Exploring the value of responsibility through the story of the Parable of the Two Sons.
The video
OMAR: Hello. I'm Omar and this is the brilliant story of The Two Sons.
There was once a man called… Something. Something wasn't actually his name, that would be silly, we just don't know what he was called.
MR SOMETHING: Hello, I'm The Man. No one knows what I'm called.
OMAR: Anyway, what we do know is that he had two sons. His first son seemed to only ever relax and have fun all the time.
SON 1: Hey, I'm the first son. Stay chilled.
OMAR: While his other son seemed to try very hard at everything all the time.
SON 2: Hello. I'm the second son, but I can't stop, I'm busy, busy, busy.
OMAR: Now, as well as two sons, the man had a wonderful vineyard that grew sweet and tasty grapes. And on this day, the grapes had to be picked and the man needed help. So, he went to his first son and asked him to stop what he was doing.
MR SOMETHING: Son, it is your responsibility to help me. Can you come pick some grapes?
SON 1: Dad, no way! Can't you see I'm busy?
OMAR: So, then the man asked his other son to stop what he was doing.
MR SOMETHING: Son, it's your responsibility to help me too. Can you come and help me pick some grapes?
SON 2: Sure, no worries, I'm on it, I promise.
OMAR: Later, when the man went to see his second son, he was surprised to see that he wasn't helping at all!
SON 2: Sorry, dad, I was too busy doing other jobs.
OMAR: His son had promised to be responsible and help pick the grapes but he'd broken his promise and now the man was very, very sad…until he saw something that made him jump out of his skin. His first son was right there in the vineyard working hard picking grapes.
SON 1: Hey dad, this is actually really fun.
OMAR: Who would've thought it? The first son turned out to be really responsible after all and that made his father, Mr Something, a very, very happy man indeed.
MR SOMETHING: I'm a very, very happy man indeed.
OMAR: This is a very old story that Jesus told and it's written in the bible. See you again soon! Bye!
This story is found in the New Testament in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 21:28-32). The four Gospels are the books in the Bible which describe the life of Jesus.
It's a story told by Jesus at a very important time in his life after he had ridden into Jerusalem on a donkey. Christians celebrate this event on Palm Sunday. After Jesus enters Jerusalem, he teaches people and uses lots of stories called ‘parables’. The video tells the Parable of the Two Sons. Jesus uses this story to invite the listeners to think about who is invited to join in with the father’s work and to show people that it isn’t always those we expect to join in, that do so. This can help us to reflect on the value of responsibility.
Duration: 3' 48"
Final words: 'See you again soon! Bye!'
Video questions
- In the story, what was the man’s name? (Mr Something - because we don't know his actual name)
- How were the two sons different? (One was very relaxed and the other was always very busy)
- What job did the man ask his sons to do? (Harvest the grapes in his vineyard)
- What did the second son do? (He agreed to help his father - then broke his promise)
- Which son actually helped his father? (The first son - the one the father didn't expect)
Teacher Notes
This story can be used to explore common themes of religions and beliefs since 'responsibility' is valued in many religions and worldviews. To retell the story, the children could use a storyboard/comic strip with their own pictures of the father, the vineyard, and each son.
In discussing the story you could share an example of someone who has decided to take some action in response to their religious faith - eg someone who has raised money for a charity through an event, or has volunteered at a food bank. You could use this as a prompt for your class to be involved in fundraising for a local charity and to create a fundraising opportunity.
Talk together - and make posters - about responsible jobs that require people care for or make decisions about other people - eg working in healthcare or care provision.
Curriculum Notes
This short film will be relevant for teaching KS1 Religious Education in England and Northern Ireland, the Curriculum for Wales (particularly RVE as part of Humanities), and Early and 1st Level Religious and Moral Education in Scotland.
Further resources
