2. Learning Goals-Success Criteria - Learn what parables are -Understand why Jesus used parables -Analyze the parables acted out in class -Write a modern day parable

3.  The use of parables is one of the most significant characteristics of Jesus’ teaching style  He had a way of connecting God to the everyday experiences of his listeners so that his teachings could be easily understood and remembered  Almost all of his parables share one of the following 3 messages; love as I love, forgive as I forgive or Pray as I pray

4.  The basic story elements in Jesus’ parables came from the everyday cultural reality of his listeners ▪ Farming ▪ Shepherding ▪ Children playing ▪ Adults working in their trade  This way even the most ordinary person could become a witness to Jesus’ message  It is helpful for us to draw parallels between our own experiences and those of the people Jesus was addressing to fully understand them

5.  Jesus’ parables often used metaphors to explain his complex ideas  Objects and roles that were familiar to the listeners (e.g., seeds, sheep, fish, water etc.) would become symbols for other ideas (God, God’s people, heaven etc.)

6.  In developing a parable, Jesus would often take a common occurrence of the day and add a surprising twist to it at the end  These twists would keep his listeners alert and catch them off-guard to leave a lasting impression  The idea was to make people think critically about his lessons and the application to daily life

7.  In groups act out the parable given to you and decide what Jesus’ message was

8.  Choose 2 parables that were acted out and complete the following… Name of the Parable Characters/Objects and what they represent What Jesus was trying to teach? How can we or society connect to this parable?

9.  Partner A: Matthew 10:10-14 (Lost Sheep)  Partner B: Luke 20: 9-19 (Wicked Tenants)  Partner C: Mark 13: 32-37 (Watchfulness) Read the parables and answer the following questions in your small groups.  In your own words tell your partner with your partner what happened in the story.  Who does the Shepherd/Land owner/Master in the story represent?  Explain the message that Jesus was trying to teach his followers.  Which of the common elements of parables is Jesus using in this story? (Based on the Everyday, Metaphors, a surprise ending?)

10.  Success criteria:  Decide on a moral lesson you would like to teach  Your audience is your peers  Your characters don’t have to be actual people. You can use nature, animals or objects to tell the story  Use 400 words  When a reader reads your story it should make your reader inspired or challenged to think a different way (Inspiration is the key to a great parable)

11.  Choose 2 parables from pg. 1192 in the bible and complete the following… Name of the Parable Characters/Objects and what they represent What Jesus was trying to teach? How can we or society connect to this parable?