Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn God wants us to come “work for Him” as soon as He asks us to do so.
- Students will learn we need to do what God asks us to do and be grateful for any blessings or rewards He gives us (especially Salvation.)
- Students will learn God does not want us to be jealous of people who become Christians late in life and still get to go to Heaven. He also does not want us to pretend we were not asked to “work for Him” in hopes of only obeying and worshipping Him for the shortest possible time and still being able to go to Heaven.
- Students will learn how to adjust the alkalinity of soil.
Guiding Question: How can students learn to change the alkalinity of soil?
Materials: Alkalinity test kits, shredded recycled paper, compost, manure, soil
Procedure: Review the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Explain that once again, this story has another meaning beyond the one that is obvious. Have older students share what they think it is. Explain that God never promised us life would be fair. Explain that people work all kinds of different jobs around the world. Different jobs pay different amounts of money. Even though it may not seem fair at times if others get paid more than us, we have to remember that God has placed us in the job and career that is best for us at that time and best for furthering His Kingdom. There may be times when we do not have a job and need to trust in God to provide a job that will support us. It is important to turn to God for guidance when looking for a job and making big decisions.
Have the students use various things available locally like shredded recycled paper, compost, manure and other things to see which items adjust the alkalinity of the soil. (Use test kits to test the levels).
Additional Questions: How can students study the effects of different soils on a plant’s growth?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students plant a seed in three types of soil: one with shredded recycling paper, one with compost, and one with manure and compare the growth of each seed.