In this message, we will explore the parable of the workers (Matthew 20) and the idea that sometimes things don't seem fair. However, God's grace and mercy to us aren't fair, either! We don't deserve to benefit from what Jesus did for us, and yet we do, and are welcomed into God's family. Kids will experience the story in a real life way, and will be reminded that God loves all of us no matter what.

https://ministry-to-children.com/workers-in-the-vineyard-sermon

https://ministry-to-children.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/childrens-sermon-first-will-be-last.pdf

https://ministry-to-children.com/bible/parable-of-the-workers-in-the-vineyard/

https://ministry-to-children.com/lesson-heavenly-treasureswinning-in-gods-eyes-matthew-201-16/

This children's sermon will teach kids the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard found in Matthew 20:1-16. Download the printable teaching notes below, gather your object lesson props, and watch our demonstration video as you prepare to teach.

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“That’s Not Fair”
“The first will be last” children’s sermon from Matthew 20:1-16
Main Objective: Children will often lament the gross “injustice” they might see in their world. Kids want to be first, want to be winners, want to get the best of things. They tend to feel and act upset if they sense that things are not fair. The parable of the workers in the field reminds us that people have always expressed anger for what seems unfair. It also reminds us that God’s view of “fair” is not the same as our human understanding, and that’s actually quite a positive thing for us. As forgiven people, we don’t get what we deserve—and that saves our souls!
Law/Gospel Theme: The parable found in this passage is a beautiful assurance of what grace is. God promises to give us life. It doesn’t matter what age our stage we accept the gift of Christ’s salvation. We can be promised full free forgiveness, because God has granted it. This story expresses the truth that life is often not fair. However, if we got everything we deserved, we would receive punishment and death for our sins! Instead, we get mercy and life in Jesus. We should give thanks to God that life’s not fair!
Optional Materials: Small items to pass around (stickers, coins, candies), or bags with various small items inside; small crosses.
Bible Passage: Matthew 20:1-16
 
Matthew 20:1-16 ESV
Bible Verses/story to Reference:
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.
3 “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4 He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ 5 So they went.
“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. 6 About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’
7 “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.
“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’
8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’
9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’
13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
-Matthew 20:1-16