Here are the images you need for the hero’s attributes linked to Parable of the forgiven Debt (Matthew 18).
Each hero set contains a high quality graphic of the character, a take home bible card and a colouring page.
The images are displayed small here, click on the image you wish to have, then save the image that loads.
(Please note : Some images have no watermark but are not copyright free, they are only intended for classroom use.)
English
Extra’s – (English Only).
| This craft is really just a bit of fun rather than something deep and theological, it depicts the three characters in the parable of the forgiven debt or unforgiving servant. Once made it can be a storytelling prop, a way to ask deeper questions about forgiveness, or just a toy to play with. |  |
| There is nothing quite like acting out a simple story and this story of the forgiven debt is perfect for that. These finger puppets are so simple with the only mildly difficult bit being cutting the bars of the prison – and you could skip that at a push! They have finger holes but you could stick them onto popsicle sticks instead if you prefer. If you have a 1.5cm circle punch then they really can be made in a matter of minutes. |  |
The Parable Jesus tells here is super simple and yet very deep. We all expect the senior servant to forgive the debt of the lower servant because we expect him to continue passing on the blessings, it jars at us that he would not do so. These games tie into that idea of flowing from one to another and the key theme of forgiveness.
All Ages
Small group
Requires setup time
Noisy game
Can be seated
This story shows how mercy, forgiveness, and compassion should follow down from our heavenly father through us and to those we meet. Use dominoes, blocks, cardboard boxes or whatever you have on hand.
All Ages
Any size group
No Setup time
Noisy game
Space needed
Draw a line on the floor and a dot as far away as possible, The aim is to make a path to the dot, round it and back to the line using hands. The first child lays their hand flat on the line, the next person must then place their hand touching the first child’s. Only once everyone has their hands on the floor can the first person stand and run to place their hand again in the line.
All Ages
Any size group
No Setup time
Noisy game
Space needed
An imitation game where you imitate your neighbour but in an exaggerated way (upsize) or a restricted way (downsize). The first person may wiggle a finger, so the second can upsize to wiggle a hand, then an arm etc.
All Ages
Small group
Requires setup time
Quiet game
Space needed
A simple treasure hunt that works well as an introduction for the lesson. Hide 11 coins that each have a letter stuck on them. Use the sticky part of post-it notes or blank stickers. Once all the letters are collected, you can spell the word FORGIVENESS. Link to the overall theme and how the parable wasn’t really about money but about the mercy each person displayed.
Under 7’s
Any size group
Requires setup time
Noisy game
This classic game links well into the idea that each person is expected to do the same. If you’ve not played it before, the ‘prise’ is wrapped in many layers and circles the room until the music stops. The child holding the parcel then unwraps the layer, and it continues its journey. If you wish, you can add questions / tasks / or even prizes between layers,
This parable of Jesus is probably not the most popular with many, especially not bankers, but the kind of radical forgiveness it displays is sorely needed in today’s world. The idea of burning your last bridges, squandering your last chance, and ‘no way back’ are rife and yet, God never shuts that door to us and asks us to not shut that door to others. If you have older kids, it’s worth reminding them that forgive means not to hold it over someone’s head, but also not to necessarily forget. The king would have been wise to hesitate before lending the man more. Equally, forgiveness is granted when requested on our knees, acknowledging our shortcomings, not given automatically.
Tell this story or a similar one of your choice from a favourite bible translation or storybook. This version is supplied for inspiration, feel free to omit or embellish to give it your personal voice.
Main Passage : Matthew 18:21-35
Extra reference : Acts 1
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