Jesus has room for all

Sometimes, it feels like there isn't a place just for you. You and your best friend can't be on the same side when you're playing baseball because there are too many kids on your side. You have to share a bedroom with your sister because there aren't enough rooms for everyone in your house.

Jesus would understand how much you want your own space. In this week's Gospel (Mark 4:26-34), He talks about the space He's saved for us in God's kingdom!

"The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed," Jesus said. "A mustard seed is the smallest seed in the world, but it grows into the biggest tree -- so huge that all the birds of the sky can live in it!"

It can be frustrating not to have the space you want. You can't sit in the front seat of the car or have your own bedroom. Even your drawings have to share space on the refrigerator!

Jesus knows it's important for people to have a space of their own. That's why He saved everyone -- kids, grownups, even people you don't like -- a space in the kingdom of God. Jesus said that God's kingdom (all the people who follow God) is like a tree so big that all the birds in the world can make nests in it!

Sometimes, all it takes for you to have some space is to ask. Maybe your parents didn't know you wanted to ride up front in the car. Maybe you could hang a sheet in your room between you and your sister. Small things like that can help you feel better about having space.

Jesus knew that everything starts small, too -- even God's kingdom. When one person helps another, God's love spreads to more people, and the kingdom of God gets bigger. You may never get your own room; but when you follow Jesus, He'll always save a space for you!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me remember that I'll always have a space of my own with you. Amen!

(06-12-97)

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