Notes

The Parables and the Problem of Interpretation

A few years ago, I attended a talk given by David Mc Kee, the children's author and creator of Mr Ben. During questions, following the talk, the real meaning of 'Bernard and the Monster' was debated. Some colleagues suggested that it was a book about human identity. Others said it was about 'neglect'. While others said there was no hidden meaning, it was just a story.

When the author was asked who was correct, he replied, "You all are."

The story parables of Jesus are likewise open to a variety of different interpretations. In the lessons plans, I have stated what I believe to be the most common amongst contemporary Christians. But this does not mean that the point of these lessons is to drive your pupils towards 'a correct understanding' of the parables. Children should be free to offer their own interpretations or to experience the parables as stories in their own right.

The parables certainly contain hidden truths, but, at Key Stage 1, I believe it would be a shame to sacrifice a good story in order to reveal something which many of the children may be unable to comprehend.

It is also worth bearing in mind when teaching about the parables that, in a sense, they all say the same thing, a message which is also echoed in Jesus' person and actions - 'The Kingdom of God has come.'

'The strong man is disarmed, the powers of evil have to yield, the physician has come to the sick, the lepers are cleansed, the heavy burden of guilt is removed, the lost sheep is brought home, the door of the Father's house is opened, the poor and the beggars are summoned to the banquet, a master whose kindness is undeserved pays wages in full, a great joy fills all hearts. For there has appeared the one whose veiled majesty shines through every word and every parable - the Saviour.' (Joachim Jeremias 1966)

Ideas for sharing parables through discussion and role play

The Hidden Treasure and The Pearl of Great Value

Teacher assumes role of farmer out ploughing in field.

What treasure is found?

Role play scene in which landowner agrees to sell field to farmer.

How does farmer raise money to buy field?

Teacher assumes role of pearl merchant. Children offer pearls for sale. All of them are somehow imperfect.

Finally the perfect pearl is discovered. What must the merchant do to possess it?

The Rich Fool

Teacher assumes role of rich fool; the children can be servants.

At their master's command, the servants can harvest crops, demolish and construct barns.

Upon completion, they can make an inventory of and store their master's other possessions.

The Two Sons

Teacher assumes role of parent. Two children selected as 'sons'.

Request is to help children pick apples in family orchard.

Other children play trees.

The Lost Son

What rules do the children find difficult to keep, at home and at school?

Children play parents or teacher in telling-off mode. Teacher plays child.

What would children do if, like the prodigal son, they were outside parents control?

Children assume role of son's new 'friends'. Mime sequence of activities ending with children becoming swine on farm.

Role play scene of son's return. Select child to play role of father. How would they react?

Contrast with re-action in parable.

Role play scene between older son and father. Select different child to play father.

Children's opinions of father?

Workers in Vineyard

Teacher plays employer. Children assume role of 'job seekers'.

Boss 'interviews' certain prospective employees, before selecting first group who mime harvesting crop.

Boss selects another four groups, the last one comprising of the 'weakest' candidates.

Groups continue working until end of day.

Following distribution of wages, boss seeks opinion of first group to be selected.

Is the boss acting fairly?

The Great Feast

Teacher assumes role of host. Children play servants.

What food should be served at the feast?

In groups, children prepare food.

Whom should be invited to this magnificent feast?

In pairs, children play servant and invited guest. What excuses are given for not attending feast?

Servants report back to host.

Which people are never invited to such a feast?

Children assume role as one such person. Introduce themselves to host.

Consume feast.