Jesus Gives His Church Authority to Help

# Leader Guide: Jesus Gives His Church Authority to Help Ages 9–12 | Estimated Time: 15–20 minutes

Opening Scripture

Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

— Matthew 18:18–20

Question 1: What Does 'Church' Actually Mean?

Ask: When Jesus talks about 'the church,' what do you think He means? Is it the building, or something else?

Expected Answer: The church is the people who gather together to worship Jesus — not the building itself. The word means 'assembly' or 'gathering.'

Leader Context: The Greek word ekklesia simply means 'a called-out assembly.' Kids often think 'church' = the building. Help them see that the church is us when we come together. The sermon emphasized that Moses led an ekklesia in the wilderness (Acts 7:38) — God's people have always gathered. This isn't a new idea; it's how God works with His people.

Application Prompt: Think of a time you felt closer to God because you were with other Christians. What made that different from being alone?

Question 2: Why Does Jesus Give the Church Authority?

Ask: According to the sermon, why does Jesus give His church the authority to discipline members? (Hint: It's not to be mean!)

Expected Answer: Jesus gives the church authority because He loves His people and wants to bring them back when they wander away — like a shepherd looking for a lost sheep.

Leader Context: This connects directly to Matthew 18:12–14 (the parable of the lost sheep). Discipline sounds harsh, but the sermon framed it as rescue. Jesus doesn't want even one little one to perish (v. 14). Authority is given for restoration, not punishment. If a child asks, 'What if someone doesn't come back?' affirm that God never stops loving them, but sometimes people choose to walk away — and that breaks God's heart.

Cross-Reference: Read Matthew 18:12–13 together. Ask: 'How does the shepherd feel when he finds the lost sheep?' (He rejoices more over that one than the 99!)

Question 3: What Are the Limits of the Church's Authority?

Ask: Can the church make decisions about everything in our lives? Why or why not?

Expected Answer: No. The church has authority to help with spiritual things and bringing people back to Jesus, but God also gave authority to governments (like police and courts) for other things.

Leader Context: The sermon cited Romans 13:3 — God establishes governing authorities for justice in society. Example given: if someone commits a crime (like hurting a child), the church can't just 'handle it internally.' That's the government's job. The church's authority is spiritual — helping people repent, grow, and stay close to Jesus. If a child asks about conflicts between church and government, keep it simple: 'God set up both to help us in different ways.'

Application Prompt: Can you think of a time when a teacher or parent had authority to help you, but in a different way than your pastor or small group leader?

Question 4: What Does It Mean to Come to the Lord's Table 'By Grace Alone'?

Ask: The sermon said we come to Jesus — and to communion — 'by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone.' What does that mean in your own words?

Expected Answer: It means we can't earn God's love or forgiveness. We come to Jesus because He already did everything for us, and we trust Him.

Leader Context: This is a core Reformation truth. Kids this age often think in terms of earning approval (grades, chores, sports). Help them see that Jesus' love isn't like that. The sermon quoted 1 John 1:8 — we all have sin, but God forgives and cleanses us when we confess. Communion (the Lord's Supper) is a gift that strengthens us, not a reward for being good.

Application Prompt: When you mess up, do you ever feel like you have to 'be good enough' before you can pray or go to church? How does knowing about grace change that?

Question 5: How Can We Help Each Other Stay Close to Jesus?

Ask: If the church is supposed to help people come back to Jesus when they wander, what are some ways you can do that with your friends?

Expected Answer: We can pray for each other, remind each other of what's true, gently tell a friend if they're doing something wrong, and encourage each other to keep following Jesus.

Leader Context: This is the practical takeaway. The sermon walked through Matthew 18:15–17 (go to your brother privately, then with witnesses, then tell the church). For kids, this might look like: 'I noticed you've been really mean to your sister lately — are you okay?' or 'I'm worried about the videos you're watching. Can we talk?' Emphasize gentleness and love — not being the 'sin police.' If a child seems anxious ('What if I do it wrong?'), reassure them: the goal is always to help, not to shame.

Application Prompt: This week, pray for one friend who seems far from Jesus. Ask God to show you if there's a kind way you can encourage them.

Closing Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your church the job of helping us stay close to You. Help us to be humble like little children, to confess our sins, and to help our friends when they're wandering. We trust You to keep us safe and bring us home. Amen.