Big Picture - Week 2
Every great movie tells a great story. When we see those stories played out on the big screen, we can learn a little more about ourselves and the world around us. Jesus knew how powerful stories could be, and he made them a big part of how he taught his followers. In this 5-week series, kids will hear some of the stories Jesus shared that can help them see the big picture of a life spent following God. Kids will see that God helps us know what's true, the ways we can give back to God, how God sends us helpers, that God gives us second chances, and how we belong in God's family.
BIG IDEA: We can give back to God.
BIBLE: The Parable of the Bags of Gold: Matthew 25:14–29; Deuteronomy 26:1–11
MEMORY VERSE
Elementary: "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)
Toddler Twist: Pray to God and He will answer. Jeremiah 33:3
WATCH:
Preschool- teaching video
Elementary- teaching video
SONG: Open the Eyes of my Heart and Build My Life
DISCIPLE:
Show a video showing the differences between movie scenes with and without special effects like this video. (We always suggest viewing the clip beforehand to make sure you think it’s a video that will be a good fit for your context! For more information on how to legally use copyrighted material for educational purposes, read this!)
Movie producers want to make good movies that they hope many people will watch. And movies aren't cheap. Most of them cost millions and millions to produce.
Some of the most expensive parts of a movie to produce are special effects. Let's say a producer needed a shot of something that doesn't really exist or would be too difficult to recreate. They would hire a special effects company to create these shots, and there is a lot involved.
When special effects shots are done well, you can't tell they aren't real, right? The special effects company spent the producer's money well, hired a good crew, and delivered some great shots. They did a good job with the money they were given and the skills they had.
Now imagine if a special effects company was hired to create a shot, and they just put the money away without doing any work with it.
How would the producer feel about that?
How would that affect the movie?
In a similar way, the parable Jesus told about the bags of gold showed that God gives everyone different gifts and responsibilities ... not so we can just sit on them, but so we can put them toward doing things that please God. We can give back to God!
Pray: God, thank you for everything you have given us. Show us ways we can give back to you, and let us watch you multiply them. We know everything we have comes from you! Amen.