Children’s sermons are a staple of many a church. They are often cute, simple, and may even be better than the adult sermon. However, they may also lead to unexpected moments. One of those unexpected moments happened this past Sunday.
The head pastor was giving a children’s sermon on St. Luke 6:3-36. As with many a children’s sermon in many a church in the USA, the pastor asked the children various questions during the short sermon. The thing about children is that they may ask back some very unexpected questions. And sometimes those questions leave one laughing.
At one point, the head pastor came to a semi-triumphant conclusion. He had already pointed out that in those verses, we are even told to love our enemies. So, he concluded, this means that we are to love everyone. Suddenly the shocked voice of a little child rang out asking, “Does this mean that we even have to love the evil one?”
There was silence. There was a pregnant pause as the head pastor came up with a quick answer. I did not fully hear the answer. I was upfront in the sanctuary area and my time was engaged in desperately trying not to break out laughing loudly. I am sure that the head pastor gave a great answer as everyone seemed to be satisfied. But, there was more than one person smiling at the end of the children’s sermon last Sunday.
I realized that this is why lawyers say that you should never ask a witness a question unless you already know what the witness will answer. I learned that I do not ever want to ask a little child a question while everyone is listening during a sermon. I am still laughing every time I think of the little child’s question.
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