Spring is just around the corner! Time to think about things that grow and the Master Gardener. With this object lesson you can show children that God can grow in many different containers–in many different ways. I plan to use this verse to introduce my Planting Seeds Object Lesson to the class. 1 Corinthians 3-5-8 NIV reads, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.”
What You’ll Need
- Different potting containers (like a small clay pot, an egg shell, an old shoe)
- Seedlings
- Potting soil
- Garden gloves
- Small shovel
- Seed packets (one for each student)
Prepare to Teach
Before class, plant the seedlings in the containers. Arrange the plants in the teaching table. Invite kids to look but don’t touch.
Let’s Teach
One of my favorite things about spring is planting flowers, herbs and vegetables. There is something wonderful about watching something I planted to grow. Raise yourself if you have ever planted something before. (Ask kids what they have planted.)
As you can see here, I have a few different plant holders. Did you know that you can plant seeds in just about anything? Of course, that reminds me of a bible passage. Let’s read it together. (Read the passage.)
The apostle Paul wrote this. You see, Christians were competing with other Christians. They were going around bragging saying, “I go to Paul’s church.” Other people were bragging saying, “I go to Apollos’ church.” Paul was upset about that because God never intended for ministries and churches to compete with one another. We are all to plant God’s Word in people’s lives. I’m not better than you, you aren’t better than me. We all serve God when we tell people about Jesus.
It’s just like these planting containers. You can see I have some different ones here. They all look very different but despite how different they look, they are all capable of growing wonderful plants.
Boys and girls, when serving God, don’t compare yourself to others. We are all different but we can all serve God in unique ways.
Read more from Mimi by following her blog at Tools for Kids Church.