Scripture: Matthew 13:24-43
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn Jesus told parables to help people understand godly principles.
- Students will learn that parables have important lessons God wants us to learn and follow.
- Students will learn those who follow God will spend eternity in Heaven.
- Students will participate in an activity that teaches them about how God wants us to obey him.
Guiding Questions:
Materials: Seeds (your choice), dirt, cups, example plants you have grown
Procedure: Tell students the parable of the weeds. Explain to students that if they have never gardened before, this may be a hard parable to understand. When weeds and plants start growing at the same time very close to each other, pulling up the weed can destroy the plant. The roots are very deep or strong yet, so pulling the weed up by the roots can also pull up the good plant by the roots.
Introduce the activity. Plant two types of seeds that look very different when they first germinate. Give cups of dirt and have students plant a mixture of the two seeds. Have them take the plant home, water it, and place it in the sun. Once they begin growing, see if they can find a way to pull out one type without accidentally upsetting the other kind. You may want to bring in several that you have previously grown and have the students work in pairs to try it, then encourage them to take home and try again. Explain that only God can see the hearts of people and He wants to give them every chance to obey Him. It is not our place to try and do God’s job of separating people for Him.
Additional Questions: How can students learn to remove weeds growing in their lives?
Supplemental Activities: Have the students pair up with adult mentors in your church. Together, they can work together to make a plan for letting God help them remove the “weeds” in their life.