Passages: Matthew parables
Big Idea: Jesus’ parables teach us about God and his kingdom, and those whose hearts are soft towards God understand.
Ages: 8-11
Eleven lessons exploring the parables of Jesus in Matthew's gospel.
The Gospel of Matthew was written for a Jewish audience, about Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection. Unlike Mark and Luke, who use ‘Kingdom of God’. Matthew uses ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ for his Jewish audience, who tended to avoid naming God. Both terms refer to the same reality: Jesus is the promised King, who ushers in God’s kingdom.
Jesus taught through parables—stories that often raised more questions than answers. In Matthew 13:10, his disciples asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” Jesus replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them…. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.” (Matthew 13:11, 15) They were given understanding, while others were not because their hearts were hardened.
Jesus draws on everyday the experiences of the people in his stories. The four parables in Matthew chapter 13 used the experiences of farming, fishing and trade. Jesus told some parables to the crowds, but the majority were told to his disciples.
In chapters 18 to 20, Jesus’ collection of parables explore the heart of God. Every person in his kingdom matters to him. God is generous to everyone who comes to him - no matter when they come. God's forgiveness is incalculable and complete. This collection of parables also explores what it’s like to live in God’s kingdom. God’s people are called to forgive those who sin against them because God has forgiven us everything. Their love for God is expressed not only in their words, but in their actions.
The parables in the final chapters of Luke explore the Israelites rejection of God, his prophets and ultimately his Son. This leads to God’s kingdom being open to people from all nations. Which is where the book of Matthew ends - the sending of the disciples into the world to make disciples and grow his kingdom. The final parables of Matthew teach us about the unexpected nature of Jesus' return. The call here is to be ready, because the hour of his coming is unknown.
When reading parables we can be tempted to ask, ‘Where am I in this story?’ Better to ask, ‘Where is Jesus in the story? What does this parable teach us about God and his kingdom?’ Because Jesus is God’s King who ushers in God’s kingdom. “From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17)
The unit comes complete with stories, pictures, suggested songs/memory verses, games, drama activities, crafts, large and small group activities. A resource pack full of crafts and worksheets is also included.