The idea of talent in the parable of the rich fool

SCRIPTURE:

Luke 12:16-21

OBJECTIVES:

1. Help the children to understand that strength, intelligence, and even life were given to us by God for the wellbeing of humanity;

2. Show that, like any other gift, we should be accountable to the supreme master who is God; the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

INTRODUCTION:

Start the lesson with a short song and/or a prayer.

PRESENTATION:

Another story that Jesus told His disciples to encourage them to use their wealth for the wellbeing of their community is that of a certain rich man whose ground yielded an abundant harvest. His harvest was so big that he did not know where to store the crops. He was embarrassed. Given that he had so much money, he decided to tear down his old barns and build bigger ones to store his surplus grain. This was the best option for him and he had already planned it in his mind. He was already seeing himself living a peaceful life with so much material wealth for many years to come. He had forgotten that life was a momentary gift from God for a precise purpose. That same night, he died.

The rich man tried to fructify his wealth; he was a skilful peasant. His strength and thoughts were geared towards various ways of being more productive. This is the positive side of the story that can be learned from the rich man. However, we should avoid his error: live as if we are the owners of our lives forgetting that it was loaned to us for a short time. The rich man did not know that he had to use these material gifts not just for himself alone but also to help develop other people.

SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION:

1. Did Jesus want to encourage the disciples to laziness?

2. Why did Jesus tell this story?

3. What were the talents of this rich man?

4. How did he use them?

5. What lessons can we learn from this story?

ACTIVITY:

Ask the children if they know other stories similar to this parable?

RESOURCE PERSON:

The Sunday school teacher can decide if it’s necessary to invite a Christian personality to advise the children.

ACTION TO ENCOURAGE:

Ask the children to tell this parable to their parents and see what they think about it.

MEMORY VERSE:

“But God said to him, you fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself ?” (Luke 12:20).

CLOSING:

Close with a short song and or dominical prayer.

Chapter 14