LESSON OVERVIEW FOR ADULTS
In Matthew 25:14-28, Jesus shares a parable about a wealthy man preparing for a journey. Before leaving, he entrusted his property to three servants, giving each different amounts of money according to their abilities. The first servant received five talents (a large sum of money), the second received two talents, and the third received one talent. The master wanted to see how his servants would manage what he had given them during his absence.
When the master returned, he discovered that the first two servants had invested wisely and doubled what they were given. He praised them and gave them greater responsibilities. However, the third servant had buried his talent in the ground out of fear, returning only what was originally given to him. The master was disappointed because this servant failed to use his gift wisely. This parable teaches children that God gives each person unique gifts, talents, time, and resources, and He wants us to use them to serve Him and help others rather than keeping them to ourselves.
OPENING ACTIVITY 10:15-10:30 | Coin Dig
Items Needed
- Kinetic Sand Bins
- Coins
Bury the coins inside of the kinetic sand bins. Let children dig to find them. Explain that in our story today three people are given coins. Two people use the coins wisely, but one person buries his coin in the dirt.
BIBLE VERSE GAME 10:30-10:40 | Motion Memory
1 Peter 4:10 ESV
Teach children simple motions for each word of the verse:
- “Use” = Pretend to use a hammer
- “Your” = Point to self
- “Gift” = Cup hands together like holding a present
- “To serve” = Extend hands out like offering something
- “Others” = Point to friends around the room
- “1 Peter 4:10” = Hold up one finger, then all ten fingers
Have children march around the room in a line. When you call out “FREEZE!” everyone stops and does the verse with motions together. Repeat several times. As they get better, increase the marching speed or have them march in different ways (tiptoe, giant steps, hop, etc.).
SONG 10:40-10:50
BIBLE STORY 10:50-11:00 a.m.
Question 1: Where is this found in the Bible?
The Book of Matthew
Question 2: Is this in the Old Testament or New Testament?
New Testament
The Story:
There was a rich man who was getting ready to take a long trip. Before he left, he wanted to make sure his money and property would be taken care of. So he called three of his helpers to come see him.
To the first helper, he gave five bags of money. To the second helper, he gave two bags of money. And to the third helper, he gave one bag of money. He chose how much to give each helper based on what they could handle. Then the man left on his trip.
The first helper was so excited! He thought, “I want to do a good job with this money!” So he worked very hard and earned five more bags of money. Now he had ten bags total!
The second helper also worked hard. He took his two bags of money and earned two more bags. Now he had four bags total!
But the third helper was scared. He thought, “What if I lose this money? My master will be so angry!” So he dug a big hole in the ground and buried the one bag of money. He didn’t do anything with it at all.
After a long time, the rich man came home. He called his three helpers to see what they had done.
The first helper came and said, “Look! You gave me five bags, and I worked hard and now have ten bags!” The master was so happy! He said, “You are a very good helper! You did such a good job with what I gave you. Now I will give you even more to take care of!”
The second helper came and said, “Look! You gave me two bags, and I worked hard and now have four bags!” The master was so pleased! He said, “You are a wonderful helper! You used what I gave you so well. Now I will give you even more to take care of!”
Then the third helper came. He said, “Master, I was scared, so I buried your money in the ground. Here it is back.” The master was very sad. He said, “You should have at least tried to do something with what I gave you!”
Jesus told this story to teach us something important. God gives each of us special gifts. You might be good at sharing, or helping, or singing, or building, or being kind. God wants us to use these gifts, not hide them! When we use our gifts to help others and serve God, He is so happy with us!
Theological Questions:
- Who gives us our gifts and talents? (God gives us our gifts and talents)
- What does God want us to do with the things He gives us? (God wants us to use them, not hide them)
Life Application Questions:
- What is something you are good at that God gave you? (Answers will vary: sharing, being kind, helping, singing, drawing, etc.)
- How can you use your special talent to help someone this week? (Answers will vary: share toys, help mom, sing a song to make someone happy, draw a picture for a friend, etc.)
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for giving each of us special gifts and talents. Help us to use what You have given us to serve You and help others. We want to be good managers of everything You give us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
BIBLE CRAFT 11:00-11:15 a.m.
Items Needed:
- Parable of Talents Printout (on Cardstock)
- Crayons
Children decorate their own “coin bag” to hold the talents. Inside, place coins of different talents we might have. Explain that as kids we might not have money yet to use, but we all have talents we can use for God. Children can take these home to remind them to use their gifts for God.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
Matthew 25:14-28 (KJV)
14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
COLORING PAGE
Coloring Page
PARENT TAKE HOME SHEET
Today’s Key Takeaway:
Being Good Stewards
What I Learned Today:
God gives each person special gifts and talents. He wants us to use what He gives us to help others and serve Him. When we use our gifts wisely, God is pleased and gives us even more opportunities to serve Him.
Questions to Ask Me:
Theological Questions:
- Who gives us our talents and gifts? (God gives us our talents and gifts)
- What is a steward? (A steward is someone who takes care of what God has given them)
- Why did the master give different amounts to each servant? (Because each servant had different abilities)
- What did the good servants do with their money? (They used it wisely and made more money)
- Why was the master unhappy with the third servant? (Because he didn’t use what he was given and just buried it)
Life Application Questions:
- What is one talent or gift God has given you? (Answers will vary: sharing, kindness, helping, singing, drawing, making friends, etc.)
- How can you use your talents to help someone at home? (Answers will vary: help set the table, share toys with siblings, sing songs to make someone happy, help clean up, etc.)
- Who can you share your gifts with this week? (Answers will vary: family members, friends, neighbors, people at church, etc.)
- What happens when we hide our talents instead of using them? (We don’t help others and we don’t please God)
- How do you think God feels when you use your talents to help others? (Happy, pleased, proud, joyful)