Share the Word
Ways to present Matthew 13:31-33,44-52
Activities marked with an asterisk 
next to the activity title are in addition to the resources in the Ready to go sessions. Suggested timings for these activities are also shown. NB The inclusion of additional activities varies from week to week.
A version of the story for very young children
Lay out five cloth circles and place play objects or felt shapes
(in italics below) to tell the story.
Jesus told five short stories:
The kingdom of God is like a tiny seed that grows into a mighty tree
where many birds make their home.
The kingdom of God is like yeast that a woman kneads into a huge
bowl of flour until it causes the dough to rise.
The kingdom of God is like treasure hidden in a field. When a
man finds it, he sells everything he has to buy the field and own
the treasure.
The kingdom of God is like a precious pearl. When a trader
finds it, he sells everything he has so that he can buy the one
precious pearl.
The kingdom of God is like a fishing net. It catches all the fish.
At the end of the day, the fishermen sort the fish, the good from
the bad, just as will happen to people at the end of time.
FOR CHILDREN
Read the story and pause at the 
to share these points with the children (see Stop and share below). Then use the activity to explore the passage together. (10 mins)
Click on the image to view a PDF.
Stop and share
- The yeast is tiny and doesn't look like much, but holds much power and potential, helping the dough to rise.
- The kingdom of God is the most precious prize. The merchant recognised the true value of this pearl.
- We want instant results, we want fairness now, but we must trust God’s timing.
Repeat and crescendo W E
- Read out the first four parables. As you do this, invite the children to suggest actions for the group to join in with. Read the passages again and encourage everyone to repeat the key phrases after you. Ask the children to whisper the words when the parable is about something waiting to grow or be found, and then build up to a shout when something grows or is discovered.
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Parable questions 15 mins W
- On a large sheet of paper draw two columns, each headed with a question: What is the kingdom of heaven like? What takes time?
- Read out each parable, allowing time for the group to write answers to the questions. Then ask: What examples of risk or trust are in these stories?