Heart of Stone or Heart of Sponge | Object Lesson
This is an object lesson that can help you teach your class about how we need to have a tender heart toward God!
Needed:
- One small bowl of water (represents God’s Word)
- One sponge (represents a soft, tender heart)
- One small rock (represents a hard heart)
- Optional towel (to catch spills)
Start by placing both the sponge and rock in front of your class. Tell the children you’re going to talk about what kind of heart each of us can have, either soft and ready for God, or hard and stubborn like Pharaoh’s.
Explain that the bowl of water represents the Word of God, everything He teaches us through the Bible, preaching, and prayer. Hold up the rock and let the kids touch it if you want. Point out that it’s solid, cold, and doesn’t really change no matter what you do. Then slowly pour the water over the rock. The water will roll right off and make a small puddle underneath. Tell the class that this is what happens when someone has a hard heart, God’s Word doesn’t soak in. They might hear it, but it doesn’t change them. It just slides right off.
Now pick up the sponge. Let the children feel how soft it is. Say that this is what it means to have a tender heart, open and ready for God to work in us. Begin pouring the water over the sponge. The sponge soaks it up immediately! Explain that when our hearts are soft toward God, His Word sinks in and changes who we are on the inside. It helps us to love others, obey His voice, and be used for His purpose.
Next, take the filled sponge and hold it over the bowl again. Give it a gentle squeeze so the water pours out. Tell the class that once God fills our hearts with His Word and Spirit, we’re able to pour it out and share it with others. God wants His people not only to receive but also to give, spreading His love and truth wherever we go. Wrap up by asking: Which heart do you want to have, a hard heart that can’t be changed, or a soft heart that God can use? Encourage the children to let God’s Word soak deep inside them so He can use them whenever and wherever He wants.
*Tags: Hard hearted, hardhearted, Heart of sponge, heart of stone, rock, soft heart, tender hearted, tenderhearted
