Bearing Ring Pops

I was in kids' church a couple weeks ago helping out with the lesson. One of the activities the leaders include regularly is a Bible trivia competition. If a child gets the answer correct, they receive a Ring Pop, or if they don't know the answer, they can tag another child to answer. When it was Mia's turn, she was shy and uncomfortable. The answer to the trivia question was simply "Jesus", but Mia didn't grow up in church, so she didn't know the answer. Kayla raised her hand because she knew the answer and Mia tagged her. "Jesus," Kayla answered with confidence. She was promptly rewarded with a Ring Pop while Mia returned to her seat empty-handed. Kayla proved she knew about Jesus. But more impressive was what happened next. "Mia. Mia..." I heard whispers behind me and turned around just in time to see Kayla pass her Ring Pop to Mia, who began beaming. Kayla does not only know about Jesus. Kayla knows Jesus. And now Mia and any other child sitting in my corner of the room knows that Kayla knows Jesus. If sharing a Ring Pop is any indication of knowing Jesus, then all those children want to know him now too. Matthew 7:17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Knowing about Jesus is a wonderful thing: it is good for our growth and for the growth of those with whom we interact. Far more powerful are the fruits that prove we know Jesus, and those fruits are what bring others to seek and find the true source of truth and love. Daddy, Thank you for the gift you sent us in your Son. Thank you that you know us and seek a relationship with us. Thank you for giving us your word to instruct and guide us. Give us the wisdom to know about you and help us bear the fruits to show others who you really are. In Jesus' name, Amen