The “Parables of Jesus” Scavenger Hunt
This scavenger hunt is designed to be a fun, physical activity to find a final message hidden in a series of clues.
The final message is: LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.
Puzzle #1: Starting Point
Instruction: Give the first clue to the child to begin the hunt.
Clue: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.” – Matthew 13:3-4
The Object: A small bag of birdseed.
What to Hide: A piece of paper with the word “LOVE” on it, hidden near the birdseed.
Puzzle #2
Instruction: The child finds the word and the next verse. The next clue is hidden near a coin or a wallet.
Clue: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” – Matthew 13:44
The Object: A coin or a wallet.
What to Hide: A piece of paper with the word “YOUR” on it, hidden inside the wallet or near the coin.
Puzzle #3
Instruction: The child finds the word and the next verse. The next clue is hidden near a toy lamb or a picture of sheep.
Clue: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?” – Luke 15:4
The Object: A toy lamb, a picture of sheep, or a fluffy item.
What to Hide: A piece of paper with the word “NEIGHBOR” on it, hidden near the object.
Puzzle #4
Instruction: The child finds the words and the next verse. The next clue is hidden near a bag of flour or bread.
Clue: “He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”” – Matthew 13:33
The Object: A bag of flour, a loaf of bread, or a package of yeast.
What to Hide: A piece of paper with the words “AS YOURSELF” on it, hidden near the food item.
The Final Puzzle
Instruction: The child finds the last words. The final puzzle is a riddle that requires them to combine all the words they’ve found.
The Puzzle: “You’ve gathered all the words to see, the key to loving all humanity. Now, put the words together and say, the final message for today!”
Final Answer: “LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”