True Value

“Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world.” Mark 16:15 (CEV)

 Jonah chapters 1-4

 Prop:  a ten dollar bill           

             I have a very special prize for someone today.  We give away prizes every week, but not usually like this.  Someone is about to be blessed with ten dollars.  Do I have any volunteers who would like to receive this ten dollar bill? 

            Now before you get all excited, I have to tell you that the ten dollars is going to be a little different when you receive it.  (Crumple the bill).  Now who wants it?  Are you sure?  It’s all crumpled and wrinkled now.  (Throw the bill on the ground and stomp on it).  I’m sure no one would want it now; it’s crumpled, wrinkled and it has been stomped on, so it’s dirty. 

(Choose someone who has been well behaved, has been consistently bringing a Bible, or who just needs a blessing to receive the ten dollars.  Call him/her forward to receive it and continue with the lesson.) 

God values each of us more than ten dollars, one hundred, or even a million dollars.  The Bible says that “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)  If someone doesn’t accept the love of God and His forgiveness, they will not go to heaven.  That means they will spend forever away from God, separated from Him.  God doesn’t want even one person to miss Him.  He wants everyone to hear about and accept His love, because he loves and values each and every person. 

            Jonah forgot that the people of Ninevah were valuable to God.  All he could see was their  mean behavior and their reputation.  Sometimes you and I forget the value of people.  We forget that each person is important and needs to hear about God’s love.  You may not want to tell some people, because maybe they’re mean like the people of Ninevah were.  Maybe they don’t like you of have done something against you.  Or maybe you just don’t know them.  Whatever the case, Jesus told us to “Go.”  Go and tell them the good news that God really loves them and they are special to Him.  They can be forgiven for their sins and spend eternity in Heaven.   

            Boys and girls, it’s your job and my job to tell others about Jesus.   Each person is valuable and needs to hear about His love.