04-Oct-26 (Matthew 21:33-46)

Suppose you had a friend who you got something just perfect for their birthday. You watched them open the present. You watch them jump up and down and you saw a smile that covered their entire face. But then something really odd happened. Whenever you or any of the other friends went over to play with your friend, they would take the gift and hide it so no one else could ever play with it. In fact, if you asked this friend about it, they would just tell you to leave.
They were happy to have it, but they didn't want anyone else to have it too. How would that make you feel? [Wait for answers]
Well, Jesus talked to some folks about the kingdom of God just like that. He said that God had given it to the people and they decided not only to keep it for themselves, but when God sent profits and even God's son to tell them to knock it off, they treated them very, very badly and refused to listen to them.
Jesus warned them that God might even take the gift back and give it to someone else!
The thing is that we have this Good News that God loves me and you and everyone else too and we can't; we shouldn't try to keep that for ourselves. Just like you parents have probably told you. The best thing to do with a great gift is to share it.
Let's talk to God about that.

God, we thank you for Jesus, who shows us how to live the way you want us to do. We thank you that Jesus shared your love with us. We want your help in remembering not to try to keep that for ourselves but to share it with everyone else.
We pray in Jesus' name.
AMEN.