WARM-UP
What are some bad habits an athlete might have?
Good! Things like talking mean to teammates, talking behind teammates backs, not listening to the coach, arguing or rolling your eyes at a game official are all bad habits.
Think of a garden, you plant what you want to grow but weeds always grow too. Last time we learned about sin, weeds are like sin growing in the garden. If we leave them in the garden they eventually spread out and choke the good plants.
We need a gardener to pull the weeds and help the good plants.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” – John 15:1
WORKOUT
Jesus is speaking in John 15:1. So, Jesus is the true vine and God is the gardener. God sent Jesus to rescue us from our sin. Jesus lived a sinless life and yet He died on a cross. He did that to pay the penalty for our sins – because someone had to pay the penalty. It is just like in our sport, when there is a foul there is a consequence. Jesus took that for us.
He didn’t stay dead though. He came back to life so now we can be connected to the true vine. There are lots of things in life that try to act like they are the vine – something that gives us life. Video games, money, food, sports, being the coolest most popular kid – they all want us to think they give life but only Jesus can do that.
God is the gardener. He tends to us just like a coach works with you to help you be a better athlete. He wants the best for us and provides the things we need to grow and thrive. He helps us pull up the weeds – the things that keep us from growing into who He intended us to be.
WRAP-UP
Do you believe God loves you and wants to be connected to you? To have that connection you need to be forgiven of your sins and put your trust in what Jesus did on the cross. If you are ready to start your connection to Jesus I would love to talk to you separately about how to do that.
Let’s pray!
“Lord, we are so grateful for Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. Thank You that You help us pull up the weeds in our lives. Guide us as we make the decision to follow you. Give us the courage to connect to You and remain in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Let’s break Huddle. Hands in! 1-2-3- Proven!