In this lesson, children learn that God sees what we do in secret and cares for us, so we can trust Him instead of worrying. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, with time for a story, a few verses, a discussion, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God sees everything we do, even when no one else does, and He takes care of us. We can do good things to please Him, not to be noticed, and we can trust Him when we feel worried.
Memory Verse
Matthew 6:33
But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart, then lift both hands up toward the sky as you say the first half of the verse. Lower your hands slowly as you say the rest. Let the children copy you each time you repeat it together.
The Story: Matthew 6 for Kids
Jesus was teaching a big crowd of people on a hillside. He wanted them to know how God wants us to live. He said that when we help someone in need, we should do it quietly, not to show off. God sees what we do in secret, and He will reward us. Jesus said that some people give loudly so that everyone will notice them, but that is not the way God wants it.
Next, Jesus talked about prayer. He said we should not pray only to be seen by others. Instead, we should go into a quiet place, close the door, and talk to our Father who is in heaven. Jesus also taught the people a special prayer that started with the words, “Our Father in heaven.” That prayer asks God for daily bread, for forgiveness, and for help to say no to wrong things. It is a prayer that anyone can learn.
Jesus then reminded the people that forgiving others matters to God. He told them that a heart that forgives is a heart that knows God has forgiven it first. After that, He talked about treasure. He said, “Don’t store up treasures on earth, where moths and rust can destroy them.” Instead, He said, store up treasures in heaven, because your heart goes wherever your treasure is.
Finally, Jesus told them not to worry about food, clothes, or tomorrow. He pointed to the birds flying in the sky and the flowers growing in the field. He asked, “Aren’t you worth much more than they are?” God takes care of the birds and the flowers, so He will certainly take care of His children. Jesus said the best thing to do is to seek God first, and to trust Him one day at a time.
Read It Together
Matthew 6:3-4
3 But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does, 4 so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus says a kind deed can be done quietly. Ask the children to notice that God is the one who sees and rewards, not the crowd. Explain that giving in secret means we do it because we love God and our neighbor.
Matthew 6:9-13
9 Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. 10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. 13 Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’
(WEB)
Show the children that the prayer begins by thinking about God, then asks for what we need. Point out the words “our daily bread” and explain that God cares about the small everyday things. Let the children say the prayer slowly with you.
Matthew 6:26
See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they?
(WEB)
Ask the children to look at pictures of birds or to step outside and watch them if possible. Point out that God feeds the birds, and then ask them to think about how much more God cares for them. Keep the focus on God’s care rather than on the birds themselves.
Talk About It
- What is one kind thing you could do for someone without telling anyone about it?
- Why do you think God wants us to pray quietly and not just to look good in front of people?
- What is one thing you sometimes worry about, and how could you bring that worry to God?
- Why do you think Jesus said that our hearts follow the things we treasure most?
- How does it feel to know that God sees you even when no one else is watching?
Activity Ideas
Secret Kindness Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and envelopes. Ask each child to draw a picture of a kind thing they could do for someone else this week. They should seal the drawing in an envelope and write only “God sees” on the front. Let them keep the envelope at home as a reminder that God notices their quiet kindness.
Birds and Flowers Movement Game
Clear a space in the room or outside. Call out “birds” and have the children flap their arms like wings, and call out “flowers” and have them slowly sit down and then spread their arms like petals opening. Between each call, say a short line such as “God takes care of us.” This helps children connect movement with the idea of trusting God.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Write the words “Our Father in heaven” on one side of each card and a simple request such as “Give us today our daily bread” on the other. Let each child decorate the card and take it home. They can use it each night to remember to talk with God quietly before bed.
Teacher Notes
This chapter teaches adults that faith is lived out in private as well as in public. Giving, praying, fasting, and forgiving are meant to flow from a relationship with God rather than from a desire for recognition. Jesus also invites believers to trust God’s provision and to put His kingdom first instead of being consumed by anxiety about daily needs.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that God will always give us exactly what we want or that obedience guarantees a comfortable life. Keep the focus on God’s faithful love and care, and let children understand that trusting Him is a daily practice that grows over time.
A Prayer to Close
Father in heaven, thank You for seeing everything we do, even the things no one else sees. Help us to be kind and to pray to You with honest hearts. Thank You for taking care of us each day. Help us trust You when we feel worried. Amen.
