Children’s Sermon

Matthew 3:1-12

Be A Trailblazer

By Lois Parker Edstrom

OBJECTS SUGGESTED:

X-ray film (A physician or other health care worker in the congregation may be able to help with obtaining an x-ray.)

See a map of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

NOTE: This lesson may be tailored to the children of your congregation by substituting an example of an “explorer” well known in your area, who has made a difference for others who follow.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be an explorer and go where no one has gone before? Explorers are sometimes called trailblazers or pathfinders because they find a way through the wilderness, clearing a path for others to follow.

Lewis and Clark were two explorers who traveled across America, blazing trails, making maps and keeping diaries of what they saw. These two men made it possible for others to follow their trail and travel from one side of America to the other. Now we have freeways that allow us to travel to all parts of America.

Madame Curie is another type of explorer. She discovered a way to look at our bones by taking X-ray pictures of our bodies. Because of her exploration doctors now have a way to see the exact location of a broken bone and decide upon the best way to fix it.

Have you ever seen mold growing on a piece of bread? Alexander Fleming is the man who first saw a certain type of blue mold growing that could kill bad germs. He explored the possibilities of making a medication called penicillin that would treat infections. Explorers or trailblazers who make medical discoveries find more, and sometimes better, ways for others to be cared for and treated when they are sick.

Can you think of other explorers who go where no one has gone before and discover new things? Explorers or trailblazers often take risks and face dangerous situations to make an easier journey for those who follow later.

The Bible tells us about a “trail blazer,” John the Baptist, who prepared people to meet and worship Jesus. He said, “Make ready the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight.” He traveled around baptizing people and telling them about Jesus.

We can be trailblazers too. We do that by loving others and showing them the path to God’s love. We become trailblazers or pathfinders when we live our lives in a way that honors God and makes it easier for others to discover and follow God.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible

Copyright 2007, Richard Niell Donovan