Jesus’ parables are rich ground for family devotions. Use these eight ideas to start great conversations and have fun while you explore God’s story. (Excerpted from God’s Big Story Cards—a family devotions game from Faith Alive.)
The Lost Sheep: Read Luke 15:1-7 and John 10:14-15
Share: Tell about a time when you were lost. How did God take care of you?
Retell: Make a cartoon strip that tells the story of the lost sheep.Respond: The Pharisees were very obedient but very bossy leaders of the church in Jesus’ day. They didn’t like the people Jesus was spending time with. Talk about times you decide whether a person is good or bad even though you don’t know them. When Jesus looks at people, what does he see? How can you be more like Jesus?
The Lost Son: Read Luke 15:11-32
Wonder: What surprises you most about the younger son? The older son? The father?
Praise: God wants everyone to be part of his family. Celebrate God’s love with a party. Make colorful paper placemats, eat a special snack, and sing a song of praise to God!
Pray: Join hands as you pray for people you know who don’t know or love God. Ask God to show you ways to share God’s love with them.
The Great Banquet: Read Luke 14:15-24
Retell: Take turns describing the most wonderful party you can imagine. Then think about other activities in your life—school work, soccer games, and so on, and make up an excuse about why you can’t attend the party. How is this like what happened in the story Jesus told? What was the reaction of the host in the story?
Wonder: What do you imagine heaven will be like? What’s the first thing you’d like to do when you get there?
Share: Is it surprising that God chooses and wants YOU? Why?
The Rich Fool: Read Luke 12:15-21
Wonder: What do you think was most important to the farmer—his things or God? Are we sometimes like the farmer? How?
Pray: “Lord God, show us how to use or time and blessings to serve you and others.”
Praise: Name something you are really good at. How can you use that skill to praise God? (For example, help someone do math, encourage a teammate, make someone a card.)
The Ten Bridesmaids: Read Matthew 25:1-13
Share: Tell about a time when you weren’t prepared for something or forgot something you needed.
Wonder: No one knows exactly when Jesus will return or what that day will be like. Do you ever think about it? Does it make you feel glad? Or afraid?
Respond: Talk about what it means to be ready for Jesus to come again.
The Sower: Read Mark 4:1-20
Share: Tell about a time you did or didn’t have success at growing something. How does what happened remind you of the story Jesus told?
Respond: Pop some popcorn. Count the unpopped kernels and wonder why some didn’t pop. Is it disappointing when there are many unpopped ones? What does that say to you about this story?
Praise: Measure each other. Praise God for how your bodies have grown. Talk about how your love for Jesus grows, and praise God for that too!
Sheep and Goats: Read Matthew 25:31-46
Retell: Jesus gave many examples of how we show love to him by showing love to others in need. Draw a picture of yourself showing love to someone.
Pray: Make a list of people with needs or hurts. Pray for them.
Respond: Which acts of kindness from Jesus’ list could your family do: feed the hungry, make sure people have clean water to drink, invite people into your home, welcome people who are new to your school or neighborhood. . . .Brainstorm together and plan to do something on the list.
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector: Read Luke 18:9-14
Wonder: Why do you think only the tax collector was forgiven?
Share: When have you caught yourself thinking you were better, smarter, or more pleasing to God than someone else? Why wasn’t that pleasing to God?
Respond: Keep track of your prayers for a week or more. Use a notebook or journal. What do your prayers show about what is going on in your mind and heart?
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