Following Rules

While kids may not admit they like rules, most recognize they are necessary and get offended when others break the rules. You might have some stringent rule followers in your family, and you may also have kids who want to test every boundary. In this week’s Brite lesson, kids learn about the Pharisees being angry that Jesus didn’t follow a rule they created. Help kids understand Jesus wasn’t defying authority. He was the authority on how to be right with God. Help kids understand that following rules honors God but can’t make us right with Him. Only Jesus can do that!

Here’s how we discussed this topic and how you can discuss it at home: 

Discuss: Do you feel like rules are important? Why or why not?

Discuss: Is it important for people to follow rules? Why or why not?

Discuss: What do you think God has to say about that?

Say: Everywhere we go in life, there are rules. From the classroom to the sports field, there are rules to help people know what to do. Rules are good boundaries that protect people. Romans 13:1 says: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. In other words, it is right to obey our teachers, parents, coaches, and other authority figures. However, sometimes people think that following the rules will make God love them more. While God wants us to make wise choices and honor those who are in charge, He loves us even when we break the rules. He offers His grace and forgiveness through Jesus.