We’re about to get creative and capture new ways to bring our lesson plans to the next level! We often come across Jesus’ parables while teaching in Kid’s ministry. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are full of them. Speaking in parables was a superlative way for Jesus to compare real-life circumstances to stories and teach us to make wise choices. Let’s explore some exciting new craft ideas to help make these parables come to life in our children’s ministry!
New Cloth on an Old Coat & New Wine in Old Wineskins (Matt 9:16-17)
Jesus was asked why his followers didn’t fast in order to pray better. He explained through this parable why their old religious practices were no longer needed. Just like we wouldn’t use old cloth to patch up something new, we no longer need old laws because of Jesus’ sacrifice. A creative way to make this parable more memorable for kids is to begin with an experiment that leads to craft time.
To prepare, gather two different kinds of cloth. One should be old, worn out, and even a bit holey. You could use actual worn cloth or find some burlap. Next, find a new material that is strong, durable, and waterproof. One great choice is polyurethane laminate (PUL), extra-long-staple (ELS Cotton), or oilcloth. Ask the kids which one they would pour a drink into to store for a later time. Try pouring liquid into both fabrics over a container. Then explain the parable. Why would we try to store liquid in old fabric? Why would we try to use old fabric to patch up something brand new? Why would we try to apply the old rules and laws to what Jesus has made new?
Give the kids the opportunity to make their own brand-new container. Let kids choose 3-5 cool, waterproof, aesthetic stickers (meant for a laptop, water bottle, phone, etc.) Explain why it would be silly to put these on an old water bottle that has a leak or is worn. Give each kid a brand-new water bottle to decorate. Encourage the students to take their time and ensure the stickers are on well without bubbles. Show them an example of how to put the sticker on by pealing the back off as you smooth the sticker on the bottle surface.
The Parable of the Talents (Matt 25:14-30)
Jesus taught us through this parable that our gifts, talents, and blessings should be used for God’s glory. When we don’t use them, it is a waste. When we use our talents, we are awarded more talents. When we squander them, they are taken away. This lesson is great for kids to learn, especially in our more recent culture of cell phones, iPads, YouTube, video games, and social media. The temptation to be lazy and fill our days with scrolling is increasing. But with the changing of times also come new positive ways to serve God, such as podcasters speaking about Jesus, writers blogging about God’s Word, and artists sharing God’s beautiful creation on social media. It has become easier to be complacent, yet there are many fresh opportunities to use our talents and gifts for Jesus!
Take things up a notch and show the children how crafty they can be by displaying their art on the church’s website. Begin by providing paint or pastels and ask the kids to make something beautiful in God’s creation. Share some ideas and inspiration by creating a slide show of animals, nature scenes, the starry sky, seas, natural wonders, and more for kids to watch. Then, give them time to brainstorm what they want to draw or paint. Set kids up with supplies at tables or easels to create their masterpieces. Allow them to take home the original, but not before snapping a picture of their work. Share the link and information on a handout so parents and kids can check out all the beautiful art on your church’s website. It is a wonderful way to celebrate God’s creation and the talent and gifts God gave his children to create!
The Great Banquet Feast (Luke 14:16-24)
Children can learn that just like each person had an excuse not to attend the banquet; we sometimes make excuses not to listen to the Holy Spirit and follow where God is leading us. Invite the kids into craft mode by giving them a printed calendar page for the month. Ask them to write in their typical schedule. For instance, Monday and Wednesday are for Soccer, Friday is for Ballet, etc. Next, give each of them a blank piece of card stock to create an invitation. Ask kids to design an invitation with drawings around the border. Then, together, instruct children to copy this invitation. “Who: ________(Their own name), What: Invited to a party with Jesus, Where: _________(A place they can sit and pray/read God’s word), When: Every day at ________(Ask them to write a specific time that works in their schedule every day.), Why: Because God has a purpose for my life, and it’s the most important thing on my schedule!” Then, have kids write a note on their calendar of what time to spend talking to Jesus each day.
Lamp Under a Basket (Matt 5:14-17)
As we teach kids about letting their light shine so others can see the love of Jesus they have in their hearts, we can pair it with a fun art project. Begin asking kids to cut strips of construction paper. Then, teach them how to weave them together to make a basket pattern. Next, give kids red, orange, and yellow tissue paper and ask them to cut it into tiny pieces and glue it onto a white piece of construction paper to make a candle or fireplace. Add a little sparkle to the light with some glitter. Finally, staple the woven pattern onto the tissue paper creation. Staple it at the very top of the paper in several spots to help keep the weaving together. Then, show kids how to lift up the basket to show the light shining through.
The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) & The Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-13)
From these parables, we can teach kids never to stop praying and that God always listens to our prayers. Making tie-dye art is a beautiful way to capture this in a craft. Provide peel-and-stick poster sticker letters for kids to stick the word “PRAY” on the center of the page. Then give children watercolor paint, water, and brushes to paint all around the stickers. Encourage them to add extra water so that colors blend together to look like tie-dye. Give the art time to dry. Speed up the process by hanging them up with clothes pins and blowing a fan. Finally, have kids peel off the stick-on letters to reveal a cool white background behind their tie-dye.
The Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)
Through this parable, Jesus shared that it is better to be a sinner saved than a man who says he is righteous but is not. This lesson reaches into our hearts and reveals our need for forgiveness! Using eggs in a demonstration, show kids one egg with messy feathers and dirt on it, and one clean-washed egg. Ask them which one is the “good egg.” Then, tell them that although this egg is dirty on the outside, it is clean on the inside, and crack it, revealing a hardboiled egg. Next, tell them that although the other egg looks clean on the outside, it is a mess on the inside, and crack it, showing a raw, messy egg.
Have kids make a “Good Egg” craft. Give each kid a plastic easter egg and ask them to fill it with candy. Then, allow them to draw decorations on their egg with permanent markers. Remind kids that even though we are all sinners, God can change us from the inside out!
The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin & The Lost Son (Luke 15)
It’s clear in these parables that God celebrates when the lost are found, and the sinners are redeemed! We can join in the celebration by giving kids a celebratory collage craft. Cover the table with streamers, confetti, party hats, ribbon, and anything that “says” party! Supply the kids with paper, scissors, and glue, and let them create a celebration collage using their imaginations. It will be an art piece to hang up to remind us that Jesus loves us, and He throws a party in heaven when we join the kingdom of God!
