Pony Express Riders

Bible Reading: Matthew 28:18–20

“Hey, Elliot,” Mom said as Elliot came in and flung his books on the table. “How was school?”

“It was great!” Elliot replied. “Mrs. Watson told us all about the Pony Express. Did you know that in the days of the old West, mail was carried from Missouri to California by riders on horseback? Each rider would travel seventy-five to a hundred miles, and they galloped the whole time. But they got fresh horses every ten miles or so. The trail was almost two thousand miles long, and it took the riders ten days to get the mail through nonstop!”

“Wow,” said Mom. “That sounds like a tough job!”

“Yeah, and it was dangerous too,” said Elliot. “Riders couldn’t even carry a gun to protect themselves on the trail because it might slow them down. And the riders weren’t that old either. Most of them were around twenty, but the youngest one was only eleven!”

“That’s really interesting,” said Mom. “I think I might talk about it in my Sunday school class this week.”

“About Pony Express riders? What does that have to do with what you’re teaching the kids at church?”

“Well, just like the Pony Express riders carried important messages, Jesus gave us an important message to carry to the world,” Mom replied. “He wants us to spread the message of His love to others. It doesn’t matter how old we are or how far we’re able to go. Whether we carry it to the other side of the world or just across the street, we can bring the message of how He died and rose again to save us to those who need to hear it.”

“Yeah! That’s a great example to use in your lesson.” Elliot’s eyes lit up. “I know! Why don’t I come and tell the kids in your class what I know about the Pony Express? Then you can explain how it’s like carrying the message of God’s love to others.”

Mom beamed. “I think that’s a great way for both of us to be Pony Express riders for Jesus.”

How About You?

Do you tell your friends about Jesus and what He’s done for you? He has given Christians a mission to tell others about Him. If you know Jesus, carry His message of salvation to others so they can trust in Him too. There’s no time to waste! People need to hear about His love for them today.

Today’s Key Verse:
Acts 1:8 You will be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me . . . in every part of the world. (ERV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Carry God’s message