For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Jesus tells a surprising story about a boss who pays everyone the same — and shows us how big God's generous heart is.
Today's Story
Jesus told a story. “A vineyard owner went out early in the morning to hire workers for his field. He promised them a fair day's pay. A few hours later, he hired more workers. He kept hiring more all day long — some even came near the very end of the day, working only one hour.”
“When evening came, the owner paid everyone. And here's the surprise: he paid every worker the same — a full day's pay! — even the ones who had worked only an hour.”
The workers who had been there all day grumbled. “That's not fair! We worked longer!” But the owner said kindly, “Friends, I paid you exactly what I promised. Can't I be generous with what's mine? Don't be jealous because I am kind.”
Jesus was teaching that God is wonderfully generous. He gives His love and His goodness as a gift, more than anyone could ever earn. And when God is kind to others, we can be glad, not jealous. In God's kingdom, the last will be first, and the first will be last.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- The owner paid everyone the same, even the latecomers. Why do you think that made some of the workers grumble?
- God gives His love as a gift, not as a paycheck we earn. Why is that good news for us?
- It's easy to feel jealous when someone else gets something good. How can we be glad for them instead, like the owner wanted?