YEA Lesson Library
Fair Pay
About This Lesson
Using the parable of the workers in the vineyard, this lesson teaches the importance of gratitude.
Scriptures
Matthew 16:27
Matthew 19:30
Matthew 20:1-16
Romans 14:4
1 Corinthians 3:9
Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:12-17
Colossians 4:1
1 Timothy 5:18
Words to Know
GRUMBLE - complaining, unhappy muttering
The Lesson
A farmer had lots of land and a big garden. He needed help to gather in all his fruit and vegetables. He went out one morning. He hired several men to work for him. The farmer said he would pay each one a silver coin.
Later, the farmer saw some more men who needed a job. He said, “If you will work for me, I will pay you fairly.” The men agreed and went to work. At lunch time the farmer hired more men to help him.
Near the end of the day, the farmer still needed help. He went to town. Some men were standing around. The farmer asked them to go help pick his fruit and vegetables.
Everyone stopped working for the day. They went to get paid for their work. The farmer gave everyone the same amount of money. Men who worked just a few hours got a silver coin. Men who worked all day got a silver coin. The men who worked all day started grumbling!
Jesus said it was okay for the farmer to pay everyone the same. The farmer was being fair to all the workers. The men who worked all day shouldn’t get mad and grumble. The farmer was being kind to the men who only worked a few hours. Being kind is always a good thing to do.
Jesus wants you to learn to be happy with what you have. When someone gives you a gift or money, you should thank them. You shouldn’t grumble. Being thankful makes God happy.
Daily Devotions
Sunday - Romans 14:4
Monday - Matthew 19:30
Tuesday - Matthew 16:27
Wednesday - Matthew 20:16
Thursday - Colossians 4:1
Friday - 1 Corinthians 3:9
Saturday - 1 Timothy 5:18
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the children will be able to:
1. Tell why the workers were grumbling.
2. Explain that the farmer gave fair pay to all the workers.
3. State that being kind is always a good thing.
4. Tell that God wants us to be thankful instead of grumbling.
Topics & Themes
Gratitude
Grumbling
Harvest
Jesus, His Ministry
Kindness
Parable of Workers
in Vineyard
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA Students’ and Teacher’s books, attendance and memory verse charts, stars, CD or cassette tape, music player, songbook, construction paper, tempera paint, pie tins, fruit and vegetables, paint shirts, newspaper, wet towels
Preparation
Preschoolers may be unable to verbalize what they have learned from the lesson. But each lesson will gradually shape their thinking and understanding so their actions will reflect it. They can learn that the lessons apply to them through the activity, review questions, song, prayer, and small rewards. These will all go to reinforce what is being taught.
Before you come to class, cut apples, pears, bell peppers, and carrots in half. Put a small amount of tempera paint into shallow pie tins. Be sure you have paint shirts for the children and newspaper to cover your table. You will need wet towels for clean-up.
Review Questions
1. Why did the farmer hire the men to work for him?
2. How much money did he give the men who worked for him?
3. Why did the men grumble?
4. Did the farmer break any rules by paying everyone the same?
5. Was it wrong for the farmer to be kind to the men who only worked a few hours?
6. What should you do when someone gives you a gift or some money?
REACH Activity
Letter: V
Words: vegetables, very, verse
Sentence:
THE FARMER GAVE A SILVER COIN TO THE MEN WHO HELPED HIM PICK VEGETABLES. JESUS WILL BE VERY HAPPY WHEN EVERYONE IS KIND. BE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE!
Song
“Down In My Heart” is on page 69 of the Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you that the farmer was kind to all his workers. Help me be kind. Help me learn to be thankful and not grumble. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Printable Pages
