Children's Liturgy Guide

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year B · Ordinary Time

Tiny Seeds Grow Big

Reading: Mark 4:26-34

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

Jesus tells us that God's kingdom is like a tiny seed. Even though the seed starts very small, it grows into a big plant where birds can rest. God helps good things grow, even when we cannot see it happening.

Key Points

  • Jesus uses stories about seeds to teach us about God's kingdom
  • The mustard seed is very tiny but grows into a large plant
  • God makes things grow even while we sleep, without us seeing how
  • Small beginnings can lead to wonderful things when God is at work
  • We can trust God to help the good things in our lives grow

Background

In this passage, Jesus offers two seed parables to illustrate the mysterious, organic growth of the Kingdom of God. The first parable (vv. 26-29) emphasizes that growth happens by divine power, not human effort. The farmer scatters seed and sleeps, yet the seed sprouts and grows in ways he does not understand. The second parable (vv. 30-32) contrasts the mustard seed's tiny beginning with its large outcome, providing shelter for birds. Theologically, these parables address eschatological hope and the hidden yet certain advance of God's reign. They counter anxiety about apparent insignificance and encourage trust in God's providential timing. For children, emphasize the concrete image of a tiny seed becoming a big plant, and the idea that God helps good things grow even when we cannot see it happening. Set aside the eschatological dimensions and focus on trust and wonder at God's hidden work.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear God, thank you for making seeds grow into beautiful plants and trees. Help us to trust that you are always working, even when we cannot see it. We ask this through Jesus, your Son. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Have you ever planted a seed or watched something grow? What happened to it?

Example: One time I planted a bean seed in a cup at school and I watered it every day and then a little green leaf came up out of the dirt.

Bridge to the reading: You watched something small turn into something bigger! In today's reading, Jesus tells a story about a tiny, tiny seed that grows into something amazing, and he says this is what God's kingdom is like.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. What does Jesus say the kingdom of God is like in the first story?

    Example: Jesus says it is like a man who scatters seeds on the ground and then the seeds grow all by themselves.

  2. What happens to the seeds while the man is sleeping at night?

    Example: The seeds start to sprout and grow even though the man does not know how it is happening.

  3. In the second story, what kind of seed does Jesus talk about, and what is special about it?

    Example: Jesus talks about a mustard seed that is really really tiny but it grows into a very big plant.

  4. Why do you think Jesus wants us to know that big plants come from tiny seeds?

    Example: I think Jesus wants us to know that God can make amazing big things happen even when they start out very small.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How does it feel when you are waiting for something good to happen, like waiting for a plant to grow or a birthday to come?

    Example: It feels really hard to wait because I want it to happen right now, but it is also exciting to think about what will happen.

  2. What is one small kind thing you could do that might grow into something bigger?

    Example: I could say hi to someone who looks lonely at school and maybe we could become really good friends after that.

  3. This week, how can you remember that God is helping good things grow even when you cannot see it?

    Example: When I say my prayers at night I can thank God for helping good things grow even if I cannot see them yet.

Recap

Today we heard Jesus tell stories about seeds. He said God's kingdom is like a tiny seed that grows into a big plant. Even when we are sleeping and cannot see anything happening, God is at work making good things grow. We can trust God, even when things start out very small.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For children who are waiting and hoping for something good to grow in their lives, that they will trust in God's care, we pray to the Lord.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, God, for teaching us about your kingdom through the story of the tiny seed. Help us to trust you and to know that you are always making good things grow in our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

Tiny Seeds Grow Big

Mark 4:26-34

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

D G S K Q R U G M A W K P C M
F E Q L J F N T D C X U C B B
A Q R I I A U K I N G D O M S
P R M C Z R Y N C I K V V M W
D K Y N I M T S U R T N D B E
Z H T R A E G N R O X X E F K
O S J X D R P L A N T F E C K
U M S P R P R V U O R I S E P
E A U H A W Y F Z E I P B A C
F L S K T B B P J D W O R G T
G L E P S F K M F Q V G K S W
B U J J U L H I X L V F J D L
G H J C M Y A M N Q W B F R W
S H S Y X S P R O U T H Q I D
K Y Q T J O I G L R H E K B S

Words to find

  • seed
  • grow
  • plant
  • kingdom
  • Jesus
  • mustard
  • birds
  • farmer
  • trust
  • small
  • sprout
  • earth

ChildrensLiturgy.org