Topics: Biblical Literacy; Blame; Children; Communication; Confusion; Guilt; Sunday School
Reference: Joshua 6:1–20
A new pastor decided to visit the children’s Sunday school. The teacher introduced him and said, “Pastor, this morning we’re studying Joshua.”
“That’s wonderful,” said the new pastor. “Let’s see what you’re learning. Who tore down the walls of Jericho?”
“I didn’t do it,” said Johnny shyly.
Taken aback, the pastor asked, “Come on, now, who tore down the walls of Jericho?”
The teacher said, “Pastor, little Johnny’s a good boy. If he says he didn’t do it, I believe he didn’t do it.”
Flustered, the pastor went to the Sunday school director to talk about the incident. The director, looking worried, said, “Well, sir, we’ve had some problems with Johnny before. Let me talk to him and see what we can do.”
Really bothered now, the new pastor told the deacons the whole story, including the responses of the teacher and the director. A white-haired gentleman thoughtfully stroked his chin and said, “Well, Pastor, I move we just take the money from the general fund to pay for the walls and leave it at that.”
—Cregg Puckett, Florence, Mississippi