Children’s Sermon

Matthew 21:23-32

Who Is In Charge?

By Lois Parker Edstrom

Object suggested: Write the word authority on a poster board. Draw or attach pictures cut from magazines or found on the internet to depict a parents, teachers and policemen. (May use other examples in the lesson such as a minister, a doctor, or a judge.)

Let’s talk about the word authority and discuss what it means.

A person of authority has the power to direct the actions of others. In other words, a person with authority has the power to tell others what to do. That person decides what needs to be done and expects others to follow those directions. We can say that the person with authority is the person who is in charge.

Can you think of examples of “in charge” people?

How about in your home? Your parents have the authority and power to decide what is best for the family. They are able to give you guidance and direction to help you grow and be a loving member of your family.

Who has authority in your school? Yes, your principal and teachers are in control of what happens at school; how the students should behave and what you are expected to learn while you are there.

Policemen have authority to make sure everyone obeys the law. They can stop drivers who are speeding, give fines and penalties to people who break the law.

When Jesus was teaching in the temple the chief priests and elders came to him and said, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?” (21:23).

Jesus did not give a direct answer. It seems as if he expected that the people would know the answer to that question; they had listened to his teachings and saw the miracles he had performed.

Do you know who gave Jesus authority to teach, give directions, and guide us to live our best lives?

Jesus, God’s Son, was given authority by God to offer unconditional love to each one of us. We are then given a choice; we must decide to accept and grow in God’s love, to become a loving member of God’s family. Making this decision is to recognize God’s authority and put God in charge of your life.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible

Copyright 2008, Richard Niell Donovan