Note to the parent or teacher: Here is a 30- to 45-minute lesson plan to fill out the post “The Parables of Jesus: A Tale of Two Houses.” It goes with the lesson objectives, “Study more of the parables that Jesus taught and their meaning” (Christian Life and Faith: Biblical and Christian Foundation: Jesus, God’s Son-2b); and “Learn how one may not see the immediate effect of some of the choices one makes, but all choices eventually add up to determine the course of one’s life, which is why one must learn to choose rightly; learn that one has a choice in the way one behaves toward others, and in the daily decisions that one makes. One is able to evaluate the consequences of one’s actions and choose rightly” (Character Building: Personal Responsibility: Choice and Decision-making-2d).

Note to parents/teachers: The “consider and reflect” points interspersed throughout this lesson plan provide a reflection to help in applying the parable lesson personally. A Bible scripture is included for each one. Feel free to encourage your children to think of Bible stories or other verses when applicable.

Read “The Parables of Jesus: The Sower: A Tale of Two Houses.” (You can also read this parable in Matthew 7:24–27 and in Luke 6:46–49.)

Explain to the children how we can use the guidance of God’s Word to make the right choices in our lives. When we follow God’s instructions to us, we are building our lives on a strong foundation (the Rock).

Listen to “Building on the Rock.”

• Consider and reflect on how to build on the Rock when making a decision. Think of examples of building the process of decision-making on the rock versus the sand. Proverbs 3:5–6.
• Consider and reflect on how to build on the Rock when deciding how to treat another. Think of examples of building interactions with others on the rock versus the sand. Matthew 7:12.

Watch “Building on the Rock!”

• Consider and reflect on how to build on the Rock when someone wrongs you. Think of examples of building a response to being wronged on the rock versus the sand. Matthew 6:14–15 and Luke 6: 36–37.
• Consider and reflect on how to build on the Rock when there’s a need to be filled or someone needs help. Think of examples of building a reaction to seeing a need on the rock versus the sand. Hebrews 13:16.

Watch “The Parables of Jesus: The Two Builders.” (If you have difficulty viewing it here, you can also view it on WorshipHouseKids.)

• Consider and reflect on how to build on the Rock when you need help from Jesus. Think of examples of building a response to your need on the rock versus the sand. Hebrews 4:15–16.
• Consider and reflect on how to build on the Rock when you have wronged someone else. Think of examples of building a follow-up from you on the rock versus the sand. Matthew 5:23–24.

Read “A Thought for the Day: On Solid Rock.”

• Consider and reflect on how to build on the Rock when choosing between doing something appropriate or inappropriate. Think of examples of building the choice on the rock versus the sand. Ephesians 4:25–32.
• Consider and reflect on how to build on the Rock when in a proud and boastful mood. Think of examples of building a mood on the rock versus the sand. Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 27:2, and James 4:16.

Sing along with “Come Let Us Sing.”

Additional material:

• “The Wise Man Built His House”
• “Bible Space Trek: Two Builders” (Answer key.)
• “Level 1 Lesson Plan: God’s Word—The Rock”
• “0–5 Lesson Plan: Building a Strong Foundation”