This lesson teaches children that Jesus calls his followers blessed, and that God’s people are meant to be salt and light in the world. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus loves us and wants us to show his love to others, even when it is hard. God helps us to be kind, honest, and peaceful.
Memory Verse
Matthew 5:16
Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
(WEB)
Have children cup both hands together like a little lamp, then slowly open their hands wide as they say the words “let your light shine.” Repeat it together three times, getting a little louder each time.
The Story: Matthew 5 for Kids
One day, Jesus saw a big crowd of people gathering around him. He climbed up a hill and sat down, and his friends, called disciples, came close to listen. Jesus was ready to teach them something very important about how God wants his people to live.
Jesus began by saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” He told the people that God is happy with those who are gentle, who are sad and need comfort, and who want to do what is right. He also said that those who make peace and show mercy are blessed by God. These are good ways to live, and God takes care of people who live this way.
Then Jesus said something surprising. He told his friends, “You are the salt of the earth.” Salt makes food taste good, and Jesus wanted his followers to bring goodness wherever they go. He also said, “You are the light of the world.” A lamp is not hidden under a basket, because it is meant to shine for everyone in the house to see.
Jesus also taught that people should not be angry, mean, or unkind to one another. He said that when we make a mistake with someone, we should go and make things right. He even told his friends to love their enemies and pray for those who are mean to them. That is a hard thing to do, but Jesus showed people how.
At the end of his teaching, Jesus said, “Be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” He wanted his friends to keep trying to be good and to trust God to help them. God is always faithful, and he helps his children grow to be more like him every day.
Read It Together
Matthew 5:3-4
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus begins by saying who is blessed. Ask children what it means to be blessed, and remind them that God cares most about people who are humble, kind, and sad when others are hurting.
Matthew 5:14-16
14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. 16 Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
(WEB)
Show children a flashlight or candle and explain that a light helps people see. Talk about small ways they can let their light shine at school or at home, like sharing toys or helping a friend.
Matthew 5:43-45
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.
(WEB)
Explain that Jesus asks us to love even people who are unkind to us. Help children name a person who is hard to love and think together about one simple way to pray for them.
Talk About It
- What do you think it means that God blesses people who are gentle and kind?
- How can you be like salt in your classroom or at home?
- When is it hard for you to say sorry to someone, and why do you think Jesus asked us to do it?
- What is one way you can let your light shine this week?
- How does it help you to know that God is always with you to help you do what is right?
Activity Ideas
Shining Light Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a flashlight. Have each child draw a picture of themselves doing something kind, then shine the flashlight on the picture while you talk about how their kindness lets God’s light shine. Hang the drawings on the wall so the whole class can see them.
Salt and Light Relay
You will need two bowls, a spoon, and a small cup of dry rice or beans. Set up two teams and have children take turns carrying a spoonful of “salt” from one bowl to the other without spilling it. Talk about how each person helps the team, just as followers of Jesus help others together.
Light at Home Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a small battery tea light if you have one. Have each child write one kind act they plan to do this week on the card and take it home with the tea light. Ask them to share the card with their family at dinner and tell how they let their light shine.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Jesus is not simply giving a list of rules but describing a new way of life that flows from God’s grace. The blessings, the call to be salt and light, and the challenge to love enemies all point to a heart that has been changed by God. Adults can be reminded that obedience grows out of trust in God’s care rather than an effort to earn his favor.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that being good will always make life easy or that every mistake leads to punishment. Keep the focus on God’s love and help, and avoid making children feel that they must be perfect before God will love them.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us and making us your own. Help us to be kind, gentle, and honest, and let our lights shine so others can see your love. When it is hard to love someone, help us to trust you and to pray for them. Amen.
