A Childrens Bible Lesson: Parable of the Pharisee & the Tax-gatherer

Teach a powerful childrens Bible lesson based on Luke 18:9-14 using Phil Vischer's Christian childrens book -

Sidney & Norman: A Tale of Two Pigs By Phil Vischer / Tommy Nelson Once upon a time there were two little pigs. Clean, neat, punctual Norman believed he was better than everybody else. Sidney was messy, always late, and felt inferior. One day they both receive a very special invitation--and learn the true meaning of God's unconditional love. This multi-layered tale of two very different pigs is both funny and very thought-provoking. Sidney & Norman uses the simple context of two pigs living next door to each other to communicate a profound truth about how we judge each other and often judge ourselves. On the surface, Sidney & Norman appears to be a picture book that will entertain kids. But this story has deeply moved adult audiences in informal readings, leading to deep-thinking discussion. It's a delightful parable from Phil Vischer, co-creator of VeggieTales ®.Recommended for ages 5 to adult. Listen to the audio clip below to hear a special message from Phil Vischer revealing the inspiration behind Sidney & Norman.

Point out that what they look like doesn't really matter. What matters is their ability to fulfill the purpose for which they were made.

Continue with a few other items and lead in discussion.

Read the Scripture - Luke 18:9-14 - "The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax-gatherer."

"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Explain that Jesus wanted the people to understand that His love is not based on how good they look or act. Therefore, we shouldn't look down on others or think too highly or too lowly of ourselves.

Read Sidney & Norman: a tale of two pigs. Ask them to think about if they have ever felt like Sidney. Then ask if anyone has ever felt like Norman. Lead in discussion.

End this childrens Bible lesson by reading Ephesians 2:8-10.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

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