Rejection in the Vineyard • Rejection

What is happening in this story?

In this parable, Jesus compared the wicked tenants to the religious leaders. They promise to do the will of God, but they are corrupt and are not doing what they said they would. They are too secure in their status to really hear Jesus’ message. In contrast, the people whom the culture considered worthless are willing to accept Jesus’ message and do God’s work. Because of this, they will receive the blessings of heaven first. Jesus was not the messiah the Jewish people expected, and he was rejected in his time. But ultimately, Jesus was essential to God’s plan for humanity— he was the cornerstone. His rejection turned into victory when he was resurrected.
 

Why does this story matter for kids?

Kids of all ages are familiar with bullying. Kids are sometimes both the bully (rejecter) and the bullied (rejected). This story points to Jesus’ rejection and can be helpful for kids who may be dealing with rejection themselves. Jesus’ message to marginalized, lowly, and rejected people was the same: You may be last in this world, but in the kingdom of God you are first. You are valued. God accepts and loves all whom others reject.

What is the lectionary connection?

During the Season after Pentecost, the church focuses on community life and discipleship. This reading encourages Christians to examine their own involvement in rejecting Jesus and rejecting others. It is a sober reminder that community is not always all it could be.

 

WATCH

THE VIDEO

  • KIDS AGED 10 AND YOUNGER

In our video today, the kids play a wild game called piñata kickball. But everyone isn’t welcome to play. Some kids are left out. Let’s watch the video to find out what happens.

Watch the video below:

 

Ask kids these questions about the video:

  • Who didn’t get to play piñata kickball?

  • How did those kids feel about being left out?

  • Have you ever felt left out? What was that like?

  • What can you do so everyone is included?

 
 

  • KIDS AGED 11 AND OLDER

We don’t always have a good reason for rejecting something or someone. Let’s see who Ruby, Gabe, and Mimi reject.

Watch the video below:

 

Ask kids these questions about the video:

  • What happened when Ruby, Gabe, and Mimi talked about Burt before they met him?

  • What were they afraid of?

  • How does it feel to be rejected?

  • Can you think of a time you were worried someone would be mean, but you found out they were friendly when you got to know them?

  • Why don’t the other kids want to be around Leo at the end of the video?

 

read

the bible story

MATTHEW 21: 33-46

Today’s story is hard to hear, but not really hard to understand. Jesus knew people were planning to kill him, so he told them a story about people rejecting someone else. At the end, the priests and Pharisees know Jesus is talking about them, and they are the ones who are afraid. This kind of story is called a parable—a story about someone or something that teaches a lesson about another person or thing.

Ask these questions after you read the story:

  • Are you surprised Jesus told a story this violent? Why?

  • The cornerstone is the most important piece in a building. Who is the cornerstone in this parable?

  • The tenants rejected the workers by hurting their bodies. What are some other ways we hurt or reject people?

  • Who can help you when you feel rejected?

wrap up with

review + prayer

Jesus was rejected, but today Christians follow in the way he taught us about God. Even if people reject us, God loves us and sees us as an important piece of the kingdom of God. It doesn’t matter what we look like, if we fit in, or if someone doesn’t like us.

Gather in a circle. Ask kids to cross their arms over their chests with their fists closed. Together say, “When others say no, God says yes!” grasping the hands of the people next to them on yes. Repeat several times.

Pray together:

God, you gave us Jesus who showed us a way of life that was so different that people rejected him. Help us to be kind to others, so that we aren’t the ones rejecting. Amen.

try one or two

Follow-up activities

This week’s theme is REJECTION. Jesus helps us understand that what others reject is precious to God. Try some of these activities to explore more about rejection and God’s love.

  • the picture of rejection

    Have you ever felt rejected by someone you thought was a friend? Write a story or draw a picture about it.

  • marginalised

Jesus talked a lot about people who were rejected by their communities. A word that we use today to describe these people is marginalised. Look up this word in the dictionary. Then write a list of people in our world today who have been marginalised. What does Matthew 21:33-46 say about these people?

  • sturdy towers

Gather some building blocks of various sizes. First try building a tower with the smallest blocks on the bottom. Now build a tower with the biggest blocks on the bottom. Why is it important to have a sturdy cornerstone?

This week, our family is praying for:

Season of PentecostSalt 'n Light Kids