These craft ideas will supplement your Bible teaching on the passage in Matthew 25:1-12 where Jesus tells the Parable of the Ten Waiting Ladies. Use it in your children’s church or Sunday School when teaching about being ready for Jesus to come back.
“Be Prepared for Jesus” Bible Craft Ideas on Matthew 25:1-12, the Parable of the Ten Virgins
This week’s Gospel lesson presents another parable, and one that might seem odd or confusing taken out of context. The important lesson to impart for kids is that we want to be prepared for Christ’s return, as we don’t know when it might be. Meanwhile, however, we recognize that Jesus is with us every day, and we can celebrate His presence in how we live our lives. These crafts feature components of the story: a “lamp”, an oil element, and a decorative reminder to be prepared for Jesus.
Bible Verses or Craft Captions to Consider… (Main Text: Matthew 25:1-13)
Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. -Matthew 25:13
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.. -Matthew 24:44
Be prepared for Jesus!
Have your “lamps lit”…Christ is coming!
Live in the presence of God every day.
Love one another.
Read your Bible; pray every day!
More Teaching Ideas on this Bible Story
- You can watch a teaching demonstration of this children’s sermon on our YouTube
- Don’t miss the Bible craft ideas for this same passage
- See our full Sunday School lesson on Matthew 25:1-12
- Compare the Parable of the Bridegroom lesson from Mission Bible Class
Craft one: “Preparation Decoration”
You will need:
- Construction paper or card stock
- Markers, stickers, or other decorating materials
- String, yarn, or pipe cleaner
- Hole punch
- Scissors
Procedure:
- Decorate the paper, drawing a cross or other shape as a base.
- Add notes and verses about how to be prepared for Christ, and add extra decorations if desired.
- Cut out the cross or other shape.
- Add a string or ribbon to hang as a decoration.
Craft Two: “Oil Lantern in a Cup ”
You will need:
- Paper or plastic cup
- Paper (construction) (optional)
- Popsicle sticks
- Markers or crayons
- Glue and/or tape
- Yarn or pipe cleaners (optional)
- Markers
- Scissors
Procedure:
1. Choose how you would like to decorate the cup, using paper and captions.
2. Attach notes to the cup, along with stickers or verses.
3. Add a “handle” to your lantern with a pipe cleaner or string.
4. Put a “flame” on your popsicle stick with marker or paper. Tape into the “lantern” cup.
5. Use the cup as a reminder of the parable and of the importance of being prepared for Jesus.
Craft Three: “Oil Stained Glass ”
You will need:
- Oil (vegetable or baby oil)
- Paper (construction) (optional)
- Cotton balls
- Crayons
- String or ribbon (if desired to hang)
Procedure:
1. Use crayon to create images on the construction paper, filling in all spaces.
2. Dab a cotton ball into vegetable or baby oil, and carefully swab it over the crayon drawing.
3. Add verse captions and additional decoration as desired.
4. Attach a string or ribbon to hang the “stained glass” in a window, and watch the light shine through!