While this story is all about action, those actions are symbolised by two animals and because we can never have enough sheep crafts for bible stories (right!) this craft is a little sheep and goat that stand up. This would be a perfect pre-schooler craft as it really is super-duper simple!
The King separated the sheep and the goats, not because they were sheep and goats, but because some had truly served their fellow man (for the least of these) when the others hadn’t. This craft illustrates that separation. It is deliberately blank so that the older children can write their own messages on the wall and floor.
The parable of the talents has so few moving pieces, it is perfect to make a retelling of the story craft. This one uses lift flaps that you open as the story progresses to see how each servant used his talents.
The parable of the talents is a simple story for younger groups, we invest our ‘talent’ and it will grow, or we bury it and it will remain the same. This craft is basic for younger kids too, make a bag that contains your talent!
The main element in the parable of the 10 bridesmaids is not the bridesmaids but the oil for their lamps. This craft ties into that by letting the youngsters associate oil with revealing, as the lamps would have illuminated and revealed the world in the dark.
To make this craft, you will need the 1-page template printout, scissors, some coloured paper (tissue paper is perfect, but any paper will work), a glue stick, a paintbrush, and some oil (any oil will work).
Cut out the main framed shape.
Glue your colours on the back. The only area you need to cover is where the objects are, but you could cover the whole space.
Turn your creation over – at this point make sure you are working on a surface you can clean oil off – a plastic tray or varnished table you can wipe is ideal.
Dip your paintbrush in the oil and start to fill the centre of the shapes. The paper should turn translucent pretty instantly.
Fill both shapes with oil. You can also fill the numbers. Please beware the oil will continue to spread — after 24 hours, this picture had a spread of around 2 cm away from the edge of the painted area.
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Those 10 bridesmaids lamps slowly ate through the oil until the light goes out, that’s what this craft shows clearly, a reminder to keep oil in our spiritual lamps.
To make this craft, you will need the 1-page template printout, scissors, a split pin, a craft knife, and you may also choose to use an awl or hole punch.
Remove the space for the flame and oil
— If you have younger kids, do this in advance if possible
Cut out both pieces.
Make a hole in each of the small black circles.
Thread the spit pin between the two layers and open on the back.
Spin the back until the oil well is full, and the candle lit.
Holding the white tab, spin the yellow tab clockwise. The oil drains away, and the flame goes out as you move it around the edge.
Help keep the free items on this site free by donating. This site supports my family as we live by God's great economy.
Jesus openly criticised the Pharisees long threads upon their garments. These long threads are religious symbols, but the Pharisees would make them super long, impractically so, to show their great piety. They joined a long list of criticisms that Jesus accused the religious leaders of. There are plenty of symbols and cultural references in Matthew 23, but this one is apparent and carries an easy message – God doesn’t look at the outside but at our actions.
The idea of the servant being the greatest is one that Jesus revisits in many passages, this little split pin craft looks at how not only the servant is the greatest, but often the authority is also the least. It’s based on Matthew 23:11-12 where Jesus says, “The greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
