Sermon on the Mount – Bible lesson for kids

This week we will read what is probably the most famous sermon ever preached. In Matthew 5-7, Jesus tell us how to live in a way that pleases God.

Our keys points are:

1. The Beatitudes (5:1-12)
2. Salt and light (5:13-16)
3. Jesus teaches us how to live well (Matthew 6-7)
4. The gold rule – treat others the way you want to be treated. (Matthew 7:12)

Sermon on the Mount – Lesson Guide

Read the beatitudes together (5:1-12). Explain that these are the words of Jesus. Ask the child to listen very carefully to which word repeats often. Help your child to think about the word blessed. Share how God blesses us and always looks after us because He loves us, regardless of our circumstances.

You may also talk about specific examples of ways that they can fulfil the beatitudes such as ways we can show mercy to others or be peacemakers.

Talk about salt and light. Explain that Christians are to be salt and light. Prepare some foods that needs salt such as potatoes or another vegetable. Or you may just have your child assisting you with cooking and allow them to try the food without salt, and then try it with salt. Point out that the salt makes the food taste better. Salt also helps preserve food.

Point out that Christians are also compared to light. In a dark room, point out that we need light to see. Grab a flashlight and explain that it will help you to see better. Hide the flashlight under some sofa cushions. Ask the child if they can see better now. When they say no, say that you will move the light. This time place the flashlight under a bowl. Ask if it lights up the room. Continue to move the light (or allow the child to) as you point out that the light works best when it is out for all to see. Explain that just like the light needs to be seen, Christians need to live so that all can see the light of Christ in them.

Talk about ways that we can show Christ’s light to others. Talk about things we might do that do not show Christ’s light to others.

Explain that Jesus told us many things that we should do to live for Him. We should pray, give to the needy, fast, etc.

Most of what Jesus instructed can be summed up in two rules—Loving God and loving others. Talk about ways we can love God. Talk about ways we can love others.

Remind the child that the passage also says to love our enemies and turn the other cheek. Talk about ways we can love our enemies. Remind the child that we should pray for our enemies and those who wrong us.

Talk about how Jesus told us to treat others the way we want to be treated. Ask the child if they have ever been treated in a way that they did not like. Ask them if they have ever treated others in a way that they would not like to be treated themselves. Point out that we should always ask ourselves, would I like to be treated like that?

Follow a reading plan to read sections of the Sermon throughout the week. If using in a group setting, send the plan home with the child. Remember it’s important to read from the Bible with our children.

Free Printable Bible Story

Games and Activities

Taste test

Set out some different types of food on a plate.

Ask your child to taste one and decided if it is salty, sweet or plain.

Be sure to check for allergies and parental permissions if in a group setting.Some ideas are apples, crackers, bread, cheese, chocolate.

Hide the flashlight

Find a bright torch and turn it on.

In a dimly lit room hide the flashlight somewhere difficult to find. For example, behind a cushion or under a bowl. Ask your children to see if they can find the flashlight. Speak about how it’s hard to hide a light in a dark place.

Remind your children that we ought to be lights shining brightly in the world.

Salt painting

Raised salt painting is so much fun. First, draw some patterns onto some paper using PVA glue. Next sprinkle on a lot salt and allow to dry. Shake off extra salt. Using some watercolour paint, dab the salt and watch the patterns grow.Remind children that Jesus told us to be the salt of the earth.

Worksheets

Bible Coloring pages – Sermon on the Mount

Egg cartoon Treasure Chest – Bible Craft

You will need:

• Egg carton
• Paint.
• Treasure in heaven cards
• Optional: Sequins or jewels

What to do:

1. Paint your eggbox to look like a treasure chest. Allow to dry.
2. Write and decorate the treasures in heaven cards.
3. Cut out cards and place in treasure chest.

Download the lessons

Translations