Jesus Taught with Parables
Then the disciples came up and asked Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” He answered them, “Because the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given for you to know, but it has not been given to them.
Matthew 13:10-11 (HCSB)
Jesus used parables to help listeners understand bigger truths—truths about God and His kingdom. The Gospel Project for Kids takes a closer look at five parables Jesus told. For each parable, here are some talking points for reinforcing biblical truth at home with your kids.
Parable of the Vineyard Workers
(Matthew 20:1-16)
- Talk about what it means to be generous. (generous: freely giving or sharing money and other valuable things; showing kindness and concern for others)
- How has God been generous to your family?
- In what ways can your family display generosity?
Parable of the Wedding Feast
(Matthew 22:1-14)
- Ask kids how they would feel if their friends refused to come to a party.
- Explain that the kingdom of heaven is like a wedding feast. Jesus invites us into heaven; we cannot earn our way into heaven by doing good deeds.
- Review the big picture question and answer: Who is invited to the kingdom of heaven? Everyone is invited to the kingdom of heaven, but few will choose to come.
Parable of the Faithful Servant
(Matthew 24:45-51; Luke 12:42-48)
- Talk about what happens if it’s time to go somewhere and someone isn’t ready.
- Tell kids that Jesus will return, but we don’t know when. We should always be ready!
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
(Luke 16:19-31)
- Remind kids that the rich man loved himself and his money more than anything.
- Challenge kids to tell you what things they would be willing to give up to follow Jesus.
- Encourage kids by explaining that these things are good gifts from God, but emphasize that Jesus is greater than anything we have on earth.
Parable of the Talents
(Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27)
- Discuss with your kids what they are good at. Remind them that God gives us gifts and abilities to use for Him.
- Help your kids find ways to use their talents or abilities this week to serve God by serving someone in need.
If your church is using The Gospel Project for Adults, connect what you’re learning with what your kids are learning by using the Adult/Kid Connections provided on our Additional Resources page.
What are your favorite ways to talk to your kids about what they learned at church? Have your kids ever said something funny or memorable about a Bible story? We love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.
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