Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome, everyone! Today we begin a new Superbook adventure about the most famous sermon in the world: “The Sermon on the Mount.” Can you guess who gave that sermon? Jesus.

Let’s watch some of Jesus’ sermon right now and then find out what happens when Chris and Joy try to put it into action!

Play Video 2: Intro to Bible Story (8 minutes)

After seeing Jesus give the Sermon on the Mount, Chris and Joy try to practice what they learned—but their misguided attempts lead to comic chaos.

Intro to Bible Story

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

Chris and Joy were enthusiastic about doing what Jesus taught, but they didn’t fully understand His instructions. What did they think it meant to be poor in spirit? Being full of school spirit for their team.

What did Gizmo do to demonstrate having spirit? He performed a cheer for the (Valleyview) basketball team.

What did they think mourning meant? Being a morning person, being an early riser. Crying at the game when their team lost.

These two words sound alike but are very different. Morning is a time of day, but mourning—or to mourn—means to be sad or to grieve.

Why did Joy decide not to study for her school test the next day? She was trying to take no thought for tomorrow.

The children meant well, but they didn’t really understand what Jesus taught. We all should desire to live our lives like Christ, yet we must learn to do it the right way.

Today’s SuperTruth is “I choose to live my life like Christ.” Let’s say it together: “I choose to live my life like Christ.”

Let’s watch the second part of the video to see what the children discover about living for Christ. On their adventure, they will talk to Jesus’ disciples and meet a man who demonstrates amazing faith in Jesus!

Play Video 3: Bible Story and Resolution (16 minutes)

Superbook takes Chris, Joy, and Gizmo to hear Jesus preach the Sermon on the Mount, and they see how the disciples learn to put it into practice. They also witness the remarkable faith of the Roman Centurion, who completely trusts Jesus to heal his servant. The children learn that the kingdom of God is for all who trust and obey Him.

Bible Story and Resolution

Video Discussion (1 minute)

Jesus said we are to be a light in the world. How can we do that? Jesus is the light of the world. When He lives inside us, we have His light inside us! When we follow Him and do as He did, we bring His light to dark places and to people who may not know Him.

How did the centurion demonstrate his faith in Jesus? He said Jesus didn’t need to visit his house to heal his servant; He only needed to speak healing.

What did Jesus say was the reason for the servant being healed? The centurion believed.

Play Video 10A: SuperVerse Graphic

The graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.

SuperVerse Graphic 1

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

At first, Chris and Joy thought it would be easy to live out Jesus’ words. But they were trying to do it in their own strength—without really understanding what Jesus meant and without the help of the Holy Spirit. They needed to grow in their understanding as they walked with the Lord and grew in their faith.

As our SuperTruth says, we want to live like Christ. And yet, we all will make mistakes, just like Chris and Joy. So when we make a mistake, should we stop trying to live like Jesus? No!

We should just ask forgiveness, keep reading our Bibles, praying, and following God’s leading. When we do that, God will increase our wisdom and understanding. That is what today’s SuperVerse tells us. Let’s say it together:

I want to build my house on solid rock, not on some shifting sand! How about you?

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group. If any children are not able to memorize the entire verse, be sure they understand its meaning.

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Dear Lord, we are so thankful for the words You spoke that are written in the Bible for us to read and apply. Thank You for the firm foundation You give us. Help us to be wise builders and to properly apply Your words each day in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

In Small Group today, we are going to play a game about standing on solid rock. No matter what comes at us, we can have firm footing on God’s Word. Let’s go learn how it’s played.

Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.

Action Game

Wise Builders: Play a game to stand on God’s Word.

Let’s say today’s SuperVerse together: “Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.”

Jesus’ words are God’s words. In fact, Jesus IS the Word of God. John 1:14 says:

So, when we talk about following Jesus’ teaching, it is the same as standing on God’s Word. When Jesus lived in the world, He experienced everything from happiness to sorrow, praise to opposition and persecution, death, and then victory! Everything we encounter, Jesus did, too.

Point to the poster boards on the floor. When we choose to live our lives like Christ, we need a solid foundation of God’s Word to stand on so that when the storms of life come along, we can endure and triumph. No matter what happens—good or bad—our faith can stay strong and unshaken!

We are going to play a game called “Solid Footing.” In this game, you will stand on God’s Word, represented by the poster boards.

Hold up a ball or balloon. The ball represents whatever happens in our lives—good or bad! It can be success or failure, joy or sadness. No matter what the circumstance, we need to stand on God’s Word and stay firm in our faith! When we do that, we will grow stronger and become more like Christ.

Once I divide you into teams, choose someone you don’t know very well to be your partner. When it’s your turn, you and your partner will hit the ball back and forth as many times as you can while you both keep at least one foot on the poster board at all times. If both feet are off at the same time, or if the ball hits the ground, your turn ends, and the next set of players immediately take your place and start hitting the ball. You get one point for every time you hit the ball, so count aloud as you play, then give your leader the total to keep score.

Divide the children into teams of four to six children. Teams should have an even number of children, or one player may need to play twice. Have children choose someone they don’t know very well to be their partner.

Set the timer for one minute and say, “Go!” One pair from each team plays at the same time. Record the number of points for each team on the board.

After a pair completes their turn, they become spotters to watch the next players’ feet. When time is up, count up the points for each team and declare a winner.

Conclusion: You did a great job standing on God’s Word! When difficult times come, we must trust in God’s Word to see us through. Even in good times, when we have joy and success, we must stand on God’s Word instead of trusting in ourselves and our own ability. No matter what the world throws at us, we must always continue to build our lives on God’s Word.

Teaching

Hear and Do: Discuss the Sermon on the Mount.

Point to the board. In today’s SuperVerse, can you see two things that are important to do when Jesus speaks? Listen and follow.

James 1:22 says:

Speak to the helper you chose earlier and say loudly so the class can hear: Please stack five blocks on the rock. The volunteer stacks the blocks on the mound of sand instead. The blocks should lean or topple over.

To the class: I know that [helper’s name] heard me. Do you think he/she is acting wisely? No, he/she listened but didn’t follow your instructions. He/she ignored you and chose to stack them on the sand.

When Jesus tells us to do something, it’s not enough to simply listen—we also must obey!

Let’s read the SuperVerse and the verses that immediately follow it. Matthew 7:24–27 says:

Sand is unstable because it can be blown away by a breeze or washed away by a tiny wave. Can that happen to a big, solid rock? No.

What does Jesus say we are if we disobey and build on sand? Foolish.

Ask the volunteer to stack the blocks on the rock; this time, they should obey. Is [helper’s name] acting like a wise builder now? Yes.

This time [helper’s name] not only listened but also obeyed. The structure is built on a solid foundation, which represents God’s Word, and that rock will not move.

Now, I’ll tell you a secret. Before class, I told [helper’s name] to disobey my instructions at first so we could show what happens when we disobey God. Let’s clap for [helper’s name] for being such a good actor! The helper may go sit down.

Jesus compares our lives to a house. What do the storms represent? Problems, difficulties, struggles, fears, obstacles, temptations, trials, suffering, adversity, persecution.

Storms are anything we face that can come against our faith. If we’re not careful, they can shake us up and hold us back from trusting and serving God. As long as we build our faith on Christ and His Word, we can stand strong. What are some things that people may build their lives on that aren’t trustworthy? Children answer.

Some people spend their whole lives trying to get money, have fun, or become popular or famous. They follow what the world says is important instead of what God says is right. That is like building a house on the sand.

The apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:11:

Hold up the Lego-style building kit or model car kit. Raise your hand if you have ever built something with a kit like this. Children respond.

How did you know where to begin and how to build it? I followed the instructions.

Take out the instruction manual and show it to the children. In this manual are specific instructions that guide you to build what is pictured on the box.

Do you remember what Chris said Jesus’ teachings are like? An instruction manual for living a Christian life or a life like Christ.

Hold up the Bible. The Sermon on the Mount is in the Bible, along with other teachings Jesus gave. The Bible also contains God’s words that were written down by people as they were guided by the Holy Spirit. That’s why the Bible is our instruction manual for living our lives like Christ. In addition to giving us the Bible, God also gives us His Holy Spirit to live inside us and guide us into all truth! Just like a model car or model plane doesn’t come out of the box already finished, we don’t automatically look and act like Christ the minute we choose to follow Him. We grow to be more like Him, one step at a time.

Optional: “The Solid Rock*” is an old hymn written many years ago, but the words are still true today. The chorus says, “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.” [*” The Solid Rock”. Text: Edward Mote. Music: William B. Bradbury.]

Remember, there is only one true foundation for us to build our lives on—Jesus Christ. Let’s move to our Discipleship Challenge, where you will all have a chance to be wise builders!

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Give each child a Lighthouse Craft, scissors, glue stick, and a pencil. Have children write their names on the base, then carefully cut the pieces and follow the assembly directions. Display the model you made and assist the children as necessary. OPTIONAL: Have the children assemble the first part of the craft today, the second part when you do Lesson 2, and the third part when you do Lesson 3.

What is our SuperVerse that is written on the foundation? Matthew 7:24:

Your first challenge is to memorize this verse, which we’ll work on in a minute. The second challenge is to begin reading the Gospel of John in the New Testament. If you don’t have a Bible, see me after class.* Jesus said that when we listen to His teaching, we are wise. Try to read at least a few verses a day. If possible, read a whole chapter each day. If your Bible is a red-letter edition, Jesus’ words are written in red. As you read God’s Word, you will grow in faith, strength, and wisdom!

The next time we meet, I will ask for volunteers to say the memory verse by heart and ask if anyone would like to share something from your Bible reading.

* Try to arrange to give Bibles to any children who do not have them; or, if they have access to digital devices, they can download the free Superbook Kids Bible App, which has a complete Bible.

SuperVerse

Superbook Builders: Memorize the SuperVerse with a group activity.

Point to the correct verse near the bottom of the board. Let’s say today’s SuperVerse, Matthew 7:24:

Erase the correct verse at the bottom of the board. Let’s read the SuperVerse together one more time. Point to the top of the board and have everyone read aloud the jumbled verse: “WHO TO ANYONE WISE IS TEACHING AND BUILDS MY ROCK IT LIKE A HOUSE LISTENS WHO FOLLOWS ON A SOLID PERSON.”

That doesn’t sound right. Was this verse built correctly? No!

I agree; whoever built the verse this way doesn’t seem very wise, or maybe the person just wanted to see if we were awake! I think we need to build it the right way. Let’s do that now. Can you help me?

Ask one child at a time to choose the correct word from the jumbled verse to write on the board in the right order, from the first word to the last. Erase the jumbled words as they are chosen. Proceed this way until the verse is built correctly, and all of the words near the top of the board are erased. Read the correct verse together.

That sounds more like Jesus’ words, doesn’t it? I think you are all wise builders!

Prayer

Understanding Prayers: Communicate with God.

Today, we are learning about choosing to live like Christ. Chris, Joy, and even the disciples had a hard time understanding Jesus’ teachings. In the Bible, the disciples were often puzzled by what Jesus said and asked Him to explain what He had said to the crowds.

The apostle Paul prayed for new believers to have understanding and wisdom as they follow Christ. He said in Colossians 1:9:

Today, we are going to pray for God to give us understanding and wisdom so we can live according to His Word. Jesus calls us wise when we listen to His teachings and do them. Yet before we can do that, we must understand what He is saying.

OPTIONS: If your class is accustomed to praying aloud, have them go around in a circle with each child praying a sentence or two, such as: “God, help us understand Your Word,” or “Lord, help us live like Jesus.” If your class is not accustomed to praying aloud, ask for volunteers to pray sentence prayers.

Close in prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for Your teachings and for Your example of how to live in a way that pleases God. Open our eyes, our hearts, and our understanding as we study Your Word. Fill us with the power of Your Holy Spirit to live like You. In Your name, we pray, Amen.

Action Game

Beatitudes Exchange: Play a game to learn about Jesus’ teaching.

The first part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is often called the Beatitudes. The word beatitude comes from the Latin word meaning “blessedness.” To be blessed means to be divinely happy or fortunate as a result of God’s hand or favor on us. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us the attitudes we should have and the actions we should take to receive God’s blessings.

I will read the eight Beatitudes from Matthew 5:3–10 (NKJV) to prepare us for this game. Please listen carefully:

Divide children into teams of four to eight. If one side is uneven, a child may play twice.
Divide each team in half again. Have each half stand directly across from their teammates at the opposite ends of the room, beside their set of cups.
For each half, select a 5th or 6th-grade helper, or a child who reads well, to be a leader. Give each of those leaders a Bible open to Matthew 5:3–10 or a printed copy of the verses. The leader will be responsible for referencing Matthew 5:3–10 to exchange the cups in the proper order.
To begin, the verse 3 “unshaded” cup (Poor in spirit) will be exchanged at the middle line or mark for the verse 3 “shaded” cup (Kingdom of heaven). Continue this way for all verses in order.
The players must carry the cups on a plate with one hand only; the other hand cannot be used to steady the cup. If a cup falls, the player must stop and put it back on the plate before moving again.
At the middle line, the two players will exchange the cups from one plate to another without using their “free” hands. The cups must be rolled or slid by tilting the plates.
The players will return to their side, remove the cups, and set them aside.
The next players will take the cups for verse 4. Play this way until all sixteen cups have been exchanged.
The team that does this first is the winner. Play another round if time permits.

Optional: Play as above, but this time, the cups will be exchanged again, so each “half” receives and gives the reward.
The first team to exchange sixteen cups is the winner.

Game

Do and Say: Play a game to copy someone’s words and actions.

In this lesson, we are learning to live according to Jesus’ words. You might be surprised to learn that Jesus also listened to someone and spoke the same words. Can you guess who? Children answer.

The answer is found in John 7:16:

Jesus not only listened to God, but He also followed His example and did as God did. Read John 5:19:

Just as Jesus listened to the Father and did as He did, Jesus wants us to follow His example.

What is a role model? A person you look up to and try to copy, follow, or imitate.

In addition to following Jesus’ example, it is important to have good role models who are faithful to God. As they follow God and obey Him, we can be inspired to follow their example. Let’s do a fun little activity and practice being a role model and a faithful follower.

Pair up the children. If there is an uneven number, volunteer to be someone’s partner. Stand facing one another. Choose one child to be the leader and the other child to be the follower. The leader should very slowly make a facial expression or move a hand, foot, leg, or head. The leader can make a silly sound, say a funny word or phrase, or—even better—say a word from the Sermon on the Mount like spirit, humble, thirst, or peace. The child who is the follower must do or say the same things as closely as possible, just like a mirror. After a few moments, switch roles. If time allows, switch partners.

Conclusion: It is important to have people we can look up to as they follow Christ. But even more importantly, our perfect role model should always be Jesus! When we listen to Jesus’ words and apply them to our lives, we will grow strong and be prepared for anything!

Coloring Activity

A Misunderstanding: Color a scene from the Superbook video.

1. Why does Joy appear frustrated in this scene from the video? She is tired of studying for a test at school. 

2. Joy suddenly remembered a scripture that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount and believed she could apply it to her situation; do you remember what it was? Matthew 6:34; don’t worry about tomorrow.

3. How did she misunderstand Jesus’ teaching? She thought it meant that she didn’t have to study for the test; she didn’t have to worry about being prepared.

4. What was the result of her misunderstanding of Jesus’ teaching? Her grade was a “C” instead of an “A.”

5. How do you think Joy could have correctly applied Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:34? Children respond. 

Joy could have studied all she was able to and given her best effort, then asked God to bless her efforts and trust Him to help her instead of worrying.

Conclusion: It is important to understand Jesus’ words, so we don’t make similar mistakes like Joy, Chris, and Gizmo did. God gave us the Holy Spirit to be our teacher and guide. When we pray and ask for His help, He will open our eyes and hearts to lead us into all truth, and to guide our words and actions.

Bible Activity

There’s More! Race to find verses about the Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus taught about many important things in the Sermon on the Mount—so many that our video today couldn’t cover them all! In this activity, we will race to look up verses to discover even more of His important instructions. The verses you will look up are all in the New Testament in Matthew chapters 5 through 7 and Luke chapter 6, which are written on the board.

Have the children sit in pairs and assign a number to each pair (Pair #1, Pair #2, etc.). Try to pair an experienced Bible user with a child who isn’t as familiar with the Bible. Give each pair a Bible and a pencil. Have each pair write the number assigned to them on one corner of all their index cards. The experienced Bible user can quickly look up the verse while the other player writes the answer on the index card. The cards are then placed in the container near you. If both players are experienced Bible users, the players can alternate looking up a verse and writing down the answer. They do not need to close their Bibles in between verses.

All suggested answers are from the New Living Translation. If children are using different translations, their answers will vary.

I will read a fill-in-the-blank question. You may start to look it up from the four chapters listed on the board. Point to the board.

I will then read it again slowly. One player in each group will write the answer on the index card, including exactly where it can be found in the Bible—book, chapter, and verse. You do not need to close your Bibles in between verses.

Point to the board. I have written examples of how to correctly write a Bible book, chapter, and verse. You may abbreviate Matthew to “Matt” to save time. The writer will then walk quickly to the container and place the card in it. You have one minute to do all of that. The first team scores ten points for the correct answer; all other teams score five points for the correct answer placed in the container within the time limit. Every pair will have a chance to finish, so don’t give up!

The team with the most points wins. In some cases, the answer may be found in both Matthew and Luke. You can score one additional point if you write down both locations. If no team can answer a question, we will look it up together. I will read the full verse of the question after we have completed the scoring. Any questions?

If not, let’s get started! Allow spelling errors because of the fast pace of the game. Do as many verses as time allows. Be prepared to help any children with special needs. When saying the fill-in-the-blank question below, DO NOT say the Bible reference.

1. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing _____. (Right) Matthew 5:10

2. What you say flows from what is in your _____. (Heart) Luke 6:45

3. Those whose hearts are _____ will see God. (Pure) Matthew 5:8

4. Your eye is like a _____ that provides light for your body. (Lamp) Matthew 6:22

5. A bad tree cannot produce _____ fruit. (Good) Luke 6:43; Matthew 7:18

6. Do not _____others and you will not be judged. (Judge) Luke 6:37

7. Jesus teaches us not to pray to be seen, but rather to pray to God in _____. (Private) Matthew 6:6

8. Don’t worry about the speck in your friend’s eye when you have a _____ in your own. (Log) Luke 6:41

9. Jesus calls us the _____ of the earth. (Salt) Matthew 5:13

10. We must be _____ just as our Father in heaven is. (Compassionate) Luke 6:36

Object Lesson

Grounds for Growth? Create a visual demonstration of the SuperVerse.

Let’s say the SuperVerse together. Matthew 7:24:

Place the rock in the first container. Carefully begin to stack blocks on the rock as you talk. Let’s say that these blocks represent a house like the one Jesus is talking about. He said all who follow His teaching are like a wise person who builds his house on a rock.

Here is what Jesus says the result will be for that builder. Read Matthew 7:25:

Begin to pour water at the base of the rock, not directly on the structure. The water came and rose up. What happened? The house stood firm!

Now, in two verses after the SuperVerse, Jesus talks about those who don’t listen to Him and obey His Word. They are builders, too; but are they wise? Read Matthew 7:26–27:

What does Jesus call these people? Foolish.

Loosely pour sand into the second container. Do not pack it down. Carefully stack blocks on the sand.

Jesus said the winds, rains, and floods came. We said this represents things that come against us in this life like persecution, temptations, trials, and suffering. Begin to pour the water slowly into the sand to erode it; do not pour directly on the structure. Pour until the structure sinks and falls over.

What happened to this house? It fell.

Why did the house fall? The foundation was washed away; it didn’t last because it wasn’t solid.

Hold up the picture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Have you ever heard of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy? Do you think its builders meant to make a leaning tower? No!

It began to tilt as the second floor was being built in the year 1178. Can you guess why? Children answer.

The cause was a weak foundation that was set in soft, unstable soil. As a result, people have had to work very hard to keep the tower standing! If builders hadn’t corrected the problem, the tower would have crashed to the ground long ago.

Does this remind you of anything we talked about in our teaching today? Children answer.

Conclusion: When we build our lives on God’s Word, we have a rock-solid foundation that will never shift, sink, or fail. No matter what comes against us, we can stand firm on God’s Word.