Where Do We Go This Week?

We have a Family Service at 10 am this Sunday. We will hear two songs from our amazing Childrens and Youth Choirs! 

There is no Church School on Family Sundays. We want our families to experience the entire service and enjoy coffee hour together.

Our Gospel reading is Matthew 22:15-22. In Jesus’ time government and religion were linked closely together. Jewish people were concerned about living in a worshipful and holy manner. They were at odds with the Roman government over many things, including the Romans’ belief that emperors were gods. The Pharisees (committed to God’s laws) and Herodians (fiercely loyal to King Herod) come to trap Jesus publicly. They were not really interested in asking a question about taxes. They wanted to see which set of laws (Jewish religious laws or Roman tax laws) Jesus would say were more important. Jesus goes beyond their trap, making his divine authority clear: we are to give to God the things that are God’s.

Why does this story matter for kids? Kids are familiar with the images on coins but may not be aware of the history of rulers, or government leaders, having their own images on currency as a symbol of their authority. Subject to the authority of their parents, teachers, coaches, and other caregivers, kids are aware that there are sometimes clashing authorities present in life. Jesus provides an answer to who has ultimate authority and influence over everyone made in the image of God, including us.