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The book of Luke is full of parties. Not only does Jesus regularly attend dinners, banquets, and celebrations - he also talks about them frequently. And his messages about parties all contain a surprise. And that surprise always has to do with the unexpected grace that God has for undeserving people. Jesus defies all expectations by befriending sinners, and by teaching about parties that are thrown for strays, rebels, failures, and outsiders. 

Invite Your Kids to Experience the Unexpected Grace of Jesus!

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Surprise Party VBS Overview: A Vacation Bible School Curriculum for 2026

Party Foul! - Day 1 VBS Lesson

Jesus has unexpected grace for unexpected people.

Scripture: Luke 5:27-32

Lesson Synopsis: The Pharisees Criticized Jesus for the people with whom He chose to feast. They expected God’s Messiah to keep company with those in the religious establishment – not to dine with sinners and tax collectors. However, Jesus told them that He didn’t come for the righteous, but for sinners.

Skit Part 1: Blacklisted 
Kai is in fifth grade. He and Blake were best friends when they were younger, but have drifted apart as they have gravitated toward different friend groups. Kai is sad when he learns that he wasn’t invited to Blake’s birthday party. But sadness turns to anger when he finds out why. Blake told other kids that he’s not friends with Kai anymore because Kai now hangs out with a group of kids that Blake refers to as the “Nerd Herd.”

How To Throw A Party - Day 2 VBS Lesson

Jesus wants us to share His unexpected grace with everyone.

Scripture: Luke 14: 1-14, James 2:1-4

Lesson Synopsis: Jesus teaches us not to leverage parties or other social gatherings to our own advantage by assuming the most favorable seating positions, or inviting guests who can benefit us in some way. Instead, he tells us how to practice humility, and extend grace to everybody.  

Skit Part 2: Party Plotting
Kai plots his revenge by planning to have the most epic birthday party ever, just so that he can exclude Blake. Kai pressures his friend Logan, and his sister, Riley, to create a ruse to give his event the appearance of a surprise party that is being thrown by all of his adoring friends. Kai intends to leverage the party to make himself look popular, and to humiliate Blake.

A Party In Heaven - Day 3 VBS Lesson

God has unexpected grace for those who wander far from him. 

Scripture: Luke 15:1-7

Lesson Synopsis: In the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus proclaims that Heaven celebrates the return and redemption of the lost more so than the righteousness of religious people. Jesus tells us about a shepherd who goes to great lengths of time, effort and risk, and a stray sheep who gets a free ride home on the shepherd’s back.

Skit Part 3: The Party’s Over
Kai learns that his mom found out what he’s been up to, and she is looking for him. He hides out at Logan’s house, but she tracks him down to confront him about all of his deceptions and how he has pressured and mistreated Logan and Riley. Kai confesses his guilt, and truly feels ashamed for what he has done. On his own volition, he decides to apologize to each of his would-be guests, and admit what he has done. Relieved that the charade is over, Kai thanks his mom for coming after him.

To Party or Not To Party - Day 4 VBS Lesson

God’s grace is so unexpected that can be hard to deal with. 

Scipture: Luke 15:11-32

Lesson Synopsis: The Prodigal Son’s brother had a hard time dealing with the unexpected generosity of his father’s grace. It didn’t seem fair. The undeserving rebel got the party that the “good kid” felt he deserved. God’s grace toward others is so great, that at times, it may seem wrong to us. In those moments we must decide if we are going to sulk about it, or join the party.

Skit Part 4: Open Invitation
Since the food and party supplies were already purchased, and since Kai confessed about what he had done, his parents decide to go ahead and have the party. This angers Riley because Kai doesn’t deserve a party. She’s the “good kid” but she’s never gotten a surprise party. Riley’s mom allows her to make a choice. She can join the party, or stay in her room and pout.

Everyone's Invited! - Day 5 VBS Lesson

Everyone is invited to the unexpected grace of Jesus.

Scripture: Luke 14:12-24

Lesson Synopsis: When a host is snubbed by every one of his invited guests, he throws the doors open to whomever will come. Will you accept the invitation to join God’s party, or will you be too preoccupied with lesser concerns? Everyone’s invited, and that means you!

Skit Part 5: Party Time
Nobody on the guest list shows up for the party. It’s a total flop. Kai then breaks the fourth wall and invites all the VBS kids to come to his party, saying, “Come on! Get up and follow me! The party is right over here!” Volunteers direct students to follow Kai to another space, where a huge party has been set up for all the kids.

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