This is the first lesson in the Parables unit. We aren't going strictly chronologically in this section. We're studying several of the most popular parables of Jesus together.
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.
The Parable of the Sower is found in Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:3-25 and Luke 8:5-18. This parable is best read directly from the scriptures. Below is an overview of the 4 different types of soil:
Type of Soil | Result |
---|---|
Path | When we don't understand the word, it is like it is snatched up like a bird swoops down and eats a seed he finds on a path. |
Rocky Places | When we receive the word and it springs up quickly, but trouble comes and because it doesn't have a good root, it quickly falls away. |
Thorns | When we receive the word, but the worries of life and our possessions choke it out. |
Good Soil | When we receive the word, understand it, and it changes us. It "produces a crop" |
The Kingdom lesson in this parable: Not everyone receives the Word of God. We must be willing to receive it and allow it to be more important than anything else in the world.
Have you ever worked in a garden? What were you growing? What sorts of things do you need to make plants or vegetables grow? What do you have to do to make sure they stay healthy?
Today, we are going to learn about a story - or parable - that Jesus told that compares the Word of God to seed.
Teach the children what a parable is (see the Story Summary above for an explanation)
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: Matthew 13:18-23
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Scripture Then he told them many things by using stories. He said, "A farmer went out to plant his seed. Matthew 13:3
Supplies cups or small pots, plant seeds, dirt, water in a watering can, spoons, table cover
Scripture Matthew 13:4-8
Supplies dirt, small pebbles, thorns (maybe small piece of a rose bush or broken toothpicks), paper, green crayons
Scripture But still others received the seed that fell on good soil. They are those who hear the message and understand it. They produce a crop 100, 60 or 30 times more than the farmer planted." Matthew 13:23
Supplies clear plastic cups, dirt cake ingredients,
Scripture Matthew 13:3-8
Supplies Shoe boxes or construction paper, topsoil, rocks, pebbles, thorns or broken toothpicks, pieces of grass, pieces of paper (for the path), glue
Heads up! Go to website and print out wordsearch
Scripture Mathew 13:1-9, 18-23 NIV
Supplies Wordsearch, pencils, crayons
Scripture Matthew 13:4-8
Supplies 8 1/2 X 11 sheet of paper
Scripture Matthew 13:4-8
Supplies Jar with lid, Spoon, Dirt, Pitcher of water, Paper towels, Magnifying glass