Two Sons in the Vineyard • Action

What is happening in this story?

When the chief priests and elders question Jesus, Jesus answers by telling a parable. Jesus compares them and “undesirables” like tax collectors, prostitutes, and unbelievers to two sons—neither of whom is perfect. Jesus draws attention to and praises the son whose actions are more righteous than his words. And he explains that while the nonbelievers’ behaviours are far from perfect, the religious leaders’ actions are worse. Those who do God’s will are the ones who actually do it—not those who promise to do God’s will but don’t follow through.
 

Why does this story matter for kids?

Kids can learn they must find ways to put their faith into action, and to carry out small, simple actions to share their faith in God. They might even hear their own pastors or religious leaders saying things that aren’t in keeping with the teachings of Jesus. Remind kids that all are welcomed into God’s kingdom—not by their own merit, but because of God’s love.

What is the lectionary connection?

The colour for the Season after Pentecost is green: the colour of growth. In this story, the vineyard needs help from the sons to grow and prosper. The Season after Pentecost is a great time to discuss church community, what it means for a church to grow, and what goes on in the life of a church.

 

WATCH

THE VIDEO

  • KIDS AGED 10 AND YOUNGER

Our video today has some kids working on a fun project that is TONS of work. Let’s see how they all pitch in to get the work done.

Watch the video below:

 

Ask kids these questions about the video:

  • Who said they would help with the bake sale but didn’t?

  • Who helped even though they said they wouldn’t?

  • Would you rather have a friend who helps like Fantasmo or like Clara? Why?

  • What are some things you help with?

 
 

  • KIDS AGED 11 AND OLDER

When have you volunteered to do some hard, physical work? Did you have help doing it? In today’s video you will see our friends take on a big project! They’re helping some people in their church who can’t do their own yard work. Watch for a pretty sweet lawn mower.

Watch the video below:

 

Ask kids these questions about the video:

  • What chores are you responsible for around your house?

  • Who did you like best in the video? Why?

  • At the beginning, who did you think was going to help Mimi? Why? Who actually helped her?

  • When have you been surprised by someone who helped you?

 

read

the bible story

Matthew 21:23-32

We are reading from the Gospel of Matthew again this week. That is the main gospel we hear during the Season after Pentecost during Year A. Some stories we read in the Bible start in the middle of a bigger story. The second word in this story is he. It’s referring to Jesus, who was in Jerusalem teaching in the temple. The chief priests and elders were jealous of Jesus, so they asked him a tricky question about authority.

Watch out: the meaning of he changes while you read. At first he means Jesus. In the second part of the story, he refers to a man and to his sons.

Ask these questions after you read the story:

  • How did Jesus answer the question from the priests and elders?

  • When have you answered a question with a question?

  • Some people say, “Actions speak louder than words.” What does that mean? How does that fit this story?

  • Can you think of a time when you said you wouldn’t do something, but then you did it?

  • How about when you said you would do something, but you didn’t?

wrap up with

review + prayer

Today we heard a story Jesus told about two sons—one who said he wouldn’t help and then did, and one who said he would help but didn’t. Jesus wants us to know that taking action to help is a good thing. What are some helpful things you can do this week?

Do a hand blessing. Together with your kids, look at your hands. The hands in front of them, beside them, and behind them are God’s hands at work in the world. Ask everyone to make a cross by placing their palms together, one hand horizontal and one vertical. Give thanks for the work and compassion of these hands. Bless them in all the work they do to love and care for others.

Pray together:

God, we want to take the right actions to share your love. Help us to do what we say. Forgive us when we forget. Amen.

try one or two

Follow-up activities

This week’s theme is ACTion. This week we learned that God wants us to work, not just talk about working. These activities can guide you into ways of taking ACTion in God’s name.

  • When Chores Are A Chore

    Make a list of chores that you do not like to do. Why do you do these things anyway? How is doing chores even though you don’t enjoy them like the first son? Make a list of things that you really love doing. Why don’t you do these things? How is not making time for the things you love to do like the second son?

  • Walk The Walk

Have you heard the saying “you’ve got to walk the walk, not just talk the talk”? How did both of these brothers not follow this saying? Make a poster that says “Walk the walk” to remind you of this story. Post it where you keep your shoes so you can be reminded to do this every time you go out.

  • Vineyard = Church

Draw a picture of a vineyard or a plate of grapes. Sometimes the Bible uses the term vineyard as a metaphor for the church. Why do you think this is so? In your picture, write the name of a church volunteer or staff person on each grape or plant. This picture can help you remember to pray for these people this week. Thank God that they work hard in the “vineyard” where you worship!

This week, our family is praying for:

Season of PentecostSalt 'n Light Kids