Children’s Sermon

Matthew 14:13-21

An Inconvenient Time

Do you ever feel like you need some time alone? Maybe you’ve had a difficult day at school and feel like relaxing, having a glass of milk and a cookie. Perhaps you’ve played very hard and want to take a nap. Or, you may have argued with your brother or sister and need some time to cool down.

During those times we don’t like to be disturbed. When mom asks you to set the table for dinner or take out the garbage, you might feel like saying, “Not now.”

You may be having fun with your best friend––tossing a ball or playing with dolls. Then when you are asked to help out with a chore you, once again, might feel like saying, “Not now, I’m having too much fun”

When we are asked to help, the request may come at an inconvenient time. We don’t feel like helping or we would rather be doing something else.

Jesus had such an experience. He had just received very sad news. He got into a boat and went “to a deserted place apart” (14:13).

Jesus had many followers and when they heard this “they followed him on foot from the towns.” When he went ashore, he saw a great multitude. “He had compassion on them, and healed their sick” (14:14).

This was an inconvenient time for Jesus. He was sad and wanted to be alone for awhile, but he also felt sorry for the people who needed him. He answered their call for help and cared for them.

This is a lesson for our lives. There are times when we would rather play, or rest, or be alone, but we must also think about the people who need us. Even though it may be an inconvenient time, we must be willing to answer their call for help.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible