Children's Church Lesson: The workers in the Vineyard

Story

Say:  Today’s story is in the New Testament.  We are going to read a story that Jesus told to teach us something about God.

Read “The Vineyard Workers” in any children's story Bible

Lesson

Say:  How much did the farmer give the first group of workers (A day’s wage) What about the other workers (A day’s wage).  What did the first group of workers feel about that? (They were angry).  What did the farmer ask the workers? (Are you upset because I am being generous?) 

God is generous like the farmer.  We don’t earn his love and we don’t earn salvation.  It is a gift.  Jesus died to give us that gift just like soldiers died to give us our freedom.  As Americans we are born with that freedom.  We can be reborn and have salvation if we accept that gift Jesus gave us.  

Big Idea

God is generous.  We don’t earn His love and we don’t earn salvation.  It is a gift.  Jesus died to give us that gift just like soldiers died to give us our freedom.  

Memory Verse

From God's generosity we have received on blessing after another.  John 1:16. 

Jesus Calms the Storm

Story

Say:  How many of you have ever been in a boat? (Wait for answers.)  It’s fun to be on a boat isn’t it? (Describe being on a boat. Perhaps you have a nice story of your own.) Our story today is about one time when Jesus and His Disciples went out in a boat on a great big lake.

Read “Jesus Calms the Storn" in any children's story Bible. 

Lesson

Say:   What was Jesus doing when the big storm came up? (sleeping)  How did Jesus stop the storm? (He spoke and the water became calm.  What do we need to do when problems come in our lives? (trust Jesus and ask for His help)

Like the disciples, we may not trust Jesus completely. We may become afraid and panic in moments of fear.  How can we learn to trust Jesus more (take time for some answers).  These are all good answers!  Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from listening to this message of good news—the Good News about Christ.” Reading the Bible and going to church are very important for many reasons. God’s Word is so encouraging. God speaks to us through the Bible and gives us strength and courage for every situation!

 Big Idea

We need to trust God.  We learn to trust God by reading about Him in the bible. 

Memory Verse

But when I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

 Psalms 56:3

Prayer

Take time to see if children have any prayer requests or prayer joys.  Say a short prayer thanking God for protecting us and asking God to help us trust Him more. 

Craft

The children will make a calming the storm craft 

Communion (The Last Supper)

Story

Say:  Today’s story is in the New Testament, the second part of the bible.  It is about a special meal that Jesus ate with his friends, the disciples.  The Story is called the Last Supper. 

Read “The Last Supper” in the any children's story bible (p. 462).

Lesson

Say:   What did Jesus do for his disciples before dinner? (Washed their feet)  If you were at dinner with Jesus do you think he would wash your feet, too? (Yes) Why? (because Jesus loves me/us).  Why did Jesus want to eat this special meal with his disciples? (To show his love in a caring way). 

Jesus washed the disciples feet the disciples feet and ate a special meal with the disciples, to show how much he loved them.  We share a special meal in our church to helps us remember Jesus’ love too.  We call that meal Communion.  Jesus shows us how to love and serve. 

Big Idea

Jesus ate a special meal with the disciples, to show how much he loved them.  We share a special meal in our church to helps us remember Jesus’ love too.  We call that meal Communion. 

Memory Verse

Eat this in remembrance of me – Luke 22:19

Prayer

Take time to see if children have any prayer requests or prayer joys.  Say a short prayer thanking for His Son and for communion.