NOVEMBER 3, John 12:14, Romans 12:1

“Are you as smart as a donkey?” asked Mr. Lim, the JW teacher. The kids laughed, and some of them replied that they were much smarter than any donkey. Mr. Lim smiled. “That’s great,” he continued. “Then I’m sure you can serve Jesus. The donkey in today’s lesson did.”

“I don’t get it!” exclaimed Trevor. “Jesus rode on the back of the donkey, didn’t He? You mean we’re supposed to give people rides on our backs?” Trevor liked to ask questions that might make the other kids laugh.

Mr. Lim laughed, too. “No,” he said, “but the donkey gives us a great picture of a servant. First of all, he was where God wanted him to be – he was available. We should ask ourselves, Am I available to God? Am I in a place where He can use me?’”

Trevor shrugged. “I am,” he said. “I’m here at church all the time – whether I want to be or not.” Some of the kids laughed again, and Trevor felt pleased with himself. “But I’m not good at singing or speaking,” he added. “I don’t have any money to give, either.”

“I’ve sat in front of you in church, Trevor,” said Mr. Lim. “I happen to know you actually have a very good singing voice.” He smiled as he added, “Think about the donkey again. He had to be untied. Maybe you need to let Jesus untie your fears – maybe you’re afraid to try to serve Him.”

Trevor frowned. He couldn’t think of any smart reply, and Mr. Lim continued the lesson. “Also, the donkey was willing to let Jesus control him,” said Mr. Lim, and he explained that even though the donkey had never been ridden on before, he did what Jesus wanted him to do. “Have you truly let Jesus control you, or have you been stubborn?” asked Mr. Lim. Trevor began to feel more uncomfortable.

“How about it, class?” asked Mr. Lim at the end of the lesson. “Will you ask God to take control of your life and untie your fears? Will you be a servant just like the little donkey was?” “I’ll do my best,” Trevor said slowly, “but I’m still not so sure I can sing.” Then he grinned. “Of course, if it makes people laugh, that might be good, too.”

Thought: Are you willing to serve Jesus in any way you can? Or are you afraid to sing or play an instrument in public because you think kids will laugh if you make a mistake?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me be available when help is needed – whether it is for a Junior Worship project, to give a testimony or to share a Scripture verse. May I learn from the donkey! In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.