A New Story

Read Mark 5:18-20

“I’m so happy about this, Nico.” Mom gave him a big hug. “The decision to accept Jesus is the most important one you’ll ever make.” Nico felt happy, too—it was good to know he was part of the family of God along with his parents, grandparents, and his friends at church. Of course, his friends at school . . . Nico’s smile disappeared like snow on a sunny day. His two school buddies—they didn’t even go to church. The three boys had been together since first grade, and their teacher often referred to them as “the three musketeers.” There was Pete, the practical joker, and Mike, the storyteller. Of course, they all liked to tell funny stories—and some of them were not the kind they wanted their mothers to hear! Will Mike and Pete still want to be my friends when they find out I’m a Christian? wondered Nico.

The next morning, Nico fooled around while he was getting ready for school. Maybe he shouldn’t tell his buddies what had happened. “Your egg is getting cold, Nico,” said Mom.

Nico slumped into his chair and took a few bites of toast. “I’m not very hungry,” he said.

“Well, it’s time for you to go,” said Mom.

At school Nico shuffled to his seat just as the bell was ringing. Pete waved and pointed to a plastic spider he had put on the shoulder of the girl in front of him. Nico pretended not to see him. Good old Pete; he’d do anything for a laugh. But Nico didn’t feel like laughing.

At noon, he was unusually quiet as the boys ate their lunches. “Hey, Nico, know any new stories?” Mike asked. Then he poked him in the ribs and added, “I’ve got one!”

Nico squirmed and took a big breath. Suddenly he knew this was the right time to tell them. “Yeah, guys, I have a brand-new story.” He spoke quickly before he lost his nerve. “You’ll never guess what happened last night. . . .”

How about you?

Are you afraid to talk to your friends about Jesus? Some kids grow up in homes where the Bible isn’t read. They may just be waiting for someone to tell them what it means to be a Christian. Wouldn’t you like to be that person?

Memorize:

“Go home to your friends, and tell them what wonderful things the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” Mark 5:19