"I Want a Sandwich!"

“Dad, you know how a child’s voice can carry!” That’s how Matt started his recap of last week’s early morning flight from a recent work assignment at the D.C. office. He continued to relate how something humorous had occurred on the connecting flight from Atlanta to home. The plane had just reached its optimum elevation, and the attendants were beginning to ask the passengers about their preferences for drinks and snacks.

Iconic PB&J Sandwich!
Credit: AdobeStock

When I used to fly recreationally, I remember the choices for snacks to be limited to a single packet of peanuts or pretzels! According to their website, Delta Airlines offers four choices with fancy names: Lotus Biscoff cookies, MadeGood Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bars, SunChips Garden Salsa, and Cheez-It Original Baked Snack Crackers. 

Matt estimated that the little person, with a big voice, was about three or four years old. After the flight attendant engaged her about the multiple snack choices, she could be heard exclaiming, “I want a sandwich!” Giggles and light laughter reverberated throughout the cabin as many eavesdropped to hear the response of the patiently amused attendant. She said, “Well, honey, we all would like a sandwich, but all I have is a cookie, energy bar, some chips and cheese crackers.” We’re not sure how it all was finally resolved!

I can remember popular shows that featured children throughout my years of television viewing. One of those shows had an engaging title, “Kid’s Say the Darndest Things!” I can personally say, that at times, our kids and grands have delighted us with some surprising reactions!

As an active pastor, I often found it necessary to take a day off from my own church and get away for a weekend to replenish myself. During these times, we would visit churches outside of our faith tradition.

Our twins were three or four years old when this occurred. We had instructed them ahead of time that we would not participate in Communion, if it were offered. Melissa sat at the end of the pew this Sunday. It was as the usher was trying to pass the plate of elements that we clearly heard her voice politely explaining, “No thanks! I’m stuffed!” And yes, giggles were heard all around us!

Small children are naturally real because they have yet to develop their social filters! Is it any wonder that Jesus loved the little children and sought out many opportunities to engage them? He had great disdain for pretense and often used their presence to teach the importance of authentic discipleship and humility.

The gospel of Matthew records such an occasion. “About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?’ Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then He said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.’” (Mt. 18:1-4, NLT).

Recently, I have been asked by our pastors to preach a couple of messages during the summer series from the book of Esther. Last Sunday, I spoke about how God used Esther’s beauty, courage, and influence with King Xerxes to deliver His people. The Jews were facing an attempted plot to annihilate them and their culture during the days of the Persian Empire.

Many young people today aspire to fame and popularity as a “creative influencer” through their social media accounts. In this 33-billion-dollar global marketing industry, the idea of humility and authenticity may be far from the minds and ambitions of today’s youth. However, Jesus is clear about His expectation that true disciples must seek a different kind of greatness!

Greatness in the Kingdom of God is not centered in earthly status or wealth. On the contrary, it is focused on a reversal of popular values. Jesus gave His closest followers an example of true greatness as seen in those who are vulnerable and powerless, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” (Mt. 19:14).

As Christ-followers, let’s show the love and humility of authentic influence to our family, friends, and the world!

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
©2018-2026 All rights reserved.
Serve by Design. mjkministries.com



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