4 Parables about Discipleship | Readers Theater Script for Grades 3 to 5

This engaging Readers Theater script for Grades 3–5 brings four thought-provoking parables to life, helping students explore what it really means to follow Jesus. Through scenes of towers left unfinished, kings choosing peace, patched garments torn again, and wineskins bursting with new wine, students learn that true discipleship requires full commitment and a willingness to be made new. These parables invite students to reflect on their own faith journeys and understand that following Jesus means total transformation, not halfway efforts.

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Script Summary
Act 1: The Tower Builder (Luke 14:28–30) – A builder stops to count the cost before starting a tower. Jesus teaches that discipleship requires careful planning and commitment to follow through.
Act 2: The Warring King (Luke 14:31–33) – A king facing battle with fewer soldiers chooses peace. Jesus explains that following Him means surrendering everything, not charging in unprepared.
Act 3: New Cloth on Old Garment (Matthew 9:16) – A woman patches an old robe with new cloth, but Jesus explains that true faith requires full renewal—not fixing old habits.
Act 4: New Wine in Old Wineskins (Matthew 9:17) – A winemaker uses fresh wineskins for new wine. Jesus teaches that His followers must be made new, ready to grow and change with Him.

What’s Included:

(a single PDF with links to Google Docs/Slides, if print format is preferred you can download from your Google Drive to word/pdf/ppt/etc)

● 4-act, 8-scene script (Google Doc, ~800 words, 5 pages)
● Teacher guide with script summary, answer keys, and standards alignment (Google Doc, 6 pages)
● Student worksheet (Google Slides) featuring vocabulary, comprehension, and reflective application questions

Skills Addressed
● Reading fluency and expressive storytelling
● Understanding key spiritual lessons about discipleship and commitment
● Analyzing character choices and parable outcomes
● Building vocabulary linked to biblical teachings and life application
● Encouraging personal reflection and spiritual growth

The worksheet includes
● Short-Answer: Identify key details and themes from each parable
● Reflection & Application: Draw connections between parables, reflect on personal experiences, and apply scriptural lessons to real-life scenarios
● Vocabulary: Clearly defined terms supported by quotes from the script
● Themes: Deep exploration of discipleship, transformation, and surrender
● Open-Ended Challenges: Encourage meaningful personal reflection and practical application

Will this work well for your classroom? 
Download these 3 Parables free!

RESEARCH NOTE: Reader's Theater improves students' fluency, speed, accuracy, and expression. It is evidence-based, check out a huge meta-analysis overview here.