safe place for children of all different abilities to encounter the love of Christ in this place. As I said on VBS Sunday, I dream of a day when we welcome three hundred children on our campus for one week of Vacation Bible School and every Sunday as active congregation participants. The day is coming, declares the Lord!
This scripture also invites us to join Mary in a contemplative space, where we go not to get answers but to ponder God’s place and purpose in our family's lives. At the end of this story, we are told that Mary “treasured all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51).
From Gabriel’s pregnancy announcement, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1: 28), to the shepherds tracking her down at the birth of Jesus, amazing things have happened in Mary’s life. At twelve years old, Jesus tells her it should have been obvious where to find him. He asks, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know I must be in my Father’s house” (Luke 2:49). Most of us would not have allowed a pre-teen to talk back to us like that when we were panicked that we had lost them. Instead, we are told that Mary and Joseph do not fully understand what he is saying to them. They left with more questions than answers.
Jesus is growing beyond their expectations.
When Christians and churches get comfortable with Jesus, when, like his parents, we presume to know where we think he should be or what he should be doing, Jesus rebukes us.
For most Christians, we are still addressing the Will Farrell version of Jesus. If you have seen Will Ferrell’s Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, you know Ricky Bobby is a race car driver. “Dear lord baby Jesus,” Ricky Bobby prays, “We thank you so much for this bountiful harvest of Domino’s, KFC, and the always delicious Taco Bell. I just want to take time to say thank you for my family, my two beautiful, beautiful, handsome, striking sons, Walker and Texas Ranger, or T.R. as we call him, and of course, my red-hot smoking wife, Carley who is a stone-cold fox. Dear tiny Jesus in your golden-fleece diapers, with your tiny, little, fat, balled-up fists pawing at the air ….” At that point, Ricky’s wife interrupts him to tell him he doesn’t have to pray to baby Jesus.
In this scripture, Jesus interrupts his parents to let them know he is growing up. “Did you not know I must be in my Father’s house?” Jesus asks his parents. Much of what is happening in Christianity today is the realization that we still see Jesus as that infant that can be controlled. But like his parents, we soon discover that Jesus doesn’t meet our expectations. He is not found in the sentiment of how things used to be or how we want them to be. He is about moving us forward. His life, death, and resurrection is pointing us toward the future. Jesus did not come to fulfill our expectations. He came so that we could follow him, not that he should follow us.
On this Father’s Day, we are reminded that the greatest gift we can give our children is not our version of Jesus, but let Jesus introduce himself to our children. We do this by reading scripture to our children, praying with our children, and making going to church a regular, consistent part of our families' lives.
In a world where we are quick to answer and quick to interject our opinions, it is great to create space where our children can ponder, wonder, and imagine what God may be up to in their lives. Not only is this necessary for parents, but this is a reminder for the church.
Church should be a place where children can ask questions and explore the mystery of God. I love the image of the pre-teen Jesus sitting around talking to the temple elders about God and asking questions that probe the depth of their understanding. What would it look like if we started treating the children among us not as loud and annoying but as searchers for God? I imagine that as adults, we might begin to wonder and wander, and grow even deeper. For it has been said, “A child shall lead them.” Amen.
Discussion Questions
Mary and Joseph experienced worry and wonder when they found Jesus in the temple. How can we apply their example of treasuring moments of confusion and pondering God's purpose in our lives today?
How has regular participation in church activities impacted your faith and family life?
Children observe and learn from our priorities and actions. What message do you think your children or younger people around you receive from the way you spend your time and live your faith?
How can we create safe and nurturing environments for children to explore and ask questions about their faith as a church and as families?
The sermon suggests that we often have fixed expectations of Jesus. How can we be more open to how Jesus surprises us and challenges our preconceived notions?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
On this particular day, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for our fathers and fatherly examples in our lives. We thank You for their love, sacrifices, and unwavering support. Today, we lift them in prayer, asking for Your continued guidance and blessings upon them.
Lord, we pray for the courage to create spaces where our children can encounter You, to ask questions, and to explore the mysteries of faith. May our homes and church be places where they feel safe growing and discovering Your love. Remind us that, like Jesus, our children have a unique purpose and a relationship with You that may transcend our understanding.
On this Father's Day, we ask for Your blessings upon all fathers. Strengthen them in their roles, fill them with Your grace, and guide them with Your wisdom. May they continue to lead their families with love, faith, and dedication, always pointing their children towards You.
In Jesus' name, we pray.
Amen.
Benediction
May our homes and our church be sanctuaries of learning and discovery, where children feel safe asking questions and exploring the depth of God's love.
May the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Him, now and forevermore.
Amen.
Share On Social Media
Parenthood is a rollercoaster of emotions—joy, frustration, relief, and anxiety all intertwined. Embrace the journey, treasure the moments, and trust in God's plan. #Parenthood #FaithJourney
Just as Mary and Joseph found young Jesus in the temple, we must create spaces where our children can explore faith, ask questions, and grow in their relationship with God. #FaithFormation #ChurchFamily
Jesus doesn't meet our expectations; He calls us to follow Him. Let's be open to the surprises and challenges He brings, moving forward in faith. #FollowJesus #FaithJourney
In a world of distractions, prioritizing faith and worship shapes our children's lives. What message are we sending with how we spend our time? #Priorities #FaithInAction