Lesson 3: The mustard seed and yeast.
Passage: Matthew 13:31-33 - Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree and to yeast that works through the whole batch of dough. Both show how God’s kingdom starts small but grows powerfully and transforms everything.
Big Idea: Small beginnings, big results.
For Teachers:
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the students sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Introduce yourself and ask about their week.
Warm Up Activity: Sprouting Seeds — Activity Leader
Invite children to present they are flower seeds just planted in the ground.
What would a seed look like? Tell them you are the gardener and you are going to water them.
With an empty watering can, move around the children as you pretend to pour water on them.
Hold up a picture or drawing of the sun. Explain that the sun is shining down on them. What happens to the seeds when they receive water and sunlight? How can the children show they are growing?
Encourage them to stretch and reach up high. Will they use their arms for leaves or for petals? Have them stretch tall on their tiptoes, hold their arms high, and follow the sun as you move it across the sky.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we're going to learning about another one of Jesus' stories that teach us about God. This story is about mustard seeds and yeast.
Let's watch our video to find out more...
Play Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we learned that something small can grow into something way bigger. What are some examples?
What do seeds need to grow into a big plant?
We also learned that the little things that we do can make a big difference. What’s something nice that you do for someone this week?
Has someone ever done something nice for you that made you really happy?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear God, thank you for the lesson we learned today about how little things grow bigger, and even the small things we do are really important. Please help us to find ways to do kind things for others each and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity: Tree Craft — Activity Leader
The kids will color/decorate their tree picture, and glue seeds and the Bible verse onto it.
If a child is not interested in the activity, allow them to move to free play.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit near the TV. Introduce yourself and ask about their week.
Warm Up Activity: Falling Leaves Parachute Game — Activity Leader
Start with the parachute spread out on the floor. Have the children find a handle and pull the parachute flat. Have everyone slowly touch their toes, then stretch up to the sky. They can also turn to the left and do a variety of moves to make the parachute spin (ie. walk, tiptoe, hop, etc). Then practice shaking the parachute at different speeds. Practice intermittently stopping to check for listening and control.
Once the children are getting the hang of the directions, tell them that you are going to be moving the parachute like the wind. Sometimes it is calm and slow, other times it is wild and fast, and sometimes it stops altogether. Now in the fall, the leaves fall from the trees and dance in the wind.
Have the children hold the parachute still and place some leaves in the center. Have the children move the leaves about in the wind by moving the parachute as before. They will have to listen closely to your signals and work together. In the end, the children can “rake” up the leaves that have blown off the parachute.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we're going to be learning about another one of Jesus' stories which teach us important lessons about God. Today's story is all about mustard seeds and yeast.
Let's watch our video to find out more...
Play Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
What are some examples of small things that can turn out really big?
Do you think that the small things we do can make a big difference to someone else?
Has there ever been a time when someone did something kind for you that changed your whole day?
What are some small acts of kindness we can try to do this week?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear God, thank you for teaching us that even little things can grow and spread and make a big difference in the world. Please help us to spread love and kindness to our friends and family through the little things that we do every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity: Mustard Seed in a Bottle — Activity Leader
Kids can roll up a verse and put it inside the bottle, along with a mustard seed. They will then use the pointed end of a paper clip to stick into the cork. This will be where the string or pipe cleaner will attach to the bottle to make a necklace, bracelet, or keychain.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the students sit in pillow area. Introduce yourself and ask about their week.
Warm Up Activity: Leaf Blower Minute to Win It — Activity Leader
Have a start and finish line set up.
Each kid will receive a straw, and there will be a pile of leaves lined up at the starting line.
Get two kids to go at a time and set a one minute timer. The goal is to get as many leaves (one at a time) across the finish line was possible by only blowing.
Have them keep their leaf piles separate so that it is easier to count.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we're continuing our series on the Parables of Jesus, which are stories he told his followers that teach important lessons about God and faith. Today's story is all about mustard seeds and yeast.
Read: Matthew 13:31-33
Let's watch our video to find out more...
Play Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Why do you think Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a mustard seed and yeast?
How do you think one small act of kindness can grow and spread to make a big difference in the world?
Has anyone ever done something kind for you that impacted you in a big way?
What are some simple acts of kindness we can try to do this week for others?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
Dear God, thank you that you are a God who uses small things to make a big difference. Thank you that every little act of kindness and faith matters to you and adds up to something big. Please help us to see how even the little things we do each day can make the world a better place. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Activity: Mustard Seed in a Bottle — Activity Leader
Kids can roll up a verse and put it inside the bottle, along with a mustard seed. They will then use the pointed end of a paper clip to stick into the cork. This will be where the string or pipe cleaner will attach to the bottle to make a necklace, bracelet, or keychain.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
For Parents:
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What was the story that you learned about in class today?
What is a mustard seed and yeast? What do they turn into?
Do you think that even the small things we do matter a lot to God?
What’s one little thing you can do that can make someone’s day better?
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What was the story that you learned about in class today?
What was the lesson Jesus taught about mustard seeds and yeast?
Do you think that small acts of kindness can make a big difference?
What’s one kind thing you can do for someone else this week?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Why do you think Jesus used the examples of a mustard seed and yeast to talk about the kingdom of God?
Can you think of a time when someone did or said something that made a big difference to you?
What are some simple things we can do that can make a big difference to someone else?
