Children's Liturgy Series: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

In today's Gospel, we learn about how the Pharisees try to trap Jesus by asking him a trick question about whether we should follow God's law or government law.  Jesus is fully aware of this trap and so rather than take sides, He teaches us that while God's law is most important, we must also not break government law. He also reminds us to not get too attached to material things such as money.

Father in Heaven we praise and glorify you. We thank you for bringing us together for this lesson. Thank you for reminding us to not get attached to material things. Please send us the Holy Spirit and give us the courage to strive for creating more loving relationships over striving to make more money. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion, for you do not regard a person's status. Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?" Knowing their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax." Then they handed him the Roman coin. He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?" They replied, "Caesar's." At that he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."

Ask the group: What are some things that young people can become preoccupied with? (grades, athletics, popularity, food, money) What happens when people give these things too much attention? (They may neglect other things that are also important.)

Say: In today’s Gospel Jesus is asked whether it is lawful to pay taxes to the Romans. The questioners were trying to trick Jesus into saying something that would be unlawful to either Romans or to strict Jews like the Pharisees. But Jesus shows that he is cleverer than his questioners. He responds in a way that makes them look foolish; he reminds us of what is more important than the question of paying taxes. Let’s listen carefully to this Gospel.

Ask: How did Jesus answer the question he was asked? (Pay taxes because that is what is due to the government.) What did he say is most important? (to obey God)

Say: The Pharisees and Herodians who questioned Jesus showed themselves to be more preoccupied with rules than with the thing that is most important—our love for God. The things we mentioned earlier (grades, popularity, athletics, food, money) are all important. But if we become preoccupied with these things, we may forget what is most important—to love and honor God.

Conclude with a prayer that encourages the group to remember that God should hold the place of greatest importance in their lives. Pray together the Lord’s Prayer.

Father in Heaven we thank you for the lesson today. Please bless each one of us in this room. Please give us the grace to have the courage to show our love to God by loving others. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.