Run to Win the Prize!   

Lessons from the Parable of the Sower. Examples from the world of sports and stories from the life of Jesus bring to life the truth told in the Parable of the Sower of how we can receive, believe, and grow in God’s kingdom.

Summer Games Children's Ministry Curriculum Lesson Overview

MEMORY VERSE:

“In a race, all the runners run. But only one gets the prize. You know that, don’t you? So run in a way that will get you the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIRV):


LESSONS:
1) Marathon

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, The Sower & Matthew 12:1-14, Jesus and the Sabbath

Marathon runners have their hearts and minds set on reaching the finish line even though their bodies will be telling them to stop. Jesus was healing people and telling them about the Kingdom of God. He was focused on finishing his mission of salvation. Some embraced the message, but the Pharisees rejected Jesus and his message. They had hard hearts, just like the seed that fell along the path. 

Objective: Kids will say “I will keep an open heart to what Jesus says.”

2) Synchronized Swimming

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, The Sower & John 6:57-69, Disciples Turn Away

Athletes have to be “in sync” if they hope to win gold in synchronized swimming. When Jesus called himself “the Bread of Life” many of his followers were not “in sync” with what he said and they stopped following him. They were like the seed that fell along the rocky place.

Objective: Kids will say “I will not turn away when things get tough.”

3) Wrestling

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, The Sower & Matthew 19:16-26, The Rich Young Man

Wrestlers need to stay in control and not get pinned down. The seed that lands among the weeds wrestles with the concerns of life which can pin them down and keep them from growing. The Rich Young Man wanted to follow Jesus but wrestled with Jesus’ call for him to sell all that he had. 

Objective: Kids will say “I won’t let the worries of life take my eyes off Jesus.” 

4) Speed Climbing

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, The Sower & Luke 19:1-10, Zacchaeus

Athletes in speed climbing try to climb higher, faster than their competitors. Zacchaeus got higher than anyone else to see Jesus. When Zacchaeus met Jesus, it turned his life around. Zacchaeus’ love and generosity grew, just like the seed that fell along the good path in the Parable of the Sower.

Objective: Kids will say “I want my relationship with Jesus to be my highest priority.”

EACH LESSON INCLUDES:
Make It Stick! Parent Sheet
Memory Verse
Game
Large Group Lesson
Small-Group Discussion
More!

ABOUT THIS CURRICULUM:
Perfect for kids ages 6-12.
4 Weeks
Includes both Large Group and Small Group resources.