MESSAGE FOR ALL AGES - The Good News is... alive in the world!

"The Message for All Ages" is is a simple and inclusive message, designed to be understood and valued by children and adults simultaneously.

Scripture Matthew 28:1-10.

Friends, Happy Easter!  Today on Easter Sunday, we tell the story of how two of Jesus’ best friends, both named Mary—Mary & Mary—went to the tomb where Jesus had been buried… 

I imagine that they were really sad on that day. They had just seen their friend die… and it was just awful. 

But when they got there, do you know what happened?

Jesus wasn’t there! 

I wonder if the women felt scared at first? Usually dead people don't move around.

When Matthew tells the story, in his Gospel,  the angel tells the women: “Do not be afraid. Your friend is alive, and I know where he is!”

When Luke tells this story, the angel asks the Mary’s: “Why are you looking for someone who is alive in a cemetery?”

Could this be real? That Jesus was alive and out in the world? It was too good to be true!!

When I hear this story, I am reminded that God is always up to something good…. and so we should always be on the lookout for signs of that goodness. Sometimes it might look like new life… Like do you know how a caterpillar goes into her chrysalis in springtime? What does she come out as? A butterfly!

And if we pay close attention, there is goodness and hope all around us.

So I wonder—What are some things that are good in your life right now?... 

Parents? Your grandparents? Your friends? Your pet? 

Sunshine? Flowers and buds. 

What are some things that are always good, that you can always look to when you’re sad or scared?... 

Mom’s hugs. Dad helps me. Music! Your friend. God loves you. Jesus is my friend. 

Those are some really good things!!

Even when we don’t see Jesus, even when things are scary or sad, we can look for the good in our lives and in the world, because God is always with us. 

Now in a minute we are going to sing a song, but first I want to teach you the words. Ready? 

Goodness is stronger than evil. 

Love is stronger than hate. 

Light is stronger than darkness. 

Life is stronger than death. 

The man who wrote the words to this song was named Desmond Tutu, and he lived in South Africa. 

Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa. Kelly Latimore Icons.

Desmond knew that things in our world could be really bad sometimes.  And at times it made him feel scared and sad. 

When he was growing up, he saw many people, including his family and friends, being treated unfairly,  just because their skin was dark.  Some of even were killed. 

Throughout his life, Desmond tried to bring as much goodness into the world as possible. And this song helped him to trust that it was possible. It helped his trust that anything was possible with God. 

I hope these words can help you feel hopeful when your sad, and courageous when your scared.

Should we try them again? 

Goodness is stronger than evil. 

Love is stronger than hate. 

Light is stronger than darkness. 

Life is stronger than death. 

Wonderful! Now do you want to help the adults as we sing? 

Rev. Delaney shared this message on 4.5.26.