Respecting Authority | Skit

This is an object lesson that can help you teach your class about the importance of respecting those that have the rule over you or the authorities God has placed in our lives!

Characters:

• Teacher
• Sunday School Teacher
• Candice
• Student 1
• Student 2
• Student 3

Needed:

• Bell sound effect (real bell or phone audio)
• Phone
• Classroom setting (desk or chairs for “students”)
  

Teacher: Alright class, fire drill’s over—back to your seats! That drill reminded me of something important: obedience. If we didn’t follow instructions, someone could’ve been hurt. Thankfully, you all listened and stayed safe. That ties into our Bible verse today—Hebrews 13:17.

Teacher: Let’s read it together. Student 2, go ahead.

Student 2: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls…”

(Candice’s phone suddenly plays loud music.)

Teacher: Candice, was that the Bible… or something else?

Student 3: It wasn’t a Bible app—it was a bad song.

Teacher: We’ll deal with it later. Student 2, read that last part again.

Student 2: “…that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

(Student 1 tips out of his chair.)

Teacher: Student 1! Are you okay?

Student 1: Yes sir. Just tired.

Teacher: Get some rest tonight. This verse reminds us that we all have to answer to someone—students, teachers… even the Principal.

Student 3: Wait, the Principal has someone over her?

Teacher: Yep—a school board. Not a wooden board, an actual group of leaders. Obedience and accountability apply to us all.

(Bell rings.)

Teacher: That’s all for today. Off to lunch!

Student 3: Can we stay and do homework?

Teacher: Who are you people?

Student 1: Can I sleep through lunch?

Teacher: Just don’t fall out of your chair again. Go check nutrition labels in Sister Nana’s kitchen while you’re at it.

Teacher: Candice, hold up. Your behavior lately has been disappointing. You’ve got so much potential, but we need to fix this. I think we need to go talk to the Principal.

Candice: No! Please don’t call my parents!

Teacher: Let’s go.

Sunday School Classroom

Candice: Good morning! I’m rested, ready, and I brought my Bible!

Sunday School Teacher: I’m proud of you! Let’s review that same verse—Hebrews 13:17. Student 1, want to read?

Student 1: I forgot my Bible. Can I borrow yours?

Sunday School Teacher: That’s okay. Sharing’s next week’s lesson.

Student 1: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves…”

Classmate: “As they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief…”

Sunday School Teacher: Awesome. Helping each other read—that’s what teamwork looks like. Now remember, rules aren’t just there to ruin fun—they protect us. Imagine a school zone with no speed limits!

Student 3: Candice is on her phone again…

Sunday School Teacher: Candice, rules apply to everyone. It’s not fair to those who follow them if others don’t.

Sunday School Teacher: This reminds me of a Bible story—some kids mocked a prophet, called him “baldy,” and they were attacked by bears. It was unprofitable—just like Hebrews 13:17 says. Disrespecting authority always leads to consequences. Maybe not bears—but spiritual damage is just as serious.

Candice: I didn’t know it was that serious. I thought I was just being funny… but I’ve been really disrespectful. I don’t want to be that way anymore. I’m sorry.

Sunday School Teacher: That right there? That’s what God’s looking for. Not perfection—but a heart that’s willing to change.

Student 1: Everyone messes up sometimes.

Student 2: Yeah, but when you own it and try to do better—that’s when God steps in.

Sunday School Teacher: Exactly. Let’s read that verse one more time to close.

Student 3: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls…”

Student 1: It’s not just about rules—it’s about letting someone help you live for God.

Candice: I want that. I want to listen… and make it to heaven.

Sunday School Teacher: Then you’re already on the right path. That’s what this whole lesson was about. Obedience isn’t just about doing what you’re told—it’s about trusting that God places people in our lives to help us grow.All: Amen.

*Tags: Be respectful, obedience, obey them that have the rule over you, parents, pastors, respect, respecting authority, teachers, teacher, listen