Authority
Children's Activity
Object:
Teachers or Parents: Jesus has authority -- power. To
children, who marvel at power because they often feel so
powerless, Jesus was like Superman or some other fictional power-
character.
*Today is Groundhog Day and the alternative children's sermon is about Groundhog Day. Does the groundhog really have the authority to predict the weather? (According to Groundhog Day tradition -- if the groundhog sees his shadow today after coming from hibernation, he will return to his hole and we can expect six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, it's a sure sign of an early spring.) Contrast Punxsutawney Phil with the real authority Jesus had in today's gospel reading and the real power Jesus has today in our lives. (Post the picture of Punxsutawney Phil that is probably in today's newspaper on the wall or bulletin board.)
*Have the children draw a picture of the groundhog coming from his hole. Then have them draw a picture of Jesus emerging from the grave. Who has the power? Jesus is the one with authority.
*This day is the "Presentation of Jesus" (see the Lutheran Gospel children's sermon based on Luke 2:22-40.) For many centuries this day, February 2, was celebrated as Candlemas (from the words "candle" and "mass," from the blessing of the candles at this feast). Explore this ancient feast with the children and have an altar or candlestick set up in your Sunday school room or home with a candle that is lit in observance of this day.
*Illustrate the power of Jesus with the use of our words "Messiah," "King," or "Lord" as titles for Jesus.
*Consider other forms of authority and show how such authority must be earned. Whether it be the sheriff's badge or the pastor's clerical collar, the authority had to be earned. Jesus' authority, however, was given to him by God.
Sunday school assembly opening:
*Sing "All Hail The Power Of Jesus' Name" and relate it to his authority.
*Relate biblical stories illustrating Jesus' power and authority (e.g. healings, walking on water, miracles, and so forth).
*Today is Groundhog Day and the alternative children's sermon is about Groundhog Day. Does the groundhog really have the authority to predict the weather? (According to Groundhog Day tradition -- if the groundhog sees his shadow today after coming from hibernation, he will return to his hole and we can expect six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, it's a sure sign of an early spring.) Contrast Punxsutawney Phil with the real authority Jesus had in today's gospel reading and the real power Jesus has today in our lives. (Post the picture of Punxsutawney Phil that is probably in today's newspaper on the wall or bulletin board.)
*Have the children draw a picture of the groundhog coming from his hole. Then have them draw a picture of Jesus emerging from the grave. Who has the power? Jesus is the one with authority.
*This day is the "Presentation of Jesus" (see the Lutheran Gospel children's sermon based on Luke 2:22-40.) For many centuries this day, February 2, was celebrated as Candlemas (from the words "candle" and "mass," from the blessing of the candles at this feast). Explore this ancient feast with the children and have an altar or candlestick set up in your Sunday school room or home with a candle that is lit in observance of this day.
*Illustrate the power of Jesus with the use of our words "Messiah," "King," or "Lord" as titles for Jesus.
*Consider other forms of authority and show how such authority must be earned. Whether it be the sheriff's badge or the pastor's clerical collar, the authority had to be earned. Jesus' authority, however, was given to him by God.
Sunday school assembly opening:
*Sing "All Hail The Power Of Jesus' Name" and relate it to his authority.
*Relate biblical stories illustrating Jesus' power and authority (e.g. healings, walking on water, miracles, and so forth).
