These 2 parables are the first 2 of a trilogy of parables found in Luke 15. We highly encourage you to go ahead and read the whole chapter as you prepare for these two lessons.
What are Parables?
Take this opportunity to teach your children what parables are. They are little stories Jesus told that teach us about the Kingdom of God. They are similar to fables in that they are stories with a deeper meaning. But fables give moral or ethical lessons. For example, the Tortoise and the Hare teaches us not to give up (if you are the tortoise) and not to be too full of yourself (if you are the hare). The Boy Who Cried Wolf teaches us that if we lie repeatedly, people won't believe us even when we are telling the truth. Parables teach us about life in the Kingdom of God, or life as a Christian.
Parable Summary
First, note the context of these parables. Jesus was associating with tax collectors and "sinners", and the Pharisees were none too happy about it. They couldn't understand why Jesus would associated with such outcasts. So Jesus told them these three parables to illustrate a Kingdom lesson. Here are the commonalities between all 3 parables:
The Kingdom lesson in this parable: God loves all people, whether they are believers or not. He is actively looking for people who don't know him and wanting them to believe in him.
Have you ever lost something that is very valuable to you? What did you do to try and find it?
Today, we're going to learn about 2 parables that Jesus told about some things that were lost.
Teach the children what a parable is (see the Story Summary above)
Read story from a Children's storybook Bible for younger children.
For older children, read the story from an age-appropriate Children's storybook Bible or read directly from the Bible.
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: Luke 15:1-10
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Scripture Luke 15:3-7
Supplies blindfold
Scripture He said, "Suppose one of you has 100 sheep and loses one of them. Won't he leave the 99 in the open country? Won't he go and look for the one lost sheep until he finds it? Luke 15:4
Supplies ~20 white balloons (blown up), masking tape (for floor)
Heads up! Using peanut butter can be used as a healthier option. Be aware of allergies!
Scripture Then he will call his friends and neighbors together. He will say, 'Be joyful with me. I have found my lost sheep.' Luke 15:6
Supplies marshmallow cream, frosted cheerios, chocolate chips, pretzel sticks
Scripture Then he will call his friends and neighbors together. He will say, 'Be joyful with me. I have found my lost sheep.' Luke 15:6
Supplies sheep cookie cutter, bread, frosted cheerios, honey
Scripture Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. She will light a lamp and sweep the house. She will search carefully until she finds the coin. Luke 15:8
Scripture He said, "Suppose one of you has 100 sheep and loses one of them. Won't he leave the 99 in the open country? Won't he go and look for the one lost sheep until he finds it? Luke 15:4
Supplies Water bottles, rice, small plastic sheep or paper sheep
Scripture He said, "Suppose one of you has 100 sheep and loses one of them. Won't he leave the 99 in the open country? Won't he go and look for the one lost sheep until he finds it? Luke 15:4
Supplies sheep print out or stuffed animal
Scripture Then he will call his friends and neighbors together. He will say, 'Be joyful with me. I have found my lost sheep.' Luke 15:6
Supplies window markers, cotton balls, tape, blindfold
Scripture Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. She will light a lamp and sweep the house. She will search carefully until she finds the coin. Luke 15:8
Scripture When he finds it, he will joyfully put it on his shoulders and go home. Luke 15:5