Lesson 3: The mustard seed and yeast.
Passage: Matthew 13:31-33 - Jesus tells the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast. Both represent the way that the kingdom of heaven (on earth) has small and humble beginnings, but grows and brings about blessing to all, spreads and permeates its influence wherever it goes. It goes to show that even our smallest actions can have a big impact.
Big Idea: Small beginnings, big results.
For Teachers:
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the students sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Introduce yourself and ask about their week.
Warm Up Activity — Activity Leader
Pass around a small bottle containing a mustard seed and another containing yeast. See if the kids can spot it.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we're going to learning about another one of Jesus' stories that teach us about God. This story is about mustard seeds and yeast.
Let's watch our video to find out more about the story...
Play Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we learned that something small can grow into something much bigger. What are some examples?
What do seeds need in order to grow into a big plant?
We also learned that the little things that we do are really important and make a big difference. What’s something nice that you do for your parents or friends?
Has someone else ever done something nice for you that made a big difference?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for the lesson we learned today about how even the small things that we do can make a big difference. Please help us to find ways to do kind things for others each and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Mustard Seed Sensory Activity — Activity Leader
There will be 10 ziploc bags filled with clear hair gel and several mustard seeds in each bag. Have students try to move the mustard seeds across the bag using their fingers.
If a child is not interested in the activity, allow them to move to free play.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit near the TV. Introduce yourself and ask about their week. Pass around a small bottle of the mustard seed and yeast for the kids to look at, and explain what they are.
Warm Up Activity: Duplo Tower Challenge — Activity Leader
Each kid is given blocks which they need to use to work together to build a tower. Remind the students that on their own they are just one person, but together they can make something big.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we're going to be learning about another one of Jesus' stories which teach us important lessons about God. Today's story is all about mustard seeds and yeast.
Let's watch our video to find out more about the story...
Play Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
What was the lesson that Jesus taught us about small things like mustard seeds and yeast?
What is something small you can do that can make a big difference to somebody else?
Do you think that something like kindness can spread and grow? How so?
What's something kind that someone else has done for you that you remember?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for teaching us that even little things can grow and spread and make a big difference in the world. Please help us to spread love and kindness to our friends and family through the little things that we do every day. We know that you are a great God who can use even small kids to do big things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Q-tip painting — Activity Leader
Using q-tips, a printed tree cardstock and the washable paint provided, invite kids to paint their own mustard tree.
Prior to activity, play the craft video from the playlist that shows how to paint the trees.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the students sit in pillow area. Introduce yourself and ask about their week. Pass around bottles containing mustard seeds and yeast. Ask the kids if they know what they are.
Warm Up Activity: Trivia — Activity Leader
Using the Macro video from the playlist, have the kids guess what each of the items are. Pause the video to give the kids time to guess before the answers are revealed.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we're continuing our series on the Parables of Jesus, which are stories he told his followers that each have an important lesson about God. Today's story is all about mustard seeds and yeast.
Let's watch our video to find out more about the story...
Play Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Why do you think Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a mustard seed and yeast?
How do you think that one small act of kindness can grow and spread to make the world a better place?
Has anyone ever done something kind for you that made a big difference in your life?
What are some examples of acts of kindness that you can think of?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you that you are a God who uses small things to make a big difference. Thank you that even though we might feel like our lives are small and insignificant, all of it matters to you, and you want us to play a part in the big things you are doing in the world. Please help us to see how the little things we can do each day to make the world a better place. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Q-tip painting mustard tree — Activity Leader
Play the craft video from the playlist.
Using Q-tips, a printed tree and the washable paint provided, invite students to paint their own mustard tree.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
For Parents:
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What was the story that you learned about in class today?
What is a mustard seed and yeast? What does each of them turn into?
Do you think it's pretty cool that something small can turn into something big? Do you think that the little things we do for others can make a big difference?
Can you think of a time when someone did something nice for you? How did it make you feel?
What are some ideas of nice thing that you can do for someone else?
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What was the story that you learned about in class today?
What is a mustard seed and yeast? What do they turn into?
Do you think that the small acts of kindness we do can add up and make a big difference?
Can you think of something nice someone’s done for you? How did it make you feel?
What’s one kind thing you can do for someone else this week?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
Why do you think Jesus used the examples of a mustard seed and yeast to talk about the kingdom of God?
Can you think of a time when someone did or said something that made a big impact on you?
Do you think that one person can make a difference in the world? What are some small ways we can make a difference?
