ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES
Did You Know?
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This resource is designed to allow your family to have time in God’s Word BEFORE your children attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents to be the primary spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith, we want YOU to be the one to introduce this part of The Big God Story to them. For additional support in spiritual parenting and to learn more about creating transforming environments in your home, be sure to pick up HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource from your church or download at HomeFrontMag.com. You can also access the HomeFront app for your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
God Is Gracious Part of The Big God Story Matthew 20:1–16
Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard to illustrate God’s grace. Though it may not always seem fair by human standards, God offers His grace to everyone.
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Talk with your children about the field in Read the parable of the workers in ers felt upset work first the why Matthew 20:1–16. Ask got the same pay. when they found out the last workers exactly what they’d got ers work first the that Remind them to look back at ren child your ge oura Enc . been promised that when we ain Expl er. earli ed the scenarios they shar t of view, it changes our poin ’s God from s thing see and pray also gracious, which means perspective. God is not only fair but passion to everyone. com and cy mer He shows
Younger Kids
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• Each worker in this parable received the same wage—regardless of how late in the day he entered the field. • Though it might seem unfair that all of the workers were paid the same amount, none of them received less than the amount he’d agreed to.
Older Kids
• Jesus told this parable to explain that He gives to all of us graciously, as He chooses. • Though God’s grace doesn’t always look like what we would expect, He treats us all fairly and offers grace to all.
Remember Verse for the environment of FAITH COMMUNITY We are many persons. But in Christ we are one body. And each part of the body belongs to all the other parts. (Romans 12:5 NIrV)
The shared beliefs and values that your child will find in her faith community will continue to provide a strong foundation. Be consistent about bringing your child to church, and reinforce her friendships with those who share her faith.
Continue to encourage your older child to be involved in faith-centered events and activities that will help him connect with those who share his faith. These connections, even if limited, will help provide a reprieve from the worldly pressures he’s beginning to experience elsewhere.
Teachable Moments After reading Scripture, discuss the following together: • How do you think the workers who were hired later in the day felt when they received the same wage as the workers who worked all day? How would you have felt? • How do you think the workers who worked all day felt when they saw that the workers who came later received the same wage that they received? How would you have felt?
Blessing
• What is the difference between grace and fairness?
For more information about blessing your child see the Blessing section in HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource.
A blessing to pray over your child:
© 2013 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
“(Child’s name), may you know and experience the grace of God. Remember always that His grace comes from having faith in Him. May you recognize that God made you just as you are: unique, set apart, and created for good works.”