Object: a packet of flower seeds

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you have a garden of your own? Do your parents give you a section of the garden to plant your own flowers or vegetables? (Let them answer.) I brought a packet of seeds with me this morning to show you. Later this summer, these seeds will grow into the plant pictured on the cover of my seed packet. (As you talk, show the packet, rip it open, pour the seeds in your hand and show the children the seeds.) What would you think if I told you that each of you were like seeds in the packet? (Let them answer.)

I want to tell you a story that Jesus tol…