Ticket Needed

Bible Reading: Romans 3:10-12, 22-23

“I’m glad Logan stayed after class to talk with Mr. Roberts about being saved,” Johannah said as she and her friend Sydney left Sunday school.

“Me too,” Sydney said. “He needs it! He and his brothers are so mean.” She shook her head. “I’m glad my family isn’t like that. It must be embarrassing to have to go and get saved. I’m glad I was born a Christian.”

Johannah looked at her friend, surprised. “But everybody has to be saved.”

“Not everybody,” Sydney said. “I come from a nice family—and my father is the mayor!” Before Johannah could respond, Sydney spotted her parents and waved goodbye.

When a band the girls both liked came to town a few days later, Sydney invited Johannah to go see them in concert. “Oh no!” Sydney said when they arrived. “I must have left the tickets at home!” She approached the man at the gate. “Can you please let us go in if we promise to come back with the tickets later?” The gatekeeper shook his head, and Sydney frowned. “Do you know who I am?” she asked. “I’m the mayor’s daughter!”

The gatekeeper smirked. “Well, Miss Mayor’s Daughter, when you show me your ticket, you can get in. Until then, please step aside.” Defeated, the girls turned away.

After calling Sydney’s mom, who agreed to drive over with the tickets, the girls sat down to wait. “It didn’t make any difference who you are, did it?” Johannah said. “If the gatekeeper wouldn’t let you into the concert even though you’re the mayor’s daughter, what makes you think God will let you into heaven for the same reason? The Bible says we’re all sinners and none of us deserve to be with God. That’s why we need Jesus to save us. Just like we couldn’t get into the concert without a ticket, we can’t get into heaven without Him.” – Hazel Marett

How About You?

Do you think God will let you into heaven because you were born into a good family? The Bible says it makes no difference who you are. No matter how nice or important your family is, you are a sinner. You can only be saved and have eternal life by trusting in Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse: Romans 3:23 All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

You are a sinner and need Jesus