Lesson 2: The growing seed.
Passage: Mark 4:26-29 - Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is like a man scattering seeds on the ground, and every night and day, the seed sprouts all on it’s own though the man doesn’t know how. Eventually, the crops are fully grown and it’s time for the harvest.
Big Idea: God’s kingdom is always growing.
For Teachers:
Lesson plan.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: Storytime — Activity Leader
Read: Plant the Tiny Seed
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are talking about another one of Jesus’ parables, which are the stories that he told his followers to teach them something about God and the kingdom.
Today's story is about planting seeds. Have you ever tried planting seeds before? What kind of things can seeds grow into?
Let’s watch our video to find out more about the story…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
What does Jesus compare the kingdom of God to in the story?
What does Jesus say about the way that the seed grows?
How do you think the kingdom of God is like a growing plant?
What are some ways a farmer helps a plant grow?
What are some ways that we can be part of helping the kingdom of God grow and spread?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for the way that you make the kingdom grow in the world, spreading your goodness everywhere. Thank you that we can trust and know that you are working in the world even when we can’t see it happening. And thank you that you let us be part of that work too. Please help us to find ways to share your love and goodness with those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Sprouting Seedling Craft — Activity Leader
Kids will decorate their paper plates and make little popsicle stick “plants” that will grow through the plate. There will be cut leaves for them to glue onto the popsicle sticks and precut slots in the paper plates.
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. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: Storytime — Activity Leader
Read: The Tiny Seed
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are talking about another one of Jesus’ parables, which are the stories that he told his followers to teach them something about God and the kingdom. Today's story is about planting seeds.
Has anyone here ever tried planting seeds before? What kind of things do seeds grow into?
Let’s watch our video to find out more about the story…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
What does Jesus compare the kingdom of God to in the story?
What does Jesus say about the way that the seed grows?
What do you think that means for the kingdom of God to be like a growing plant?
What are some ways a farmer helps a plant grow?
What are some ways that we can be part of helping the kingdom of God grow and spread?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for the way that you make the kingdom grow in the world, spreading your goodness everywhere. Thank you that we can trust and know that you are working in the world even when we can’t see it happening. And thank you that you let us be part of that work too. Please help us to find ways to share your love and goodness with those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Sprouting Seedling Craft — Activity Leader
Kids will decorate their paper plates and make little popsicle stick “plants” that will grow through the plate. There will be cut leaves for them to glue onto the popsicle sticks and precut slots in the paper plates.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Welcome the kids to class, ask how their week was.
Warm Up Activity: Timelapse — Activity Leader
Kids can watch a seed growing timelapse video on YouTube.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we’re continuing our new series on the parables of Jesus.
Does anyone remember what a parable is?
Last week we heard a story about a father and his two sons. Does anyone remember what that story was all about?
What was the lesson that we got from that story?
Today we’ll be talking about another one of Jesus' parables. This time Jesus uses the metaphor of a seed to teach us something about the kingdom of God.
Let’s watch our video to find out more…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
What was it that Jesus said about the way seeds grow?
What do you think that has to do with the kingdom of God?
Even though the kingdom grows on it’s own, God still invites us to participate in the work that God is doing in the world. What are some ways that we can be part of that work?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for the story of Jesus that we heard today and what it teaches us about the kingdom of God. Thank you for the hope that it brings us to know that you are always working in the world, even when we can’t see it happening, and that you invite us to come alongside you in that work as well. Please help us to see the opportunities we have every day to spread a little bit of your goodness and love in the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Sprouting Seedling Craft — Activity Leader
Kids will decorate their paper plates and make little popsicle stick “plants” that will grow through the plate. There will be cut leaves for them to glue onto the popsicle sticks and precut slots in the paper plates.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
For Parents:
Follow-up questions.
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Is it possible to see a plant grow? How do you think it happens?
Do you think the kingdom of God also grows in ways that we can’t see?
Who is it that makes the kingdom grow and spread?
What are some ways that we can also help spread God’s good kingdom in the world?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Do you think it’s possible to see a plant growing if you just sit there and watch it all day long? How do you think it happens?
Why do you think Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a growing seed? Does the kingdom also grow in ways we can’t always see?
Who is it that makes the kingdom of God grow?
What are some ways that we can also work with God to spread the goodness of God’s kingdom in the world?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Why does Jesus compare the kingdom of God to a growing seed? What are some of the similarities in the way they each grow?
How does it feel to know that the kingdom is always growing even when we can’t see it happening?
Who do you think is ultimately responsible for the growth of God’s kingdom?
Do you think there are ways that God also let’s us be part of the work of spreading the kingdom in the world? Why do you think we are invited to work alongside God even if God doesn’t need us to?
