Day: Epiphany 4

Lectionary Passage: Luke 4:21-30

Scripture Focus: Luke 4:24

Object: None

Have you ever heard this: “Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Or what about this one: “I’m rubber, you’re glue, whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you!” We say those kinds of things when other kids are teasing us. Teasing is very mean. It’s hurts other people and it’s something we shouldn’t do. I know that I don’t like it when people tease me.

Did you know some people teased Jesus? It’s hard to believe, but our Bible story today tells us that some people in Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth teased him. They made fun of him and didn’t believe that he could be anything special. Well, the joke was on them! It turns out that Jesus was someone special. Jesus was the Son of God! And lots of wonderful things happened because of Jesus. But those mean people in Nazareth missed out because they were too busy teasing Jesus.

I want you to remember that teasing is bad. And when we tease people not only are we being mean, we’re also missing out on getting to know them better. And you never know just how wonderful other people are.

Let’s pray: God, help us to be nice to everyone and to not tease others. And when we’re teased, helps us remember that Jesus knows just how we feel. Amen.