Parables Part Two
KID DEFINITION (Reminder)
Hey there! So, imagine you have a friend who loves telling stories. Now, these stories aren't just regular tales; they're like secret messages from your heart. That's what a parable is—a special kind of story that teaches us important things about life, love, and being kind to one another. It's like a little adventure for your heart and mind!
Lost Parables
There are stories about things that are lost and found.
The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
The Prodigal (Lost) Son (Luke 15:11-32)
The Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14, Luke 15:3-7)
The Found Pearl (Matthew 13:45-46)
REFLECTIONS
I wonder how you describe the words "lost" and "found"?
How do you feel when you are lost?
How do you feel when you are found?
Who was listening to these?
Who is Jesus in these stories?
Why would someone not like these stories?
Parables Part II
23. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-42)
24. Friend in Need (Luke 11:5-8)
25. Seats at the Feast (Luke 14:7-14)
26. The Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24)
27. Building a Tower (Luke 14:25-30)
28. King Going to War (Luke 14:31-33)
29. Saltiness (Luke 14:34-35)
30. The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
31. The Prodigal (Lost) Son (Luke 15:11-32)
32. The Shrewd Manager of the Rich Man (Luke 16:1-8)
33. The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
34. Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)
35. The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-17)
36. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
37. Ten Servants and Money (Luke 19:12-27)
38. Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)
39. Wicked Tenants of the Vineyard (Matthew 21:33-44)
40. The Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14)
41. Wise and Foolish Servants (Matthew 24:45-51)
42. Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
43. Servants and Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
44. Separation of Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)
Hospitality
Hospitality in the Bible is very important. Throughout the Hebrew and Christian scriptures welcoming the stranger and the outcast is emphasized again and again. Many of the parables deal directly with welcoming the outsiders, the sinners, younger children, and the outcast. These parables focus on banquet guests, servants, and those in the lower class. Parables do not let the outcasts off the hook, however. Those who are the lower class are often given tasks, and how the servant responds to the task is part of the parable. A popular parable is the Good Samaritan.
The Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-42 (NRSV)
An expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”
But wanting to vindicate himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied...
Who is YOUR neighbor?
Check out... Who is My Neighbor? by Amy Jill Levine and Sandy Sasso
Explanation of God's Hospitality for Kids
Hospitality is like God's super cool way of making everyone feel included, no matter who they are! It's like having a never-ending welcome party where everyone gets a special VIP pass. God, who's like the ultimate host, throws this awesome bash of love, and guess what? You're on the guest list, always! Everyone is on the guest list!