March 22: Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-6)

March 22: Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-6)

Supplies:

-Small swimming pool
-plastic balls
-gold coins
-prize of equal value for each child

1 Coloring sheet for each child

Activity Before Story:

We had 15 kids today in Children's Church so let the kids split themselves into 4 groups of 4 each (we had one teen helping out so she became player #16). 1 Player from each team kneeled over the ball pit and I set the timer for 20 seconds. The goal was to collect as many gold coins as possible without letting any balls fall out. 1 point was awarded for each coin, while 1 point was subtracted for each escaped ball. We played the game 4 times so every player from every team had the opportunity to collect coins. 

When everyone had a turn, each team added their coins. I made a big deal about one kid earning 51 coins in one turn, and so he must really deserve a big reward. Then, I let the team that came in 4th place choose a prize from the prize box. I made sure to tell them that they did exactly what I asked of them, so they earned the reward. Then I asked the class, "If the team with the least amount of points earned a prize from the prize box, how many prizes should the 3rd place team get? 2nd? What about the 1st place team!?" Then, I gave each person a prize from the box. Then, I told them this story. 

Story:

            Jesus told a story about a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his field. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. Around lunchtime, he saw others standing in the same place. They agreed to work in his field, too. Later in the afternoon, he hired a few other workers.

            At the end of the day, the owner called all of the workers together. As he began paying each worker a denarius, some began to complain. The workers were angry that the owner paid everyone the same amount, even though some worked all day and others started at lunch, and a some only worked a couple of house in the afternoon.

            The owner said to the angry workers, “I am not being unfair. This morning, you agreed to work all day for a denarius.”

            Jesus explained the moral of His story. The landowner paid everyone the same amount because he was very generous. God loves each of us the same, even though some people are nicer, work harder, and behave better. God is very generous and wants to bless all of us, whether we pray regularly and go to church or not.

Summary & Questions:

            How is our game like the parable of the workers in the vineyard? Some of the workers worked longer than the others. In our game, some players earned way more coins than the others. They worked harder. Was our game fair or unfair? Why? What do you think this game will help you remember about the parable of the workers in the vineyard? None of us deserve to go to heaven. It is not the amount of work we do for God or how long we have followed Him, but is God’s undeserved favor, His kindness and love, to die in our place, that allows us into His presence for eternity.

Activity After Story:

            Have students color worksheet. Continue playing game giving each group an equal amount of time. Consider giving different options (must skip, must keep one hand on the ground, etc.) to make the game more challenging!