Children’s Sermon
John 15:9-17
Joy
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Biblical Commentary
John 15:9-17
Joy
Objects suggested: A crystal or prism — a picture of a rainbow
Click here for a picture of a rainbow
Spotting a rainbow often takes us by surprise. Those glistening colors that arc across the sky seem to be one of God’s most special gifts.
A rainbow forms when sun shines through raindrops causing a prism. It is similar to what happens when a crystal spins in sunlight and throws colored light around the room. (Demonstrate.)
Sometimes a rainbow is just a faint brush of color and we see only a part of the arc. At other times a full rainbow is visible and occasionally a double rainbow stretches across the sky. The beauty of a rainbow can make us want to clap our hands and jump for joy.
Jesus speaks to us through the Bible and he talks about joy. He says, “Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love” (15:9).
“I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full” (15:11).
Joy is what we feel when we see something so beautiful that we can hardly bear it. It is like seeing a full, completely formed, rainbow curve across the sky. Jesus tells us that he wants us to feel that sort of joy; joy that is full and complete. He asks us to live in his love and accept his joy.
Scripture quotations from the World English Bible
Copyright 2007, Richard Niell Donovan