Children's Sermon for Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Day

God Can Use You Too
a children's sermon for Martin Luther King Day
by Rev. Randy L Quinn

Do you know who this is? (Some will recognize the picture of Martin Luther King, Jr.) Martin Luther King died before you were born. So how did you know who this is? What else do you know about Rev King? (He was a pastor; he was a national leader; he was from Atlanta; he was assassinated in 1968; etc.)

Sometimes we recognize someone because we have seen them or pictures of them so often. Other times it helps to get some clues, such as: what they are wearing, what they are doing, or who is with them.

In our scripture today, Philip brings Nathanael to meet Jesus. Nathanael is surprised and amazed that Jesus recognizes him and seems to know so much about him. You recognized Martin Luther King because you’ve seen his picture before and have heard about the preaching he did. Jesus recognizes Nathanael both from sight and by the kind of person he is.

Jesus says that Nathanael is an honest man. If Jesus were to describe us, what would he say? What are the things about us we would want Jesus to recognize?

There are lots of things I know I would want Jesus to remember about me. If Jesus came to visit us, I’d want him to know I like to sing and I like to laugh. I’d want him to remember that I do the best job I can as a pastor – and I like being a pastor. What about you? Name some things that you would want people to know about you to help them know who you are.

Nathanael became one of Jesus’ disciples. He joined up with Jesus to help him spread the good news to others about God’s plans for the world. Nathanael wasn’t perfect, but Jesus knew Nathanael could help in the church. Jesus can take what is best in us, too, and make us people who will help to make this world a better place.

We are not perfect, but God loves us and sees the best in us. And then, because we love God, we try to let our best sides show most of the time.