Mary is a celebrated Biblical leading lady, and with incredibly valid reason! We aren’t sure exactly what virtues caused her to be chosen as mother of the Messiah, but she found favor in God’s eyes, and was called to bear the Lord Jesus. This Gospel passage focuses on the angel’s annunciation to Mary that she would carry God’s son. The important highlight to communicate is that God can do anything, if we are willing to let Him work through us.
“Believe and Obey!” Children’s Sermon from Luke 1:26-38 on Mary’s Message from an Angel.
Law/Gospel Theme: Mary did not have to follow rituals, recite incantations, or fulfill special obligations in order to make the angel’s words come to fruition. She merely accepted her place in God’s plan. We don’t need to do any special actions to be used by God; merely believe the truth of salvation in Christ Jesus. God does all the work if we allow Him to!
Optional Materials: No extra materials needed
Bible Passage: Luke 1:26-38
- Don’t miss the demonstration of this children’s sermon on our YouTube channel
- You can also watch the Bible craft for this passage
- See our full Sunday School Lesson on Luke 1:26-38
- Compare “Mary Says Yes to God” Children’s Sermon on rfour.org
Children’s Sermon (Luke 1:26-38) Mary Believes the Angel’s Message
Option: if possible, greet children with a surprise of sorts: burst out from a corner or shout suddenly, if it works for your placement and audience.
Hello, children of God!
Well, was that surprising? Maybe you expected that I would be here…but in the Gospel story we’re visiting today, we’ll meet someone who experienced quite a surprise. In fact, she also received some surprising news. But she was willing to believe what was told, and to obey even in the face of uncertainty. Who are some people that you have to obey or take directions from? (Take possible responses). Well, let’s try something: I’m going to give you some instructions, and I want you to obey. Let’s see if you can follow the directions I’m giving you… Provide several instructions, starting with simple tasks and continuing on to things that are close to impossible.
First, I want you to turn around three times (pause for student responses). Okay, now jump twice. Blink your eyes at me. Clap your hands—but only use one hand. Is that challenging? Now, can you wiggle your nose—but without moving any other part of your face? One more thing: can you give your elbow a kiss? Go ahead and try it….
These things seem rather impossible, don’t they? It’s hard to follow these instructions, and if your mom asked you to do something like that, it might be difficult to obey.
Is it ever hard to obey God? He gives instructions too, and His are the most important for us to follow. In the Gospel lesson today, there was a woman named Mary. She had a special visit from an angel! The angel told her that she was going to have a baby, and that the baby would be God’s own son. Mary was a bit startled by her heavenly guest, and she was also a little confused. How could this be? How would God become a human? And how would she be the one to give birth to Him? (Note: for most younger audiences of children, it’s best not to focus too much on the virginity element. Kids may or may not understand, and the conversation is best suited to parental explanation.) It all seemed impossible.
But do you know what Mary did? She agreed! She said “okay” to God’s announcement, and told the angel she would do what God wanted her to do. And God’s word came true. Mary became pregnant with Jesus, and she got to be His mom! He was God in human flesh, and she got to take care of Him and raise Him into adulthood. God used her in amazing ways, and all she had to do was agree with His plan. She believed, and God worked in her.
You know, the same can be true of us. We don’t have to do special things on our own power in order to be used by God. We just have to believe. We recognize that Jesus did come, and that He lived and died for us. When we accept His salvation and trust in God, amazing things can happen. God can do seemingly impossible things for us, if we are willing to let Him. Side note: just saying “okay” won’t work for obedience if your mom asks you to clean your room. Those are tasks you still need to actively do… but receiving God’s grace isn’t! We just have to pray, trust, and obey. Why don’t we pray right now?
Prayer:
(Have kids repeat each line)
Dear God,
Thank you for sending Jesus
We believe He is our savior
And we trust you to work in our lives
Thank you for making the impossible things possible
Help us to believe and obey
Thank you for your love
We love you, God!
In Jesus name, Amen!
Bible Verses/story to Reference: Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
-Luke 1:26-38
I love your lessons, thank you so much 😊. I am a primary school teacher and Sunday school teacher and I am finding online Sunday school a little trickier whilst our face to face Sunday school is unable to run at the moment. Your ideas and lessons really help me and bless me. Thank you so much
Danielle MacInnes