Colossians 2:16-18, New International Reader's Version

16 So don’t let anyone judge you because of what you eat or drink. Don’t let anyone judge you about holy days. I’m talking about special feasts and New Moons and Sabbath days. 17 They are only a shadow of the things to come. But what is real is found in Christ. 18 Some people enjoy pretending they aren’t proud. They worship angels. But don’t let people like that judge you. These people tell you every little thing about what they have seen. They are proud of their useless ideas. That’s because their minds are not guided by the Holy Spirit.

Objects:

Photos large enough for the children to see. If you have the capability, show images on projection screens in your worship space. Images needed:

Superman flying in the air.
Eagle flying in the air.
A dinosaur from the television show Land of the Lost or an old Godzilla movie image (use an image of a dinosaur that looks either computer-generated or phony for a child).
Image of a Komodo dragon
Cartoon image of Yogi the Bear.
Image of a brown bear.
Bible

Message:

Let’s play a game of “real” or “fake.” What does the word “fake” mean to you? (Allow children to answer.) Fake is something that is not real, not genuine. It is pretend. To play a game of “real” or “fake,” I will show you a picture of something, and you tell me if it is real or pretend.

(Show the kids a picture of Superman flying in the air.) Is this a photo of something real or fake? (Allow children to answer.).

(Show the kids a picture of an eagle flying in the air.) Is this a photo of something real or fake? (Allow children to answer.)

(Show the kids a picture of a dinosaur.) Is this a photo of something real or fake? (Allow children to answer.)

(Show the kids a picture of a Komodo dragon.). Is this a photo of something real or fake? (Allow children to answer.)

(Show the kids a picture of a brown bear.) Is this a photo of something real or fake? (Allow children to answer.)

(Show the kids a picture of Yogi the Bear.) Is this a photo of something real or fake? (Allow children to answer.)

Wow! You are all really good at that game. You certainly can tell a fake from the real thing.

Special effects used in today’s movies and television programs seem so real that it is not easy to tell what is real or fake. How do you know what is fake and what is real? No matter how lifelike those dinosaurs look, you know that they are just pictures drawn by a computer or perhaps a person in a costume. At other times, it may be hard to distinguish between what is true and what is pretend.

The author of Colossians, Paul, warned people about those who would try to trick them. Those tricksters might say that God loved only the people who respected certain days as holy days. Paul was saying people are not better Christians because they celebrate certain special days, eat certain foods, or obey certain rules. Paul tells us to watch out for tricksters because what they tell us could be fake. Those kinds of people were judging others based on these rules, and that’s not what God wants.

Imagine if (one child’s name) were playing a video game but wouldn’t let (a second child’s name) play the game because the child was wearing black socks. That’s not fair, is it? (Allow children to respond.) No, God doesn’t want us to judge one another based on rules like what color socks someone wears, what kind of food they eat, or what sports team they support.

Those rules aren’t the important thing. The rules the tricksters offered were fake. They were like pictures of a cartoon bear, a movie dinosaur, or a person flying through the air.

Paul reminds us that while those things are fake, Christ is real!

Sometimes it can be hard to know if what someone says to you is true or not. They may be trying to trick you because they are not being fair. They may try to trick you into thinking that you must do extra things to earn God’s love. That’s not fair. They may try to make you feel bad if you don’t follow their rules. Don't let anyone make you feel bad.

It's important to remember that Jesus loves you just the way you are.

Let’s play the game of “real” or “fake” again. I will again show you a picture of something, and you tell me if it is real or pretend.

(Show the kids a picture of Superman flying in the air.). Is this a photo of something real or fake? (Allow children to answer.)

(This time, hold up a Bible) Are the stories of Jesus real or fake? (Allow children to answer.)

(Show the kids a picture of a dinosaur.) Is this a photo of something real or fake? (Allow children to answer.)

(This time, hold up a Bible) Are the stories of Jesus real or fake? (Allow children to answer.)

(Show the kids a picture of Yogi the Bear.) Is this a photo of something real or fake? (Allow children to answer.)

(This time, hold up a Bible) Are the stories of Jesus real or fake? (Allow children to answer.)

We can be sure of one thing: we can always trust Jesus Christ. We can always be sure he is real. We don't need to add anything to Jesus to be right with God. We just need to trust in Jesus.

Prayer:

Jesus, make me wise! When people try to tell me what I should believe and what I should do, help me to know the truth. Teach me always to follow you. Amen.

Between the Sundays: Family Conversation Starters

We have added conversation starters to each children’s message series to help spark conversations within families during the week. We encourage families to use these questions to guide them through conversations and subject matter discussed during the worship service, including the children’s messages on Sundays. These conversations will reinforce learning and nurture faith formation for the entire family.

Each night before bed, take time to get to know Jesus. Read your Bible (read the gospel stories of people who trusted in Jesus), pray, and talk to your parents about how Jesus is real in your life and theirs. Have an adult share their faith story and their relationship with Jesus. Find verses of scripture that describe trusting in Jesus.

In Paul’s letter, he reminds us not to judge or criticize others for how they worship or what they believe. Discuss with your family the moments this week when you felt judged by someone. Were there any moments this week when you judged others?

Read Paul’s words from Colossians. Discuss with your family the moments this week when you felt guided by the Holy Spirit.

Watch the YouTube video of the Rich Mullins song, “Hold Me Jesus.” This version is by Big Daddy Weave. Are there specific words from the song that you feel the most? Do you feel comfort in knowing that Jesus is all you need? Describe a time when you felt the need for Jesus to hold you because you were scared or afraid. Do the words of this song comfort you?

Discuss with your family ways you can focus on your relationship with Jesus this week. How did you let Jesus fill you with love and joy this week? What can you do for others to show this same love and joy?

On a small piece of paper, write the words, What is real is found in Jesus! Place that piece of paper in a spot where you will see it daily. When you do see it, say a prayer that you won’t judge others.

With your family, play your own game of “real” or “fake” throughout the week. Each time you point out what is pretend, collectively shout out, “What is real is Jesus!”