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.
Dominoes fall
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.
Many Hands Race
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.
Upsize/downsize
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.
Word coins
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.
Pass the parcel
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,
