Mabelcaz

Learning Objectives

Activities

Resources.

1

   Tounderstand what a parable is

Look up a dictionary definitionof parable. Read one of Aesops fables to discern a story with ameaning. Work in pairs to construct a story that could illustratebiggest is not always best or how a small child might be wiserthan an adult.

Recall knowledge of Jesusways of teaching and use of parables.

www.request.org.uk/main/bible/jesus

http://www.aesopfables.com/

Aesopsfables

2/3

   To knowthat Jesus taught his followers by using parables.

   Tounderstand Jesus teaching about Who is my neighbour?

The Parable of theGood Samaritan:

Compare the two paintingsby Jacapo Bassano 1550-1570 & Rodolfo Arellano 1960 (Jesus ThroughArt). Use conversation points to stimulate discussion &observation of detail. Show DVD of The Parable and read it. ReadModern day version and compare. Children to work on short dramapiece to show the parable in a modern day version. Refer to songCross over the road.

Discuss how Christians usethis parable in their daily lives. Research work done by Christianswho care today.

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/

Come andPraise.

www.christian-aid.org.uk

www.tearfund.org

3

   Toidentify the meaning and application of the parable.

   Torecognise everyone has gifts to be used to serve God and otherpeople

Parable of theTalents.

Each pupil to write downthe thing they are best at & something they would like to be goodat. In pairs each to write down what they think their partner isbest at. Compare answers. Discuss whether the thing they would liketo be able to do is better/ more important than the thing they cando. Try to agree that all abilities are important. It is the waythey are used that counts Each child to have a piece of paper to bepassed around for others to write things that child is good at. .Make a talents board to affirm the variety of gifts in the class.Read/tell the parable from the Bible. Ask the question Was theowner fair? Read modern day version and compare.

Bible Matthew25:14-30

(Explain that a talent was aweight of gold or silver each worth about 600. Whatever ourabilities God wants us to use them, not neglect or hide them. Hewas aiming the story at the religious people who kept theirreligion to themselves they were cheating God.)

4

   Toidentify the meaning and application of the parable.

   Toappreciate that people respond

   differently to the Christianfaith

Parable of theSower Give some background to farmingpractices at the time of Jesus & type of land beingcultivated. Read/tell the biblical account of the sower.Discuss the interpretation Jesus gives in verses 18-23. What typesof people represent the 100fold today? In groups dramatise theparable through mime or movement or make a picture sequence of thestory.

Bibleencyclopaedia.

Background shotsfrom

the video Jesus ofNazareth or video So, who is this Jesus filmed in Israel(www.cta-jesus.com)

Bible Matthew 13: 3-9,18-23

5

   Toidentify the meaning and application of the parable.

   Torealise the importance for Christians of making time to learn aboutGod & to obey the teachings from the Bible.

   To knowhow & when to make right choices

Parable of theGreat Feast Read the parable. Discuss thechange of invitations to the feast. Who really suffered? Was theman who gave the banquet fair? What excuses do we make that mightupset God?

Brainstorm situations whenweve made excuses not to do something because were too busy or abetter invitation comes along or we havent time. Give modernexamples of excuses that are often made and the feelings of thosewe disappoint. Talk about right & wrong choices, selfish &unselfish acts, doing your duty, letting people down, guiltyconsciences etc. Write a scenario about

Making the rightchoice.

Bible Luke14:16-23

Modern examples e.g.visiting grandparent or going to the cinema; helping mum orwatching TV; visiting a sick friend or playing in the park.

6

   Toidentify the meaning and application of the parable.

   To knowthat forgiving one another and being forgiven are important aspectsof living in a community.

   To knowthat God forgives whenever a person repents.

Parable of theunforgiving servant

Be aware of the question(v21) that prompted Jesus teaching. Recognise that 490 was not theanswer but that you should forgive without limit, as Goddoes.

Read the parable. Hot seatthe master/king & then the unforgiving servant. Use circle time todiscuss the implications of bearing

a grudge & practical waysof expressing forgiveness at home, in school & in the world. Playsome quiet music & encourage pupils to reflect on Jesus words fromthe cross Father forgive them, they dont know what they aredoing. Research the background to the

cross of nails in CoventryCathedral & present it to the class.

All thatGlitters

www.brf.org.uk

Bible Matthew 18:21-35

Poster/pictureof the crucifixion or a crucifix.

Meditativemusic

www.coventrycathedral.org