5-Nov-23 (Matthew 23:1-12)

Let's talk a bit about rules. What are some rules that bother you? [Wait for answers]
What are some rules you think everyone should follow? [Wait for answers]
One day, Jesus was talking to his disciples and he said, "You know all those rules the Pharisees have? You really should try to obey them. They're not bad rules. The thing is, you shouldn't be keeping those rules in order to show off to other people and you shouldn't insist that others follow the rules and then find ways to sneak around them for yourself. The rules are there to help us live the way God would like us to live and we need to help each other try to do that. The best person is the one who humbly serves the others.
So, the next time you feel tempted to do something you know you shouldn't, try to remember that God will help you do what is right.  And the next time you see someone else doing something you think is wrong, think about how you can help them to do the right thing rather than just telling them they're doing wrong.
Let's talk to God about that.

God, we thank you for Jesus, who showed us how much you love us by humbly serving us. Help us to serve others by doing the right thing and helping them to do right as well.
We pray in Jesus' name.
AMEN.