Children's Church Lesson: The Two Sons

Story

Say: Has your mother or your father ever asked you to help out around the house by doing some chores? I'm sure that has probably happened to you.  What are some things your parents ask you to do? (Take time for different answers) Today we are going to read about a story Jesus told about to sons who were given a chore from their father. 

Read “The Two Sons” in any children's bible (You will need to explain what a vineyard is)

Lesson

Say: Who did Jesus tell the story to? (The Jewish leaders) What did the father ask the two sons to do? (Work in his vineyard)  Which son obeyed? (The one who said he wouldn’t work)

In our Bible lesson today, Jesus told a similar story to show how different people obey what God has called them to do. In Jesus' parable of the two sons, the father asked both sons to go and work in his vineyard. Just as the two boys in my story, one son answered, "No," but went and worked. The other son answered "yes" did not go. In telling the story, Jesus wanted us to realize that what we do is more important than what we say we will do. Jesus wants us to answer, "Yes," when he tells us to "Love one another," but what he really wants is for us to love one another! Jesus wants us to answer, "Yes," when he says, “Follow me," but what he really wants is for us to follow him! That's the kind of child I want to be. Isn't it the kind of child you want to be?  What are some things that God wants us to do? (Go to church, obey our parents, read the bible, ask him into our heart, etc. – give time for responses).

Memory Verse

Do not just read the bible.  Do what it says! – James 1:22

Big Idea

Jesus says that what we do is more important that what we say.  We need to follow God with our actions. 

Prayer- Ask for Joys and Requests

Father, sometimes we say, "Yes," but our actions say, "No." Help us to be faithful to do what you have called us to do. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 

Craft- Family shield

Directions: Draw a shield and divide it into 4 sections Give each child a copy of the shield and ask them to complete the sections as follows: 

1st Section: write their family name 

2nd Section: draw a picture of their family

3rd & 4th Sections: draw pictures or write how they can helpother members of their family.

Template: http://www.matsuk12.us/cms/lib/AK01000953/Centricity/Domain/919/Coat%20of%20Arms%20Templates/coat-of-arms-template-3.pdf

Game Options:

Simon Says or Follow the leader