Storytelling has a unique way of touching our hearts, capturing our attention, and teaching us in ways that simple facts cannot. Jesus, the greatest storyteller of all, used parables—simple, relatable stories—to convey profound truths about God’s kingdom, love, forgiveness, and the way we are called to live. His parables took everyday experiences and moments familiar to His audience, using them to reveal spiritual realities and invite listeners to see the world in a new way.

In that spirit, we’re excited to introduce our new guide, 8 Parables for Kids, designed to make Jesus’ teachings come alive for young hearts. This guide brings to life eight of Jesus' timeless stories, giving children (and the adults who guide them) a way to engage with God’s Word in a way that’s fun, meaningful, and easy to understand. By learning from Jesus’ storytelling, we, too, can begin to see God’s lessons woven into our daily lives.

Why Jesus Used Parables

Jesus’ parables weren’t just stories; they were spiritual mirrors and windows. Through His parables, Jesus revealed truths in ways that were accessible yet challenging. Stories like the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son are simple enough for children to understand but hold layers of meaning that can challenge adults, too. In each story, Jesus used relatable elements—things like seeds, sheep, and family dynamics—to make deep truths about God’s kingdom clear and memorable.

The beauty of Jesus’ storytelling lies in its accessibility. Parables help us relate the profound truths of the Bible to our daily experiences, making it possible for us to recognize God’s work in the world around us. For example, when children learn about the Parable of the Lost Sheep, they come to understand God’s care and attentiveness in a powerful way. This story invites them to see that, just like a shepherd who seeks out one lost sheep, God values each person uniquely, no matter their circumstances.

Introducing 8 Parables for Kids

Our new 8 Parables for Kids guide was created to help families share these important lessons with children in a way they can grasp and enjoy. Each parable in the guide includes an engaging retelling of the story, discussion questions, and practical applications that families can explore together. It’s designed to create moments of learning and connection, sparking meaningful discussions that encourage children to see how God’s teachings apply to their own lives.

In the guide, we focus on eight beloved parables, including the Parable of the Mustard Seed, which teaches about faith’s growth; the Good Samaritan, which illustrates compassion and kindness; and the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders, which shows the importance of building our lives on strong foundations. Each story is a gateway to a larger conversation about who God is and how we can live according to His ways.

Finding God’s Lessons in Our Own Stories

Just as Jesus used everyday situations to teach His listeners, we, too, can find spiritual insights in our own lives. By looking at our personal experiences through a lens of faith, we discover that God is always teaching us, even in the ordinary moments. These lessons might come in unexpected places: learning patience while waiting in line, showing kindness to someone who is difficult to love, or finding joy in simple moments with family. When we pay attention to these daily encounters, we begin to see that God’s lessons are all around us.

Encourage your family to share stories of times they’ve seen God at work in their lives. Maybe a child showed courage in a challenging situation or forgave a friend. Sharing these “mini-parables” not only strengthens family bonds but also reinforces the idea that God’s truths are active and relevant every day.

How to Use Parables to Spark Family Discussions

To help children and adults alike connect with God’s Word, here are a few ideas for using parables to spark faith-filled conversations in your home:

1. Retell and Reflect Together: After reading one of the parables from the guide, invite each family member to share their thoughts. Ask open-ended questions like, “What part of the story stood out to you?” or “How does this story remind us of God’s love?” This allows everyone to explore the meaning at their own level.
2. Connect Parables to Daily Life: Encourage your children to notice moments in their lives that reflect the lessons of the parables. For instance, after reading the Parable of the Good Samaritan, ask them to think about ways they can help others during their week, just like the Samaritan did.
3. Create a Family “Story Journal”: Start a journal where family members can write down moments when they saw God’s truth at work in their lives. It could be as simple as helping a friend, standing up for what is right, or noticing the beauty of creation. Over time, this journal becomes a cherished collection of God’s faithfulness and a reminder of how His lessons continue to shape and guide each person.
4. Pray and Practice Together: End your time by praying over the lessons from the parable. Ask God to help each family member remember the story and put it into action. Whether it’s being a “good neighbor” or having faith like a mustard seed, prayer reinforces that God’s Word isn’t just something to hear but something to live out.

Seeing God in Our Everyday Stories

When we celebrate the value of storytelling, especially as Jesus did, we learn to see God’s work in both the miraculous and the mundane. Parables allow us to connect with God’s heart, understand His teachings, and apply them in practical ways. As you read and share the parables with your family, remember that each story is an invitation to know God more deeply and to look for His hand in our everyday experiences.

Through our new 8 Parables for Kids guide, we hope that children and parents alike will come to treasure Jesus’ stories and the timeless truths they reveal. May each parable be a light for your family, helping you to see God’s presence in the world around you and in the stories He’s crafting in each of your lives.