This "Children's Parable" is intended to be read by fathers to their children or grandchildren. It consists of a story followed by a message at the end that explains how the parable illustrates a Christian truth. After reading the parable, spend some time talking about it with your children or grandchildren, using the discussion questions at the end. This is a very important time, since it provides an opportunity for your children to share their thoughts on the parable and the Christian truths it represents. It's a time for asking open-ended questions and for great sensitivity to meet your children wherever they are on their walk of faith. (Note: You may have to adapt the story and the questions at the end a little, depending on the age of the children.)
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier.
The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art."
The young man held out this package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this." The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?" There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one." But the auctioneer persisted, "Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100? $200?" Another voice shouted angrily, "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!"
But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who will take the son?" Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. "We have $10, who will bid $20?" "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters." "$10 is the bid; won't someone bid $20?"
The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!"
A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection!" The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over." "What about the paintings?" "I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!"
(Source and author unknown.)
God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on a cruel cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: "The son, the son, who'll take the son?" Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything. When you give your life to God's beloved Son, Jesus Christ, that everything includes our sins being forgiven; experiencing the love of our Heavenly Father; entering into a personal, loving relationship with Jesus; and most important of all, receiving eternal life with Jesus in Heaven.
Discussion Questions for Children's Parable
(Note: You may have to delete some questions and adapt others, depending on the age of the children.)
1. In what ways were you surprised when the auctioneer ended the auction and gave all the valuable paintings to the gardener?
2. Why was the picture of his son more valuable to the father than his entire collection of valuable paintings?
3. Why did the longtime gardener of the father recognize the great value of the portrait of the father's son?
4. Why do you think the crowd of people at the auction was not able to recognize the value of the son's portrait?
5. How does this parable remind you of God the Father's call to you concerning Jesus his son?
6. In John 3:16, it says: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but have eternal life." Do you believe that God the Father sent Jesus his son to die on the cross for your sins? In what way do you see God the Father calling you to "take his Son" as your Lord and Savior? Here is a prayer you can say right now to help you in receiving Jesus.
Lord Jesus,
I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. (Take a few moments to ask his forgiveness for anything particular that is on your conscience). Please forgive me. I now turn from everything that I know is wrong and turn to you.
Thank you for dying on the cross, so that I could be forgiven and set free from sin and the penalty of sin, eternal separation from you.
I receive you now as my Lord and Savior.
Thank you, Lord Jesus for your great love for me. Amen.
Note: If your children are old enough to do so, it is important to remind them they need to continue to receive Jesus in an ever-deepening way in their life — especially through prayer and Scripture reading, in the Eucharist at Mass and in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
