Scripture: Judas, the one who betrayed him, realized that Jesus was doomed. Overcome with remorse, he gave back the thirty silver coins to the high priests, saying, “I’ve sinned. I’ve betrayed an innocent man."
They said, “What do we care? That’s your problem!"
Judas threw the silver coins into the Temple and left.Then he went out and hung himself.
- Matthew 27:3-5 (The Message the Bible in contemporary language)
They said, “What do we care? That’s your problem!"
Judas threw the silver coins into the Temple and left.Then he went out and hung himself.
- Matthew 27:3-5 (The Message the Bible in contemporary language)
For 3 years, Companions in Christ resource The Way of the Child was our summer FirstKids Sunday School curriculum. The Way of the Child is based on the lasting value of spiritual disciplines that will nurture a lifetime relationship with God. Created by Wynn McGregor, and published by Upper Room Books , each Sunday our FirstKids discovered the power of silence, meditation, centering, journaling, various forms of prayer, contemplation, and quiet dialogue. For many of these elementary youth, it was their first experience with being still with their thoughts; waiting patiently for their next area; journaling their week at school. They were beginning a journey of self-illumination and their personal spiritual relationship with God. It takes time, and for some of us a long, long time. Part of the growing, is learning to wait.
Waiting is hard for us all. Grocery stores, banks, restaurants, oil change, red lights, and your morning Starbucks’s, elevators, and even valet parking at church…..it’s everywhere. As adults, we need to let the children lead us. Let ourselves be open to the Holy Spirit, listen…. prayerfully listen. Let things unfold in their own time; shake off the world outside, breath in the calm of patience. Dr. Susan Muto says that we need to “make space for the pace of grace.” Waiting is tough, but what amazing discoveries emerge.
What if Judas had waited?
Prayer: Lead me beside still water, O Lord, that I may drink and be refreshed. Amen.
Family Activity
Take time to reconnect with your own childhood journey. Discuss with your children & other family members around the dinner table, or in the car after Sunday morning worship:
What is your earliest memory of God? How old were you? What were the circumstances? Who nurtured your relationship with God? In what ways?
