Everyone Who Belongs

John 18:33-37, NIRV

³³Then Pilate went back inside the palace. He ordered Jesus to be brought to him. Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

³⁴“Is that your own idea?” Jesus asked. “Or did others talk to you about me?”

³⁵“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?”

³⁶Jesus said, “My kingdom is not from this world. If it were, those who serve me would fight. They would try to keep the Jewish leaders from arresting me. My kingdom is from another place.”

³⁷“So you are a king, then!” said Pilate.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, that’s the reason I was born. I was born and came into the world to be a witness to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of truth listens to me.”

Worship word of the day: “Joy”

Message

Last week, we learned through a worship word of the day. Do any of you remember what the word was? (Allow children to respond.) That’s right; the word was “hope.” Do any of you remember what it means? (Allow children to answer.) Does anyone remember the word we learned two weeks ago? (Allow children to answer.) That’s right; the word was “generosity.” Can someone share what that word means? (Allow children to answer.) Today, we will have another word to invite us to discover how Jesus wants us to live a life that matters. I have a sign with today’s word printed on it. The definition of the word is on the back. Would one of you like to read the definition? (Hold up the sign and have a child read this printed page of definition. Today’s worship word of the day is “joy.” Joy is a feeling of great pleasure or happiness that comes from a sense of well-being. Joy.). Throughout the next few moments, listen and see if you hear the definition of the word joy described.

That is a long definition for such a small three-letter word, isn’t it? That definition that was just read makes me wonder if there is a difference between happiness and joy? What do you think? (Allow children to respond.) I believe that true joy is deeper than happiness. Being happy about something may go away after a short time, but true joy is deep. True joy begins deep down in our soul. True joy defines who we are. As a matter of fact, true joy is what Jesus says we all should find in a life that matters.

Today is known as “Reign of Christ Sunday.” “Reign” is a term used when someone has power and influence over others. Today is a day to remember and claim who we are and whose we are. We are followers of Jesus Christ. To follow Jesus means to learn to be more like him.

Our worship this day should be about the joy found in following Jesus the Christ. When we worship together, we celebrate who God is; we celebrate what God has done for us in Jesus Christ; and we are invited to experience joy. There should be praises sung! As we celebrate this day, we can feel joy that is almost indescribable! We are who we are because of the one we call the Son of God. We are made into loving and serving disciples because of Jesus who loved and served us. We are taught how to do that by living a life that matters in recognition of trying to be more like Jesus. What brings you joy when you think about Jesus? (Allow several children to respond.) How can you bring the joy of being a follower of Jesus to others in your life? (Allow children to respond.)

Let this day, this time of worship, be a true celebration of generosity, hope, and joy and the recognition that we can live a life that matters when we learn to follow Jesus. That joy begins way down in our soul. It begins way down inside our hearts. The love that we have for Jesus flows out of our hearts and into our daily lives, as we show others how joyful it makes us feel. So joyful that we want to sing! Will you join me? (Sing a few verses of “I'VE GOT JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY DOWN IN MY HEART.”)

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart to stay

I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart
I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart to stay

I've got the peace that passes understanding
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart
I've got the peace that passes understanding
Down in my heart (where?)
Down in my heart to stay

You shall love the Lord your God
With all your heart and soul and strength
Heart and soul and strength
Heart and soul and strength
You shall love the Lord your God
With all your heart and soul and strength
Heart and soul and strength always

Written by: GEORGE W. COOKE
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Prayer: God of joy, we do have that joy down deep in our heart and soul. Remind us always that following your son allows us to live a life that matters—a life filled with generosity, hope, and joy! On this Reign of Christ Sunday, we are reminded who and whose we are. We celebrate being your children! Amen!

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New International Reader's Version (NIRV) Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.