Vineyard Workers Game
(You might decide to play the game before
the lesson.)
Set Up: Establish a large circular playing area. Mark it off
using flags, ropes or hoses. In the center of the playing area spread
items such as various sizes of balls, blocks, cardboard tubes, etc.
Give each player a bag. Have them write their name on it.
How To Play: Tell the players the object of the game is to pickup
as many items as possible in the amount of time they are given. Have the players line up on the outside edge of the
circle. Place bags behind each player. Number off the players 1-4 so that each player will be
numbered 1, 2, 3 or 4. Tell them you will call out one of the numbers
and anyone with that number will be given a few seconds to pick up
some of the items from the center of the circle and place it in their
bag. Players may only grab one
item at a time, then return to the circle to collect another item. (During play
teacher may call out different modes of
entering the circle. For example, hopping, skipping, broad jumping,
etc.) Players may continue to collect items until the teacher blows a
whistle or yells stop (give the players a few seconds). Teacher then
calls another number and play proceeds as before. Vary the amount of
time for the different numbered players to collect items. Be obvious
that some players are receiving more time to collect items than other
players.
When the circle is cleared, have the players count
their items. Make a big deal that some of them collected a lot of
items and really deserve a reward. Then start giving the rewards
(candy works well), starting with the ones that gathered the least
amount. Say, "You've earned your reward and I will give you each one
piece of candy." Then ask the players, "If they earned one
piece, how much should I give to the players that collected more
items?" "Two, three, four?", "No, I will only give
one piece to everyone."
If you are playing the game before the lesson,
begin the lesson now. If you are playing the game after the lesson,
discuss the following:
How is our game like the parable of the workers in
the vineyard? (Some of the players worked longer than the others)
Was our game fair or unfair? (Why or why not)
What do you think this game will help you remember about the parable of the workers in the vineyard? (To remember that
none of us deserve to go to heaven. It is not the amount of work we do
for God or how long we have followed him, but it is God's
undeserved favor, his kindness and love, to die in our place, that allows us into his presence for
eternity.)
