Jesus' authority questioned (21:23-27; see also Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8). The parable of two sons (21:28-32). The chief priests and the elders came to Jesus as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?" Jesus answered, "I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?"
Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (see also Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19). Jesus sent two disciples, saying, "Go into the village that is opposite you, and you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them, and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord needs them,' and immediately he will send them."
Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, "Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near to my house; and I will give you for it a better vineyard than it. Or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its worth in money."
Children's Sermon Genesis 21:8-21 God's Rescue Plan By Lois Parker Edstrom Today's story from the Old Testament is about Hagar, a woman who found herself wandering about in the wilderness with her young son. They had drunk all the water that she carried with her and she did not know where to get more. [...]
Yahweh visited Sarah as he had said, and Yahweh did to Sarah as he had spoken. Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
Yahweh sent fiery serpents, and they bit the people; and many people of Israel died. The people came to Moses, and said, "We have sinned, because we have spoken against Yahweh. Pray to Yahweh, that he take away the serpents from us." Moses prayed for the people.
Jesus teaches that we should not become "loaded down with…the cares of this life" (21:34). "The cares of this life" are the things that cause us to worry. When we see bad things happen or experience difficulties we may become discouraged and our heart may feel heavy. These are the times we need to be especially strong.
Today I want you to think about how you will greet Jesus when he comes again. Will you hold your arms wide open to show him that you are excited to welcome him? Will you say, "Welcome back, Jesus"? Will you say, "I love you, Jesus"? When you get home, take this piece of paper and draw a picture––a picture of yourself welcoming Jesus.
Jesus says this about worry: "So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with… (the) cares of this life" (21:34). Worry is not a helpful thing. It makes us feel uncomfortable and fearful. Worry can feel like a heavy thing that we carry around. Jesus speaks about hope. He teaches us that we may wonder what will happen and when it will happen, but reminds us, "God is near" (21:31).
Have you ever been at a loss for words? Perhaps you have been so surprised by something that you didn't know what to say. Or, you may have found yourself in a difficult situation and didn't know what to say. Jesus says, "I will give you a mouth (words) and wisdom" (21:15) two things that fit well together, especially during times of trouble. When you are at a loss for words think about listening for God's words and for the wisdom to use them well.