Matthew 5 – 7

Lesson Aim

To understand some of Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount

Hook 1: Salt and Light – Matthew 5 v 13 – 16

Have two bowls of salt; a fresh bowl and a bowl where you have let the salt absorb moisture (where the salt has been left out for a week or more). Taste the salt yourself then let a ‘brave’ child taste the two types of salt.

Have a lamp and after switching it on place a large bowl or box over the lamp. Discuss how useless the lamp is to people.

Application

Jesus was teaching that Christians should have an effect in the world. Any person who trusts in Jesus should tell others about their Saviour. They should not be like useless salt or like a lamp under a bowl.

Hook 2: Treasure in heaven – Matthew 6 v 19 – 21

Have several examples of things which are decaying or rusting. Some mouldy food, a rusty lock or chain, even a rusty old bicycle. Explain how much you spent on things like this, and how your money, your savings, have been wasted.

Application

Jesus was teaching that we should not be obsessed about things upon earth.  Earthly things will rust or decay. Instead we should think about eternal life, things in heaven. Are we going to get to heaven? Have we trusted in Jesus so that we will receive eternal life?

Warning: if you do show mouldy or rusty objects make sure that no one else handles them!

Hook 3: Worry – Matthew 6 v 25 – 34

Have a pile of different clothes and pretend that you are deciding which one to wear. Go through the pros and cons of each garment. Then show the children two or three flowers and discuss how beautiful each one is, even though they never worry about how they look.

Show some pictures of birds, preferably birds of paradise. Ask how they came to look so beautiful.  Also ask where they get their food from when they do not plant or harvest crops.

Application

Jesus was teaching us that we should not be worried about earthly things, rather we should be concerned about eternal things. Are we right with God? Have we trusted in his Son as our Saviour so that we can receive eternal life?

Story tips: One of the most memorable children’s talks which my own children can remember was when a speaker brought in a box. Inside the box was a dead sparrow which he had found in his garden. As he opened the box and showed the contents to the children, their reaction was priceless. His illustration worked and he was able to speak about this passage.

Warning: if you do show a dead creature make sure that no one else handles the body!