The parable of the unforgiving servant is an important story told by our Lord to teach all of us the importance of forgiveness. The Bible is very clear that we MUST forgive others because God has forgiven us. Our kids need to know this truth, and here’s a creative way to share it.
In my program for elementary kids called “Let Us KNOW God,” I get to share the “Parable of the Unforgiving Servant” in a fun and creative way. “Let Us KNOW God” uses the acrostic K-N-O-W to teach kids 4 important benefits of knowing God:
K — Keeping the Faith N — Never
Forget to Show Love to Others O — Offer Forgiveness W — Wait for God to Work
The “Parable of the Unforgiving Servant” fits nicely into the “O” — Offer Forgiveness.
This Bible lesson for kids will help your children understand why God calls us to forgive others, and for this one you will need the following:
- A large bag to pull props from (My “Big Bucket of Bible Fun” works great for this. Check out the video below to learn how to make your own.)
- One large “7,” a crown, a tiny bag, and several bags of gold
- A string of “7’s” and a heart
- Bible hats for the 1st and 2nd debtors, pictures of a family, and prison bars
- A “DEBT” sign to tear, and a big pair of glasses
The following are links to pictures showing each of my props. Hopefully, you will be inspired to make your own props for the “Parable of the Unforgiving Servant” as I did.
One large “7”, Crown for King, Tiny bag and Bags of Gold
Bible hat for 1st debtor, Bible hat for 2nd debtor, Pics of family and Prison bars
I start by telling the kids:
Remember, my friends, God can have nothing to do with sin. Because of this, He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to forgive us of our sin, so that we can be in relationship with God and know Him. Therefore, the Bible is very clear that because God has forgiven us, we MUST forgive others. Here is one of my favorite stories in the Bible that Jesus told that really drives this home.
You don’t have to be as elaborate as I am with my “Scripture Lady Bag” — a large bag you can pull props out of works just fine.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant — Matthew 18:21-35 (NKJV)
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (Hold up a “7”)
Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Take out a lot of “7’s”)
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king (pull out a crown, then find a helper to be the king) who wanted to settle accounts with his servants (bring up 1 helper to be the servant and place a Bible hat on him).
And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents (pull out bags of gold to represent this).
But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. (Pull out pictures of the family.)
The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ (Have helper #1 go on his knees.)
Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. (Pull out a paper that says “DEBT” on it and tear it, then have the helper stand up.)
“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants (bring up another helper and place a Bible hat on him) who owed him a hundred denarii (pull out one small bag); and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat (say, “Just pretend to choke him!”), saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’
So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ (Have helper go to his knees.)
And he would not (have helper turn his back), but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. (Pull out some prison bars and have the helper hold them.)
So when his fellow servants saw what had been done (pull out the big sunglasses), they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done.
Then his master, after he had called him (have the helper turn around), said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’
And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. (Switch the prison bars to the first helper.)
“So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” (Pull out a heart.)
Suggestions for Success:
- Practice pulling out each prop in order beforehand — the smoother the reveal, the more the kids stay engaged.
- Let kids take turns being the “helpers” so more of the class gets involved.
- Ask kids afterward: is there someone in your life you need to forgive this week?
- Want more friendship and forgiveness content? Visit our full [Bible Friendship Activities for Elementary Kids hub].
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This parable never gets old to teach — forgiveness is such a hard, important lesson for kids (and grown-ups!) to learn. I’d love to hear how this lands with your class.