We'll continue exploring the gospels to learn what he taught and why it was controversial. Why did Jesus speak in parables? Why didn't he write part of the Bible or travel the world? What was he like as a person? I have TWO printables for you in this part!
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Parables are a wonderful way to teach children biblical truths in a story format they will understand. We use them in our everyday teachings with "morals of the story" already, so many children are familiar with the parable concept and format. As I began prepping to teach my children some of the parable stories, I realized I wanted more resources. Today I am sharing with you those I have gathered for a handful of the parables in the Bible.
What was the yoke Jesus referenced in the Bible? In biblical times, it was a familiar term to most people and worked well for a parable of Jesus. Let's explore the biblical definition of Yoke and why Jesus used it in His teachings.
Jesus was a master Teacher. One of the most common strategies He used as recorded in the Gospels was teaching with parables. A parable is a short story with a universal message that teaches an eternal truth. All of the parables that Jesus taught center around something the audience can connect to- like a universal character or a common object. Following Jesus' model, we can teach like Him by creating short "parables" to use in our lessons to help the kids connect to more abstract content. Often called 'Object Lessons" in education, adding in a short practical mini lesson as part of an overall class or session can be a great way to help kids (or any audience) connect with a topic. If we can relate to a concrete example, our brains have an easier time synthesizing new knowledge about more abstract content. So much of our faith is something that cannot be seen, so providing a parable/object lesson is a meaningful way to engage kids, most especially young children, students with special needs, and kids who thrive as visual and tangible learners. In this BIG blog post, I'm going to attempt to give you three things all in one place. I considered breaking it all up in several blog posts, but it just seemed to make sense to give you all of the resources at once so you can pull what makes sense in your home and classroom. Read on if any of these areas are of interest: 1. Learning about the elements of parables and how Jesus used them 2. Ideas for incorporating mini parable lessons into your regular teaching, including a blank lesson plan template 3. Lots of printables for diving into studying the parables of Jesus yourself or with your middle school/high school classroom, youth group, or Bible study --- Jesus tells the parables to teach His audience by first connecting to what they already know. For example, He often used: Typical, unnamed characters Everyday situations Common objects Black/White and Right/Wrong examples Always points to the Kingdom of Heaven Sometimes Jesus also breaks down the symbols and meaning after telling the story. This is an important step, especially when using the parable model as a strategy with kids. We never want to leave them questioning what a symbol means or confused about the application. The parables always turn our gaze to something more important- The Kingdom of Heaven. The reality surpasses the symbol! A shepherd who protects his herd of sheep from danger is powerful, but not as important Jesus’ self-sacrificial death on the Cross to save His people. The forgiveness of the father in the story of the Prodigal Son is wonderful, but only a glimpse of God the Father’s mercy for us when we return to Him. Whenever we use an object, model, or demonstration as a way to introduce or deepen understanding of a concept, we must include within that same lesson the explanation of what the symbol points to. Otherwise the parable is empty and has the potential to be confusing or misleading. To get you brainstorming, here are some of the common everyday objects Jesus used in His parables. Many of these are still applicable to kids today, but often rely heavily on an agrarian lifestyle not as familiar to them. Here are just a few ideas of objects that would be common to most kids that you might connect to the topic you are presenting: To be more specific, here are a few ideas for teaching about the Sacraments. (Note that these are obviously not the formal signs and symbols of the Sacraments, but are merely objects that can help kids connect to the important real effects of the Sacraments). I've used examples like tools packed in a suitcase for a long journey to teach about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit given through Confirmation. Family photos remind us of becoming part of the family of God in Baptism. Connecting first aid cream to the use of oil as ancient medicine helps Anointing of the Sick make more sense. Erasers and soap can be used as analogies for Confession. The possibilities are endless, and if you think about any topic you'd like to share you likely can come up with a connecting object lesson. Switching gears, one of the best ways to apply Jesus' parable teaching method is to study the parables themselves. The next set of resources is to help you read and pray with the parables yourself both for personal study as well as inspiration for this teaching method. These resources were also created with middle and high schoolers in mind- I've used all of them in my classroom and with my youth group for lessons and Bible Studies. When I studied parables with my students, we started with a general study of how Jesus taught with the parables and the patterns they followed. We looked at the commonalities, use of literary elements, and overall themes. Click here for the notes I used to introduce our Parables Study, including a checklist of "all" of the parables and their Bible references (depending on how your organize them). I challenged my students to try to read as many of the parables as they could during our unit, and I had a few make it through the whole list! This is a great little handout to keep tucked in their Bible for further study as well. Click here for my key for the notes: After studying the elements that make a parable, you might want to encourage your students (or yourself!) to study the individual parables, looking for those universal elements and timeless lessons. This printable was designed to be used with any of the parables in the Bible. You can find it in this post or by clicking the image below. We also did a short study connecting a few of the parables to our weekly school virtue, which are available in this post: As a concluding project, my students created a story book with their own original parable following the pattern of the way Jesus taught. This checklist is how my students were graded for the final project. If you click here or on the image, it will open as an editable Google Doc that you could adapt for a project of your own. You'll have to download or make a copy in Google Docs to be able to edit: If you want to continue your own study of the Parables, this post includes a set of printables to use as a guide for an adult or teen Bible Study: Now with parables on the brain, you can be thinking of way to make connections and use visuals in all your lessons, no matter the topic. You might be interested in these Catechesis Lesson Plan Templates (including a year long outline) which incorporate a place for that "Hook" to help students engage with the content. Click on the image below to go to the post with these printables: Once you've decided on your connection, you can work in a story or demonstration with a the object during your religion lesson Provide a great “hook” at the beginning to grab their attention Perfect for drawing comparisons between everyday objects and complex concepts Always follow with the truth behind the symbol, just like when Jesus explained a parable. Kids need things in bite sized chunks they can relate to, but they also deserve more than a watered-down version of our faith. Share the fullness of the truth with them. Remember, the reality always surpasses the symbol. Move from the natural to the supernatural. Your “parable” doesn’t have to be a craft! Here are are few ideas for how to work it in: Tell a story Do a demonstration Set out a visual Show a picture Create an “experiment” Model with an exaggerated example Show two extremes Chalk Talk- Tell a story with illustrations Guessing game- How is it connected? Have students bring their own object I hope you enjoy studying the parables yourself and sharing with your students, and also feel inspired to model your lessons after this teaching style used by Jesus! Click here for the pdf of the presentation file with a few more details and ideas, as well as all of the above links all in one place: “Jesus' invitation to enter his kingdom comes in the form of parables, a characteristic feature of his teaching. Through his parables he invites people to the feast of the kingdom, but he also asks for a radical choice: to gain the kingdom, one must give everything. Words are not enough, deeds are required. The parables are like mirrors for man: will he be hard soil or good earth for the word? What use has he made of the talents he has received? Jesus and the presence of the kingdom in this world are secretly at the heart of the parables.” ~CCC 546
Explore the types, meanings, and impact of Jesus' Parables and delve into their profound teachings.
These Bible Verse Printables are a great resource for helping children to memorize scripture or can work as a supplement to your children's ministry lesson.
Games for kids to play for Matthew 25 The Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids. A selection to suit any setup. Supporting material available.
Explore the types, meanings, and impact of Jesus' Parables and delve into their profound teachings.
These printables can be used in a variety of ways, including illustrations for stories, cards to collect and match, bookmarks to take home and small pictures for attendance charts or matching games…
Teach your children the parables of Jesus with this fun 50+ page Parables for Kids printable pack! Includes acitivies and lessons for 12 parables.
31 days of reading and reflecting on Jesus' parables. Some of the best wisdom and teachings are found in these stories. Free PDF guidebook with daily worksheets that are comprised of daily Scripture, reflection questions, and prayer prompts. Join the parables of Jesus Challenge for free today!
Jesus used parables to help people visualize and understand a lesson He taught, much like how we use object lessons to teach kids today. The...
These mini flip books are so simple and fun. I love how this Parables of the Bible ones are a quick look at the parables of Jesus. There are only 7 of the 11 listed
Add New Row Edit ElementClone ElementAdvanced Element OptionsMoveRemove Element Add Element Add New Row Edit ElementClone ElementAdvanced Element OptionsMoveRemove Element Unlock The Mysteries Hidden within the Parables... Unlock The Mysteries Hidden within the Parables...Edit ElementClone ElementAdvanced Element OptionsMoveRemove Element Edit ElementClone ElementAdvanced Element OptionsMoveRemove Element New 'Escape Room' Game
Free printable Bible lesson for kids. Jesus taught the parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35. This parable teaches that we must forgive others, since Jesus forgave us.
Teach your class who Jesus was and what he taught his followers with this series of 'What did Jesus teach us?' lessons for Year 1 and 2. Your class will find out about the life of this extraordinary man, as well as some of the stories, actions and speeches that inspire millions of people around the world to live by his teachings more than two thousand years later. #TheCompleteSeries6lessons With lesson plans, slides, activity ideas, differentiated worksheets and much more, these 'What did Jesus teach us?' lessons provide all you need to help your KS1 class find out about Christian beliefs through the man who began it all. #Lesson1TheLifeofJesus The first lesson in this series gives your class an overview of the life of Jesus, from his birth in a stable to his death and resurrection. Your class will find out why Christians believe this man to be the Son of God and why millions of people today follow his teachings. What's included: Lesson plan Slides Activity ideas Differentiated sentence cards Scene cards #Lesson2TheLostSon After finding out what a parable is, your class will then read the story of the lost son (or prodigal son) together. They will then think about what message Jesus was trying to give through this story and have the chance to re-tell the story for themselves in a variety of ways. What's included: Lesson plan Slides Activity ideas Differentiated story wheels Story template sheet Puppet characters #Lesson3TheGoodSamaritan Your class will explore a second parable in this lesson as they read the story of the good Samaritan. After reading the story, your class will be challenged to think about what 'loving your neighbour' really means. They can also think about they can apply this message to their own lives as they consider ways they could help others. What's included: Lesson plan Slides Activity ideas Differentiated worksheets Hand template Scenario cards #Lesson4TheSermonontheMount Now that your class know that Jesus taught his followers through stories, they will now look at him in the role of the teacher as he gives the Sermon on the Mount. They will find out some of the key messages that he put across in this famous sermon and how Christians apply these messages to their lives. What's included: Lesson plan Slides Activity ideas Differentiated worksheets #Lesson5Actions This lesson teaches your class that Jesus demonstrated his teachings through his actions. They will find out about some of the miracles Jesus performed and the way in which he treated the poor, hungry, lame and blind. They will also read the story of how and why Jesus washed his disciples' feet and how Christians use this story as a reminder of how to treat others. What's included: Lesson plan Slides Activity ideas Differentiated worksheets #Lesson6ASummary The final lesson in this series gives your class the chance to consolidate what they have found out about Jesus and his teachings. They will think of words they could use to describe what Jesus was like and summarise the most important messages he taught his followers. What's included: Lesson plan Slides Activity ideas Differentiated worksheets Scenario cards Free Overview (Medium-Term Plan) Download a free overview to support your teaching of this scheme of work. Free Assessment Grid Download a free, editable assessment grid to support your teaching of this scheme of work.
This set of visuals is a little different than what I normally have from Cathy. This set has a very short outline and can be combined with my Parable of the Talents lesson and more here. This set has the bags (printable in color or black & white to print on color paper) that will be added to your magnetic board as you teach. The numbers will also be added. Instructions are in the download. Click here to download. There is also a set of posters for Parables as you see above.They can be used with any Parables lesson. This is a set of Application visuals like the ones I found in Cathy's file. I have added a lot of extra choices since these can be used for so many different lessons. Just print and laminate the posters you want to use as a discussion. How can we use each talent for God? Click here to download the Application Visuals. Cathy Whitacre is a Christian, wife, mother, Nana, sister, and friend. Cathy and her husband Gerry worship with the New Hope church of Christ, in Bradyville, Tennessee. Family has been one of her crowning joys in life. Married to Gerry for over 47 years they have had many years of adventure and love. Her children and grandchildren have kept her busy and happy. Everywhere Cathy has lived from Ohio, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee and more she has made dear friends who she considers family. Cathy has had the opportunity to participate in mission work for many years. She has had the privilege of speaking at Ladies Days, teaching Vacation Bible Schools, and conducting workshops in Jamaica, Scotland, New Zealand, and here in the United States. Cathy has been involved in teaching for over 50 years, from nursery to adults. Cathy feels that Christian Education is one of the greatest mission efforts we can be involved in, and the benefits are eternal.
The parable of the sower has to do with 4 soils more than the sower. Jesus was comparing the status of our hearts to different soils.
profound teachings of Jesus in Mark 4:24-25, unraveling timeless spiritual insights through parables and sayings. Gain profound wisdom.
The parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16 often confuses many. Discover the meaning of Jesus’ teaching and the two principles He wants us to know.
The parable of the wise and foolish builders has many practical applications kids can easily understand, and lots of fun activities to do with it.
Rich Young Ruler Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30 These Frixion pens are like magic! The eraser on the end causes h...
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Heart Types and The Parable of the Sower: The Parable of the Sower soil types can also be viewed via the lens of ones’ heart condition related to the four soil types, leading to these 4 heart…
Two of the parables he told were the parable of the pearl and the parable of hidden treasure.
Many are familiar with the parable about building on the rock versus the sandy land, Have you looked at it in context? What does building on the rock mean?
1. Lesson: Tell the Parable of the Ten Minas based on Luke 19:11-27. The noble man who was made king is Jesus Jesus wanted to prepare His disciples that He was not going to be “king” immediately (as many thought He would) He would have to go to the cross first, then back to heaven before returning one day But in His absence, and until His return, He leaves us with valuable treasures (minas, talents) — the gift of His righteousness and the blessings that accompany it, which we can all receive by grace, through faith There are three other groups of people in this parable The first and second servants: When we accept this gift of Jesus’ life will see it bear fruit in our lives — some five times, some ten times Our work/studies, families, ministries prosper We are able to bless others because of all that Christ has blessed us with The word we sow multiplies We live faithful, victorious and abundant lives in Christ We enter into the joy of the Lord The last servant: If we take this gift but do not understand who God is, we will live in fear, doubt and unfruitfulness. We will think God is a hard master who is ruthless and unfair We think God is always waiting to punish us for our mistakes We don’t use the gifts that He has blessed us with We rely on our own strength, efforts and works to try to please God, and end up empty The subjects who rejected the noble man as king: Those who reject Christ as king and His gift of righteousness will fail to enjoy His gift of eternal life Conclusion: Know who God is — have the right picture of Him. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus. He’s not a hard master out to get us. He wants to rejoice with us and call us “good and faithful”. Know the treasure we have in Christ — don’t hide it away. Use it. Enjoy it. Share it with others. Bless others with it. Jesus is coming back again — those who do not receive Him as their Saviour and King will be left out of His kingdom. Let’s share with our friends the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ! 2. Activity Suggestions: Related craft with picture of coin and the words "Jesus is my King" Worksheet 2
This week’s sermon was on the Parable of the Sower, Mark 4:1-20. I loved the challenge of telling this parable in four frames to try to get the gist of the parable. Our pastor did a great job preac…
Jesus’ Teachings and Parables Bible Reading Plan: Help your kids discover Jesus’ parables, learn more about what Jesus taught, and deepen their faith with this FREE printable Bible reading plan. Help your kids learn about Jesus’ teachings and parables straight from the pages of the Bible! This exciting reading plan is perfect to read everyday […]
On Sunday in my Pre-K/K Sunday School class, we were learning about the parable that Jesus told about the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21. This is a great Bible Worksheets "Needs Versus Wants" Worksheets & Object Lesson for Children
The Parable of the Great Feast is a great Bible study for teens. It includes study pages, games, and worksheets that are perfect for home or church. This is a great way to learn about the Bible and have fun at the same time.
