"I Want to See Jesus!" Week of Biblical Storytelling - Thursday

Character: Peter

Theme: Jesus’ humility makes us humble too.

Message: Humility comes to those who walk with Jesus.

STORIES:

Walking on water – When I first meet Peter I say, “Oh, I know you’re story! You walked on water! Right?” He agrees but says there were even more amazing things that happened while following Jesus. The thing about Jesus that is really important to me is that He changed me from a self-centred person to a person who cared about others more than myself. Jesus was Humble and being around Him made me become humble too!

Called to be a Disciple – When he called me, I was a nobody. I wasn’t a good enough student to stay in Rabbi School. I was a fisherman, like my dad and brother. Then Jesus came along and called us to follow him – just like a Rabbi would. He thought we were good enough. We were the kind of followers Jesus was looking for. We were disciple-material after all! Jesus chose humble people because He was a humble leader.

Who is the Son of Man? – Jesus said Peter’s answer came straight from God. Peter gets puffed up and proud of himself. Then, just moments later, Jesus starts his death talk again. Peter pulls Jesus aside and says, “You’ve gotta stop this crazy death talk! You are not gonna die! You are the messiah! You will lead us in overthrowing the Romans and then you will reign forever as our KING!” Jesus says, “Get behind me Satan!” Peter reflects, “I went from speaking for God to speaking for the Devil in a few minutes! That really humbled me! I learned I need to check with Jesus before believing anything!” Jesus speaks to and through those who listen humbly to his voice.

Denying Jesus – Three times Peter was accused of being part of Jesus’ movement. Each time he argued. Then he heard the rooster crow and realized he had done exactly what Jesus said he would. His heart broke. He ran away. He knew he would never be a true believer of Jesus. Then Jesus died. Then Jesus Mary came running into the room where the disciples were sitting and said, “He’s alive! Jesus is alive and he told me to ‘go tell the disciples and especially tell Peter’ that he IS ALIVE!” Jesus wanted Peter to know He was alive. And he wanted Peter to know that he still included him with the disciples. Jesus calls broken people who think they have gone to far against Him. He calls then to himself!

Do you love me? – Just before he went back to Heaven, Jesus went on a walk with Peter. He asked him three times, “Do you love me?” Each time, Peter said yes. Then Jesus told Peter to look after his sheep, lambs, etc. – to care for the followers Jesus would leave behind when He went to Heaven. On the third time, Peter cried. Three times he had denied knowing Jesus. Three times Jesus had renewed their love by encouraging Peter to declare his Love. Jesus is not so big that he cannot reclaim us no matter how small we think we are! Jesus forgives those who humble themselves in His sight.

Kill and eat! – Peter’s final call to humility came after Jesus had left, after the Holy Spirit had come, after the Christian church had started growing. While praying on the roof of a friend’s house he had a vision of a sheet coming down from heaven filled with all kinds of unclean animals. “Kill and Eat” the voice of Jesus boomed. “SURELY NOT!” Peter argued. “I don’t eat that stuff. It is impure and unclean!” The voice spoke again, “Do not call anything unclean that God has made clean!” The sheet came down three times and the conversation repeated. Then three men showed up at the front door asking for Peter. They were sent by a Roman Centurian who believed in God to ask Peter to come share his story with the Roman. Peter understood the vision – The message of Jesus was not for only Jewish people like himself. Romans and everyone in the world were to be included in the Kingdom of God! True humility sees no one as better than anyone else. Those who truly dwell in the Kingdom of God are humble and include everyone in fairness and equality.

CONCLUSION:

All this talk of Humility reminds me of the guy I met Monday. His name was Micah. He taught me a song. It was about Justice, Mercy and Humility. Tuesday I met a Roman soldier who taught me about the Justice of Jesus. Yesterday, I met Mary and she taught me that Jesus truly loved mercy!

Sing theme song

Peter says, “Yes, Jesus was humble and called me to be humble. He made me who I am! He treated me with humility over and over and over. His humble way of forgiving, including and loving others changes the world – one person at a time!”

“Thank you for telling me your story.
I have enjoyed meeting you. But I want to see Jesus. Have you seen Him?
Yes, Jesus is very near. Just before you, he was here!”

To kids: “Thank you for singing with me! I really must go!
I want to see Jesus!”

"I Want to See Jesus!" Week of Biblical Storytelling - Wednesday

Character: Mary Magdalene

Theme: Jesus loved Mercy

Message: Jesus protected the weak, forgave their sins, healed their hurts and lead them to God’s Kingdom.

STORIES:

Caught in the act – Jesus is teaching a crowd on the temple steps in the early morning light. Mean men throw a woman at his feet: “Jesus, we just caught this woman doing something very naughty! The Law of Moses says she should be killed! What do you say?!?” Jesus drives away accusers with silent scribbling. Where are your accusers? I don’t accuse you either! Jesus loves to be merciful to people who have done the wrong thing.

Martha is cooking while Mary sits at the feet of Jesus - being discipled in the ways of the Kingdom. Jesus protects hearts that need to hear stories. Mary is doing what is most important for her right now – listening to the stories of the Kingdom she has just discovered! Jesus loves to be merciful to people who are becoming his disciples.

Anointing Jesus in Simon’s house – Mary has heard Jesus say he will die. While others think he is speaking in Kingdom metaphors or just being morbid, Mary believes Him. She saves enough money to buy the best perfume for his burial. But she can’t wait. She pours it out at a party. She anoints his feet and head. Simon thinks bad things about Mary and what she is doing. Jesus protects her again – this time from those who believe they know how true faith should look and act. Simon’s two thoughts – 1. If Jesus knew what kind of woman that was, he would never let her touch Him. 2. If She really believes in Jesus’ Kingdom message, she should sell that expensive perfume and give the money to the poor. Jesus says, “You haven’t washed my feet or hands. This woman bathes my feet with her tears. The poor will always be here. I will not. Mary knows and believes this. She has done the right thing!” Jesus loves to be merciful to people who live their faith with brave honesty.

The Cross and the Tomb – Mary watches Jesus die. Follows his body to the tomb. Sunday morning she returns to the tomb with more perfume – to make his body smell nice. When she arrives at the tomb, her thoughts move from “how will I get the stone away?” to “Where has the body gone?” She is distraught at finding the empty, folded sheets that were wrapped around Jesus. She is crying when she comes out of the tomb. She sees a gardener: “Do you know where they’ve moved the body?” Tears, sobs, “I’ve come to anoint my Lord’s body and it’s gone! Please tell me, where has it gone?” The Gardener says, “Mary, do not weep!” Her head jerks up at that voice. Jesus continues, “Go and tell the disciples I am alive. Tell Peter especially. Tell them Jesus is alive!” Jesus loves to be merciful to people who are broken hearted. He has good news for them!

CONCLUSION:
All this talk of Mercy reminds me of the guy I met Monday. His name was Micah. He taught me a song. It was about Justice, Mercy and Humility. Yesterday I met a Roman soldier who taught me about the Justice of Jesus.

Sing theme song

Mary says, “Yes, Jesus loved Mercy. He treated me with mercy over and over and over. He is the most loving and merciful person I’ve ever met!”

“Thank you for telling me your story.
I have enjoyed meeting you. But I want to see Jesus. Have you seen Him?
Yes, Jesus is very near. Just before you, he was here!”
Retell the key people and message of previous days
finish with Micah’s message
Sing theme song
To kids: “Thank you for singing with me! I really must go!
I want to see Jesus!”

walk off stage

"I Want to See Jesus!" Week of Biblical Storytelling - Tuesday

Character: Malcus - Centurion at the Cross
Theme: Jesus was all about Justice
Message: Jesus taught peaceful political strength. Jesus taught and brought Justice.

DAILY INTRO:
I went on a walk
in my imagination
and when I arrived
in the part of my mind
where memorized scripture is stored
I found
myself
in the Kingdom of God
walking on Streets of Gold
and I really must tell you
about someone I met
on that road
His name was Malcus.

Malcus tells story of seeing Jesus crucified.
Forgave soldiers. "forgive them father"
Promised salvation to thief. "you will be with me in paradise."
Cared for mother. "John, your mum. Mum, your son!"
Cried out with broken heart. "why have you forsaken me?"
Darkness. 3 hours. Light. "it is finished!"
Died. Malcus said, "Truly this man is the Son of God."

That's when I knew I believed in him. But, his death was not the only amazing thing about Jesus. He cared about people so deeply! And he taught things that threatened to turn our world upside down.

Jesus was a radical revolutionary of peaceful justice:

Pompous Entry: Pontius Pilate entered the west gate each year at the beginning of Passover to remind the Jews who was in charge. Swords, spears, helmets, mounted soldiers, foot soldiers - all gleaming in the sun. And Pilate rode at the head of the imperial army declaring his reign of power and might.
Triumphal entry: the same day, Jesus entered the east gate on a young donkey - his followers laying clothes and palm branches in his path. He smiled and waved at his friends. This entering king was bringing a kingdom of peace.

Clearing the temple: Who did he think he was? Jarod wanted to keep an eye on this man during the Passover week. I was assigned to follow him from the on.

Paying taxes: Is it right to pay taxes to Ceasar?
Show me a coin. Face of Ceasar. Inscription: "Son of god"
Whose face? Give to Ceasar what is Ceasars. But give to God what is Gods!
(everything belongs to God! And what are you doing with a graven image in your pocket? Especially one that has blasphemy on it!)

Turn the other Cheek: left hand never used to touch other people or food. In the middle east, even today, the left is the "poo" hand.
Right cheek = backhand (superior striking slave)
Left cheek = forehand (how you hit an equal in a fair fight)
Jesus wasn't telling his followers to go around asking to get smacked in the face. He was teaching them to peacefully challenge unjust authority. "you want to hit me like I'm a slave? Fine, hit me. Now hit me again the way I really am - your equal!"

Sued for your coat? Give your robe as well: Only the poorest of the poor would pay a debt by giving their coat. It meant they had nothing else to use as payment. Only a cruel person would ask for your cloak - knowing you would be cold without it. Whenever a tax collector accepted a cloak it was his way of saying, "you are so poor that you aren't even worth keeping alive! I hope you die of frostbite."
Jesus said, "Take off your robe and give it too." What would the man be wearing? Nothing! Being naked would be embarrassing for the naked man, but even more embarrassing for the tax collector who caused it. Everyone would look down on the tax collector for making a man get undressed in public.
Again, Jesus was teaching his followers how to peacefully resist unjust authority. By offering your robe as well you threatened to embarrass the tax collector. "I'll take it off! I will! Want my robe? It's only fair. I owe you more than what I can pay. I'll take it off!"
NO NO NO please NO!
And to those listening to Jesus' advice, they got the message: Look what the Romans are doing to us. They are stripping us bare!

Second mile: Soldiers were allowed to ask a peasant to carry their gear for a mile. And no more. The law had been made because soldiers were making peasants carry their bags all day and then the peasant missed an entire day of work and was a day's walk away from home in the evening which meant it would take another day to get home. This caused the Romans to loose money in taxes and workers in the field. So they made the law to control the soldiers.
If a peasant carried the gear a mile as they were required, they were doing their duty. If they offered to go a second mile they were offering a kindness. But, they were also making the soldier take a risk of getting in trouble. "That soldier made me carry this bag 3 miles!" YOU WHAT? "But he said he wanted too!" YOU TWIT! AS IF HE WOULD SAY THAT! YOU'VE BROKEN THE LAW!
Again, Jesus was teaching his followers to peacefully resist unjust leaders by messing with the system. An offer of generosity messed up the imperial order of things!

Love your enemies: Then Jesus said, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." So tell me, who's that? US! Love the Romans. Pray for them. And peacefully refuse to be treated as slaves. Jesus was leading a revolt of peaceful justice and he had every leader in a hundred miles scared. The Jewish leaders wanted him dead, the Roman leaders wanted him dead. And yet he didn't do anything wrong. He just spoke truth in a mighty powerful way!

CONCLUSION:
All this talk of justice reminds me of the guy I met yesterday. His name was Micah. He taught me a song about Justice.
Micah’s message
Sing theme song

“Thank you for telling me your story.
I have enjoyed meeting you. But I want to see Jesus. Have you seen Him?
Yes, Jesus is very near. Just before you, he was here!”
Retell the key people and message of previous days
finish with Micah’s message
Sing theme song
To kids: “Thank you for singing with me! I really must go!
I want to see Jesus!”
walk off stage

"I Want to See Jesus!" Week of Biblical Storytelling - Monday

Character: Micah
Theme: Golden Rule
Message: God knows His people. They are about Justice, Compassion and Humility in faith.

Stories by Micah:
Micah has been walking around heaven talking to people. Looking for the common thing between all the people who are here. He asks, "What is your story?" I asked for his favourite story and he told me the story of:

The Good Man: asked Jesus "what must I do to go to Heaven?"
Jesus: "What have you been taught?"
Man: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself."
Jesus: "Well said! Do this and you will live!"
Man: "Who is my neighbour?"
Parable: Good Samaritan - "Who was the Neighbour to the wounded man? Be like him!"
Micah: "Jesus simplified it that much! If you help someone who is hurting, you take a step toward Heaven!"

Micah: "Jesus loved saying, 'Do unto others what you wish they would do to you!"

Conclusion
Micah: "This story and many stories about Jesus surprised me. Why? Because I said something very similar more that 2500 years ago when I was a prophet.”

Song:
He hath shown thee oh man what is good
and what does the Lord require of thee
but to do justly
and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with thy God.

What does it mean?
Do justly: help others. Protect others. Don't let people hurt others.
Love mercy: forgive others. Love others. Be kind at all times.
Walk humbly: respect God and others. Humble yourself. God will lift you up.

Me: Thank you for telling me your story. I have enjoyed meeting you. But I want to see Jesus. Have you seen Him?
Micah: Yes, Jesus is very near. Just before you, he was here!
Me: I really must go! I want to see Jesus! (leave stage)

"I Want to See Jesus!" Week of Biblical Storytelling - Template

Title: I Want to See Jesus
Theme: The message and miracle of Jesus reveals the greatest life we can live.
Key Text: Micah 6:8 - “God has shown you what is good: to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.” (my own rendering)
Theme Song: Micah 6:8

DAILY INTRO:
I went for a walk
in my imagination
and when I arrived
in the part of my mind
where memorized scripture is stored
I found
myself
in the Kingdom of God
walking on streets of gold
and I really must tell you
about someone I met
on that road

DAILY CONCLUSION:
“Thank you for telling me your story. I have enjoyed meeting you. But I want to see Jesus. Have you seen Him?"
"Yes, Jesus is very near. Just before you, he was here!”
Retell the key people and message of previous days
finish with Micah’s message
Sing Micah 6:8 theme song
To kids: “Thank you for singing with me! I really must go! I want to see Jesus!”
Run off stage