Whose Is It, Anyway?

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)

 Props: bag of candy

             (As you begin speaking, distribute the candy.  At first, give each child one piece.  Then give about half the children two or three pieces.)  We’re going to give out the treats a little early today.  Be sure to save these for when you get home.  

            When we give you these treats, it is to reward you for your behavior.  Do we have to give you treats to make you behave?  Of course not; you should behave because that is what you are supposed to do!  But we like to give you goodies, so that is why there is candy every week. 

            (Continue teaching and wait for the mumbling to begin about being skipped or given unequal amounts).  I hear some of you complaining.  You don’t think it’s fair that some people around you got extra candy and you didn’t.  You’re probably thinking, “Wait a second.  I’ve been just as good as some of these kids.  I’ve been even better than some of those who got extra candy.” 

            I want you to think about something.  Who does the candy belong to?  (Allow for response).  Right, it’s our candy.  So we can do with it whatever we want to.  It’s not for you to complain when you don’t get something that belongs to someone else.  Don’t worry about what is fair. 

            God gives gifts to all kinds of people.  There are some people who receive God’s love and you may not even think they deserve it.  But those things are God’s to give, not ours.  So instead of worrying about what’s fair, be thankful for all of the wonderful things you have received from God—even when you didn’t deserve it.