The Parable of the Talents

The Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14-30 remind us that God is generous and grants us God given talents and abilities to use for His glory.

Key Points:

1. God gives each of us different kinds of talents. (1 Corinthians 12:18-21).
2. We need to use what we have for God.
3. The Bible is a treasure, we should share the Bible.

Lesson Guide – The Parable of the Talents

Talk to you child about the gifts that God has given to them. Singing, drawing, cooking, listening, problem solving and so on. Read 1 Corinthians 12:18-21 with your child. Share how God has given each of us different gifts. We should not compare ourselves to others but use the gifts God has given us.

Help your child to recognize the gifts God has given them. Both material and non-material gifts.

Take a piece of paper and ask your child to count the (4) corners. Now, ask them to carefully cut off one corner with a scissors and give the corner to you. Share that sometimes we try to keep things for ourselves, but when we give what God has given us, He gives more. Ask them to count the corners again. There will now be 5. Repeat with each of the four original corners. Each time they give one away, they will gain one more.

One gift that God has given is the Bible. One way to keep this treasure safe is to hide it in our hearts (read Psalm 119:11). We should do more than hide it away though. We should also share it.

Share how God’s word is a priceless treasure we should want to tell others about. If your child made the treasure memory verse craft from the sermon on the mount lesson, you could reference it. Additionally, you may create new “treasure” by asking friends or family for their favourite verses and adding them. 

Ask your child if there is something they really want? A particular toy? What would your child do with that treasure if they received it? Would they dig a hole, hide it away and tell nobody about it, or would they use it, tell everyone about it and keep it safe?

God has given each of us a talent. Share that a talent in the Bible was a weight. Probably around 33kg. Try and weigh out objects on your bathroom scale to the weight of a talent. Share how even one talent of gold or silver was very precious. We should never look down on the gifts God gives us.

What are ways that we can use our talents to honour God? If we sing, we can honour God by singing songs that praise Him. If we draw, we can draw pictures of Bible stories. If we cook, we can make food for those who are sick. Just like the two good servants, we need to use our talents wisely.

Thank God for the treasure of His Son. Ask him to help you use your talents to share this treasure with others.

Free Printable Bible Story

Games and Activities

Talent show

There are several ways to prepare a talent show at home or church. It is always better to give some notice. For example, at church you could mention the previous week. At home, mention in the morning for the evening. Create a stage and some snacks. Talents don’t need to be live either. Children could prepare art to bring with them.

Hide the treasure

Choose an object to be the treasure. Take turns to hide it somewhere and to try and find it. If you have soil or sand available. You could also take turned to bury the treasure before the others try to find the buried treasure.

Kitchen Roll Magic Drawing

You may have seen these online. If not, search as a video will explain it more clearly. You will need a felt pens, Kitchen paper, a plain plate, and a little water. Fold the paper in half. On the inside of the fold draw a picture or message. Fold to hide. When your child puts the paper in the water, it will reveal the message. Share how God does not want us to hide your gifts.

Worksheets

Free Bible Coloring Pages – The Parable of the Talents

Craft – Talent bag

What you need:

• Template pages
• Colouring pencils
• Scissor
• Glue
• and Ribbon

Activity

Turn this craft into an activity by rewarding your child with the coin for using their talent throughout the week. For example: If they do some gardening, give them the gardening coin. If they cook something, reward them with the cooking coin.

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Translations