INTRODUCTION

JESUS GIVES THE BEATITUDES

Bible Point:

Choosing God’s ways blesses our lives.

Key Verse:

Come to me and rest (adapted from Matthew 11:28).

Big Picture:

Children will try to please God with their daily actions.

Jesus Gives the Beatitudes

Matthew 5:1-12

Five- and six-year-olds are extremely sensitive to issues of fairness. Use this lesson to teach children that sometimes things just aren’t fair. For example, people sometimes say mean things to others, or some kids around the world don’t get enough food to eat. Assure your children that God sees the unfair actions of others, and sees our kind actions that please Him. When we choose God’s ways, we are blessed. 

PLANTING THE SEED

BIBLE TIME!

This week’s Scripture (Matthew 5:1-12) tells us that choosing God’s ways blesses our lives. Jesus took His disciples up on a mountainside to teach them to focus on the good things to come in heaven, rather than the bad things that happen here on earth. Your child learned that no matter what happens on earth, he or she can “rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”

KEY VERSE

Come to me and rest (adapted from Matthew 11:28).

BIBLE POINT

Choosing God’s ways blesses our lives.

PLAY AND PRAY

Help your child turn a rainy day into a great day by making a special umbrella together! Use a white or light-colored nylon umbrella and some permanent fabric paints or permanent markers. Encourage your child to think of activities that your family likes to do on sunny days, such as tossing a Frisbee or playing catch with a ball. Then help your child draw and color pictures of those activities onto your special umbrella. The next time a rainy day threatens to ruin a day of fun, test out your new umbrella together and play in the puddles instead!

ASK

• What were some of the favorite activities you drew?

• How can you still have fun, even when it’s raining outside?

• When bad things happen on earth, what does Jesus tell us to look forward to?

FAITHFUL FLAVORS

If bad weather finds your child with a case of cabin fever, help your child find all the things that are “good and right” about the weather. For example, if you live in an area that has snow, bring inside a quart of clean snow, and admire it. Make “snow” (using the instructions below) and mix it with 1 cup milk, 1⁄2 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons vanilla. Provide different types of syrups or toppings for your child to add to this treat. Even if you don’t live in an area that has snow, you can make “snow” slushies. Crush about 10 ice cubes in a blender until they’re slushy, and then add the other ingredients above and add toppings. Invite friends over, thank God for the snacks, and enjoy!

ASK

• What are some fun things to do when the weather is bad?

• How do you think God feels when we use the things He gives us to make more good things?

AGE-LEVEL INSIGHT

Five- and six-year-olds are extremely sensitive to issues of fairness. Use this lesson to teach your child that sometimes things just aren’t fair. People sometimes say mean things to others, for example, or some kids around the world don’t get enough food to eat. Assure your child that God sees those unfair things and will make sure everything is fair when we get to heaven. Help your child understand that while we’re on earth, God blesses us when we choose his ways. We can pray to God and tell him how we feel. We can treat people kindly, no matter how they treat us. We can reach out to needy people. We can totally trust that our loving God has great things planned for us.

READY, SET, GROW!

This week, your child learned that God blesses us when we choose His ways. Your child committed to one of the following challenges to please God with his or her actions. Help your child grow in faith this week and follow through on the challenge!

ASK

• When you are playing, share your toys with your brother or sister or your friends.

• Make cookies or a card for a friend or neighbor.

• Make your bed without complaining or whining.