Feeding Sheep From A Piñata

Feeding Sheep from a Piñata

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

John 21:15

My plan for the party was simple. I stuffed the second piñata with sweet, hard candies and chocolates. But I filled the first one with raw potatoes, celery, onions, and carrots.

I would let the kids think they were going to get the usual sweets after the papier-mâché star burst open. Then, after their initial shock of not seeing their favorite candies flying through the air, I would give a minisermon about how the piñata represented sin—something that can look good but still be misleading and have unexpected, dire consequences in life.

Next, I would bring out the goodies-filled piñata, and the party would resume with joy and excitement.

The star was in place, and several blindfolded kids took turns swinging the plastic baseball bat at the piñata. With each missed attempt, both their anticipation and mine grew. Finally it was time for the surprise. A solid hit, and the veggies flew. The kids stopped short after rushing forward a few steps, and the disappointed looks on their faces were priceless.

Up to that point everything had gone according to my well-thought-out plan, but then I learned an unexpected lesson when I heard one mother exclaim, “Great! Dinner tonight!”

God has stuffed our lives full of everything we need for life and godliness, including sweet goodies and unexpected surprises, if we are just patient enough to wait for them.

—Al Speegle Jr.

Father God, it is hard to reach people with the Bread of Life when they are starving physically. Remind us to help feed those who are hungry. We are thankful that, one day, your children will not have to beg for bread. Amen.