4 Parables about Stewardship & Greed | Readers Theater Script for Grades 3 to 5

This engaging Readers Theater script for Grades 3–5 brings four of Jesus’ parables to life, each one showing how people handle money, debt, responsibility, and compassion. Students step into the roles of rich landowners, servants, and everyday people who must make choices that reflect what they truly value. Through dramatic retelling and meaningful dialogue, students explore the spiritual consequences of greed and the eternal importance of faithful stewardship.

Script Summary
Act 1: The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16–21) – A wealthy man builds bigger barns to store his crops, only to lose everything. Jesus teaches that true riches are found in honoring God.
Act 2: The Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1–13) – A clever but dishonest manager prepares for his future by cutting debts. Jesus warns that we cannot serve both God and money.
Act 3: The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23–35) – A servant is forgiven a huge debt but refuses to forgive someone else. He is judged for his lack of mercy.
Act 4: The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31) – A rich man ignores a poor beggar, only to face regret in eternity. Jesus shows how our treatment of others reveals our hearts.

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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, 6-scene script (Google Doc, ~800 words, 6 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
● Identifying moral and spiritual lessons in parables
● Understanding consequences of greed, pride, and mercy
● Building vocabulary tied to biblical and ethical themes
● Engaging in group discussion and personal reflection

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 generosity, judgment, and spiritual priorities
● 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.