Safe in the Hands of Jesus

Short Talk (SHT150) Safe in the hands of Jesus © Jane Hulme 2019 Aim of Short talk: Use of Short talk: Main themes: Biblical references: Lectionary: Props: People needed: To encourage people that if they choose to listen to Jesus and follow Him then they are “safe in His hands” both now and for all eternity. This is a short All Age talk picking out one issue from the Lectionary Gospel reading of the Sunday main service. The talk stands alone and assumes that the Gospel Bible reading may not yet have been read to the congregation. It could be used for example, for the whole congregation before the children go out to their age specific groups, leaving the adults with a full sermon later. Easter, Jesus, Safety, Eternal life, Evil One, Listening, Following John 10:22-30 Year C – The 4th Sunday of Easter You will need a couple of £2 coins and a table in front of you. You will need a volunteer with very strong hands who can hold onto a £2 coin when a child tries to prize it from them! SHORT TALK: “Safe in the hands of Jesus” .................................................................................................................. Can I invite N (Your volunteer) to come forward please? (Volunteer comes forward and stands next to you) • T oday I have two £2 coins. • I am going to place one of these coins on this table. (Place one of your £2 coins near the edge of the table) The other £2 coin I am going to ask N to hold onto tightly. (Place the other £2 coin into the palm of N who closes their palm and holds onto it tightly.) • I wonder how safe my £2 coins are. Who thinks that the £2 coin sitting on the table is safe sitting there all on its own? (Receive answers) • What do you think could happen to this £2 coin? (Receive answers) My coin isn’t very safe is it? • It could be taken by someone, (although probably not here in church!) • or it could fall off the table and roll under a chair/pew and get lost. What about my other £2 coin held in the hand of N.....do you think that coin is safe? (Receive answers) • Why do you think it is safe? (Receive answers) • Would any of you children see if you can take the £2 coin from N’s hand? (Allow a couple of children to try and prize open N’s hand to get the £2 coin, one at a time, but they fail – IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT THAT THEY FAIL so choose smaller children!) © Jane Hulme 2019 2 So the £2 coin cannot be taken from N’s hand. • While it is there it won’t fall on the floor, roll under a chair/pew and get lost. • N’s strong hand will keep my £2 coin safe. You and I are a little bit like the £2 coin. • We are very very precious to Father God because we have been made in His image. • We therefore need to be kept safe from God’s enemy and our enemy, who wants to rob us of the eternal life.....the relationship with God both now and for ever.... that Jesus died and rose again to give us. The wonderful news today is that if we listen to Jesus’ voice and follow Him, staying close to Him, • then He will protect our relationship with Him both now and for ever. • Jesus said this about His followers: “No-one can steal them from out of my hand.” (John 10:28 The Message Version) Jesus’ hands, a bit like N’s hands are strong enough to hold onto us and keep us safe forever. Now we are not saying today that being held by Jesus means that we will never face difficulties in this life. • Jesus himself told us that while we live on earth we will face all kinds of troubles. (John 16:3) What we are saying is that the life that Jesus gives us in relationship with Him will be kept safe as we daily listen to our good shepherd and follow Him. • Of course, if we choose to stop listening and following Jesus then we will move away from His safe keeping, • however Jesus is always ready to welcome us back into the safe keeping of His strong hands. Be reassured today that the Risen Jesus has you and He has me in the safe keeping of His hands, both now and forever. © Jane Hulme 2019 3