The Parable of the Talents - Bible Lessons for Kids
Teaching the Parable of the Talents to kids is a meaningful way to help kids understand responsibility, faithfulness, and the wise use of God-given gifts. Bible-based ideas make this powerful story easy for children to grasp through printable lesson plans, engaging crafts, and hands-on activities that show how God calls each person to use what they have been given to honor Him and serve others.
WHAT IS A PARABLE?
A parable was a short story that Jesus used to teach people about God. These stories helped people understand what Jesus was saying because He connected them to people’s everyday lives. Parables can also be easier to remember than long speeches.
THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS
The Parable of the Talents can be found in Matthew 25:14–30. It is also known as the Parable of the Three Servants.
In this parable, Jesus tells of a master who goes on a journey. Before leaving, he gives one servant five bags of money, another servant two bags of money, and a third servant one bag of money, each according to his ability. The first two servants put the money to work and earned five more bags and two more bags. The third servant dug a hole and hid his master’s money in the ground.
When the master returned, he settled accounts with the servants. The first two showed how the money had grown, and the master was pleased with them. The third servant explained that he hid the money, and the master was upset. The master took the bag of money from the third servant and gave it to the servant who had ten bags, and the unfaithful servant was punished.
Parable of the Talents - Bible Lessons for Kids
Are you looking for a simple way to teach kids about the Parable of the Talents? Be sure to check out our scripted lessons, discussion questions, and printable crafts. These resources are perfect for kids aged 3-8.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS
In this parable, the word 'talent' refers to a specific amount of money. Scholars believe that a talent was about 50 pounds, but it could have weighed more! Talents are also special abilities that God has given us. God wants us to use the good gifts He has given us to help His Kingdom grow.
We need to be like the first two servants in this parable, and not like the last servant who hid the money. God wants us to use our time, money, abilities, and intelligence to help people learn about Him.
a treasure chest of talents
As we grow and get older, we will continue to discover our talents and gifts. It’s like God has put treasure inside us for us to discover! Some talents show up right away, and others will be discovered later. Our talents are treasures we can use to help God’s Kingdom. Kids will love this analogy!
Printable Treasure Chest for Preschool and Kindergarten
Make a printable treasure chest craft to help kids connect with this idea. Using the template pieces from The Parable of the Talents for Preschool, kids can assemble their paper treasure chest and decorate it with stickers, crayons, and the provided printable jewels. When they take their treasure chest home, it could spark great conversations in which kids share their talents with their families.
Print and Fold Treasure Chest for Bigger Kids
Older Kids will create a fold-out treasure chest to write or draw at least three talents God has given them. The template pieces can be found in The Parable of the Talents for Older Kids. After writing/drawing these ideas, kids can decorate their treasure chests with stickers, crayons, and the provided printable jewels.
After doing the craft, remind kids that God wants us to use our gifts wisely. Our talents are valuable and can be used to serve God and bless others.
OTHER CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES TO TEACH ABOUT THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS
Talent Coins: Brainstorm with kids about different talents that God has given them. This could be “I am kind”, “I am good at listening”, “I am good at soccer”, etc. Then have kids write these on small circular pieces of paper (to look like coins from the parable). Put these in an envelope that kids can decorate.
Talent Gift Box: Purchase wooden or paper boxes from the Dollar Store. Have children decorate these boxes with paint, markers, stickers, glitter, etc. Next, have kids write some of their different talents on slips of paper. They can place these talents in the box as a reminder that they are a gift from God and should be used wisely.
Grow Your Talents: Challenge kids to pick one talent they want to put into practice this week, something they want to get better at and use to glorify God. Help kids come up with a “game plan” to put their talent into action and practice.
YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS
Take some time to watch a YouTube version of the Parable of the Three Servants. This will likely help kids visualize the story better. But before showing any videos, be sure to preview them. Here are a few suggestions:
WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT THE PARABLES OF JESUS?
This lesson is part of a five-week series on the Parables of Jesus. The other lessons include The Parable of the Mustard Seed, The Parable of the Good Samaritan, The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, and The Parable of the Great Banquet.
And for more parable lessons, from an earlier parable series, check out Parable of Jesus for Older Kids and Parables of Jesus for Preschool.
