The Two Sons {Parables of Jesus Series}

I think every parent can appreciate a story about the importance of obedience. I know I can. And do. And that’s why I chose this next parable, The Parable of the Two Sons, as our next installment in the Parables of Jesus Series.

The Word: The Parable of the Two Sons

Jesus said:

I will tell you a story about a man who had two sons. Then you can tell me what you think. The father went to the older son and said, “Go work in the vineyard today!” His son told him that he would not do it, but later he changed his mind and went. The man then told his younger son to go work in the vineyard. The boy said he would, but he didn’t go. Which one of the sons obeyed his father?

“The older one,” the chief priests and leaders answered.

Then Jesus told them:

You can be sure that tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you ever will! When John the Baptist showed you how to do right, you would not believe him. But these evil people did believe. And even when you saw what they did, you still would not change your minds and believe.

Matthew 21:28-32 CEV

The Main Point

Between words and actions, actions always wins. It’s all well and good to say that you are going to do it, but if you don’t actually do it, it’s worthless. Obedience requires action and follow-through.

The Activities

Color By Number

We practiced some obedience by doing a color by number page. This one that we did was a choose your own code color by number picture, so the kids had to listen to what my instructions were in order to complete a nice looking picture. This was their first experience with this activity, but Sebastian in particular was very diligent and did a great job!

Red Light, Green Light

We started with a really basic obedience game, classic red light, green light. However, if they did not obey me right away, and kept running towards me when I said “red light”, then they had to go back to the start. The kids took this really seriously. I was really impressed.

Mother, May I?

My kids had never played this game before, so I had to walk them through the steps. For those of you unfamiliar with the game, the kids line up, similar to red light, green light. Then one at a time, they ask “Mother, may I take “x number” of steps forward?” And then Mother (that’s me!) says yes or no. Then they have to obey. You can make it more interesting by adding in adjectives, like 3 giant steps forward or 4 tiny steps forward. You can even go backwards, but the aim of the game is to get to Mother. The kids really enjoyed this one, too.

Reverse Hide and Go Seek

This was by far my favorite. Probably because it required the least of me. It is definitely a much better way to play hide and seek with young ones. I found this idea on Triumphant Learning. To play, all the kids hide around the room, house, whatever, depending on how difficult you want it to be. Then, they have to listen for the adult’s voice. I said, in a quieter voice, “If you can hear my voice, come give me a high five.” And then all the kids who heard you (hopefully all of them), come running and give you a high five. It’s all about listening and obeying. I really liked it, and the kids wanted to play it again and again.

Other Ideas

For more Color By Number Sheets, you can check out this resource.
You can also play Simon Says for a game all about obedience.
For older kids, you can set up an obstacle course that the kids have to go through blindfolded using only the instructions that you give.
I really liked this post about what obedience is. I think it’s important to go over that obedience should be timely, fully executed, and with a good attitude.

Looking for a different parable?  Here’s what we’ve covered!

The Wise Builder
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
The Good Samaritan
The Light of the World
Mustard Seed and Yeast
Unmerciful Servant
Lowest Seat at the Feast
Workers in the Vineyard
Hidden Treasures
Lost Sheep
The Two Sons