If you are regularly speaking to children, youth, or adults you know it is always nice to have an ‘ace’ up your sleeve.  That go to message you can pull out when needed and hit a home-run.  I’d like to share a children’s message that has been this to me.  Now don’t stress!  For those who know me, you know I like to be ridiculous (you also know I love using that word).  A normal children’s message for me means explosions, costumes, characters, game shows, large give-a-ways, candy, and more (the best is a servicepocalapse that includes all of those).  While I love those things – this is not that.  I wanted to share something that anyone can pull off with just a little preparation.

First, a few thoughts about speaking with children.  If you are going to share the message of Jesus Christ with children, you need to figure out your goals.  What are they going to take away?  What kind of impact do you plan to make?   Here is the point of this message:

1. To clearly communicate the steps of salvation from our sins through the one way – Jesus Christ.
2. To make that message easy to remember.  Let’s give children a foundation to begin to build upon in their relationship with Jesus Christ.  They will probably have many more ‘decision’ moments in their lives, so let’s keep the specifics easy to remember for the future.
3. To give an opportunity for children to make a step in their walk with Jesus Christ.  Maybe this is the first time they’ve been given the chance to accept Jesus Christ into their life.  Maybe it’s the 43rd time.  Who knows what this moment will mean to them.  Always remember to encourage them to share any big decisions they have made with their parents and with leaders in your ministry.  Help to stimulate conversation and the lasting impact of a decision.

You may laugh when you learn the method I have used to share Jesus Christ.  Yes, it is based upon the ‘Wordless Book’ (or the colors that represent the steps of salvation).  You’re thinking, “Wasn’t this popular in the 80s (or the 60s and 70s – I don’t go back that far)?”  True!   True!  But I have used this message 10+ times and it never fails to draw kids in and even those that have witnessed it multiple times still find themselves enjoying and listening.

Here is the set-up. You’ll need five glass containers, food coloring, clear pitchers of water, and possibly a towel. For the five glass containers, tall serving glasses can work but I prefer something larger like a tall, 3-5 inch thick in diameter vase. You will set those containers up before time (in a line parallel to the audience) and put food coloring in the appropriate vases. From your right to left (left to right for the audience), place black coloring in the first container, red in the second, nothing in the third, yellow/gold in the fourth, and green in the last. Test the amounts of coloring needed ahead of time, you’ll want the colors to be vibrant. To keep the mystery of what is to come, you may want to place the glass containers on a colorful tablecloth or place a towel in front of them. Also feel free to cover the entire setup with a towel or tablecloth so kids can’t sneak a peek ahead of time.

Remember, you can use this as a stand alone message or (as I often do) as the conclusion of a message or service. Either way, when you are ready to begin, pick up your first pitcher and begin to fill the first container. Get ready to hear ‘ohhs’ and ‘ahhs’ as the water changes from clear to black. Then share the following:

• The Black Glass – Each and everyone of us have made mistakes.  We have hurt others and have been disobedient to God.  These mistakes or wrongs we call sin, and it separates us from God.  We think of the color black because we think of sin making a dark mark on our hearts.  This stops us from having connection with God – here on earth and with Him in heaven.  People have tried for so long to try to remove this mark on their lives, with no success. Thankfully, God loves us so much that He sent Jesus, His only Son, into this world.  (Romans 3:23)
• The Red Glass – Jesus lived a perfect life and then He made the ultimate sacrifice for us by dying on the cross for our sins.  We think of the color red because of the blood that Jesus shed for our sins.  (Romans 5:8, Romans 6:23)
• The White/Clear Glass – Because of Jesus’ sacrifice we have an incredible opportunity.  To confess our sins and believe in our hearts that through God’s power we can be saved and forgiven of our sins.  Our lives are washed clean and clear and the marks of sin in our lives disappear.  (Romans 10:9-10)
• The Yellow/Gold Glass – The first thing this does is allow us to spend forever with God in heaven!  We can live life secure in knowing that we have heaven to look forward to!  And we can celebrate knowing that God has conquered death!  (John 3:16, John 14:3)
• The Green Glass – The second thing (and just as important) is that we get to live life here on earth with God influencing and guiding our lives.  He has an incredible plan for you!  You are special and unique and He wants you to dream big and accomplish great things with your life!  (John 10:10)

You can switch around the Yellow Glass and the Green Glass in order depending on how you are shaping your message.  End by giving everyone an opportunity to accept Jesus Christ into their lives by joining you in prayer.  I have delivered this message to combined child, teenager, and adult crowds – don’t seclude any group, they may very well respond to the clarity of this message.  Remember the importance of asking anyone who made a decision to share that decision with family, friends, and leaders.

The wordless book is definitely not a new approach and I don’t know where I got the idea to use food coloring to display it.  But it always amazes me that the children who approach me afterwards are not just flabbergasted at how the water changed colors but are filled with a clear understanding of what the message was about.  Get creative for your crowd!