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The last parable we taught the kids this month is a story that Jesus told in order to teach a lesson about priorities in life. The parable is known as that of the rich fool, in it Jesus taught that when people focus on getting more than they need, they wind up wasting life. In the parable, a rich man spent all his time gathering more grain and food to fill his storehouses. However, as soon as the man stored up all this food, it was time for him to die. So, the man wasted not only his time, but also the food that could have been shared with others, just so he could have more.

As we taught the kids this parable we told them that is perfectly okay to have material possessions, but we also taught them that we must share our abundance. When we are blessed by God, we must share our blessings with others. We also taught the kids that no one is special because of the clothes, toys, or other possessions they may have. What makes us special is that we are God’s unique creations. God loves each of us, not because of what we have , but because of who we are.

This week as you interact with your children be sure that they know that is not wrong to have many things, but when we share what we have with others, God is pleased.

“Teach me your way, O Lord” Psalm 27:11

This weekend the children were taught the parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10). This is the second parable that the kids are learning from. The coin in the parable was a silver drachma and was worth more than a full days’ wages. Jesus told the crowd that, like the celebration in each of the parables about things that were lost and then found, there is a celebration in heaven for each person who repents. Imagine such a thing. For each one of the billions of people in our world, there is cause for great celebration in heaven over every person who makes a choice to follow Jesus. There is not one of us who is insignificant in God’s eyes.

This week read the parable and then remind your kids that God loves them. That He knows each of our names. Remind them that God understands our feelings and wants to be our guide. No one of us is more important than others, God loves us all the same. God is always seeking and searching to bring each of us into a closer relationship with Him.

“Teach me your way, O Lord” Psalm 27:11

Of all the parables that Jesus shared with people to teach them a lesson, the one we taught the kids this weekend known as the parable of the good Samaritan, is probably the most famous.

In Jesus’ time, Jewish people looked down on Samaritans. They believed that Samaritans had betrayed God because they had married non-Jewish people centuries before and now worshiped in a place other than the Temple. Jesus used the story of the good Samaritan to teach how to honor God’s command to love others by helping those in need even when that meant taking a risk. Jesus also reminded the listeners not to judge others, but instead to look for examples of people who honor and follow God among all kinds of people.

This week as you interact with your children, think of ways you are a neighbor to others. Ask your children what more could they do to reach out to others and help those in need? You as a parent, think about people you sometimes overlook, sell short, or judge. When we really look at these people through God’s eyes, is there something good we could learn from what they do? This week pray for God to give you the eyes to see the good others do and to follow the lead of anyone who is willing to show kindness to another person in need.

“But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves”. James 1:22

Jesus was a great storyteller, He used parables to help people understand and relate to the life lessons He taught them. Starting this weekend and for the next three weekends the children will explore four of Jesus’ parables.

This weekend we explored the parable of the talents. You can find the parable in Matthew 25:14-30. Like the servants in Jesus’ parable, we have been given an abundance of talents from God. For some people the talents given are monetary wealth, similar to the talents given in the parable. These people are expected to use their wealth wisely and to give joyfully. Not all people are given wealth, but God has given at least one gift to each person, and God expects us to use whatever gift we are given to multiply God’s love and God’s kingdom to the whole world. When we fail to use the talents God has given us, we are like the man who buried his talents in the ground.

This week help your children to consider what gifts they have that they can use to serve God. Encourage them to ask: What gifts has God given to me? What talents do I have? How do I use those gifts and talents to serve God? And you as a parent ask yourself the same questions.

“Teach me your way, O Lord” Psalm 27:11