Working Hard For the Money

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 practice adding, counting, and comparing money.

Guiding Question: How can we serve God in our career?

Materials: Paper, pencil, play money

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. We can look to Him for guidance about why were are where we work and what we can do for Him there.

Introduce the activity. Have the students pretend they are workers. Allow them to pick a job they are most interested in. Give each student varying amounts of play money. Then have them count, compare, and add the various amounts. Talk with students about how people have different paychecks but everyone can still be used for God’s Kingdom.

Additional Questions: How can students apply money to real life scenarios?

Supplemental Activity: Give students play money and a several pretend menus. Have the students create different combinations of purchases they could make that would use the most or all of their money.

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