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Leader Guide

Site: Superbook Academy
Course: The Sermon on the Mount
Book: Leader Guide
Printed by: Guest user
Date: Thursday, 4 July 2024, 12:44 AM

Description


SuperTruth:

I will be a light to others.

SuperVerse:

“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 (NLT)

Bible Story:

Matthew 5–7:27, 8:5–13; Luke 6:17–49, 7:1–10

Superbook Video:

The Sermon on the Mount

Table of contents

Video Leader Guide

Select a video to have playing as children enter the Large Group room. Videos are under Resources on the top menu bar.

Have Small Group leaders greet the children as they enter the Large Group room and engage them in a game or conversation until time for Large Group to begin.

Welcome (1 minute)

Hello, everyone! I am glad you are here for the last lesson of our Superbook adventure, “The Sermon on the Mount.” When we have Jesus in our hearts, we carry His light wherever we go. Now, let’s stand and praise Jesus, the Light of the world, as we sing The Salvation Poem!

Play Video 7: (Song) The Salvation Poem (3 minutes)

Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along with the children.

The Salvation Poem

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

Our SuperTruth today is, “I will be a light to others.” Let’s say the SuperTruth together. “I will be a light to others.” 

Raise your hand if you have been in a dark place. Maybe you walked into a dark room, were outside at night, or in a cave. Children respond.

What happened when someone turned on a light? I could see again and move without running into something.

When we have the light of Jesus inside, we can show others the correct path, according to God’s Word, and the way to salvation. By our words and actions, we can shine God’s light in places where others do not know Him.

Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)

If most or all children watched the Bible story video in a previous lesson, omit it here and go straight to the SuperVerse.

Let’s watch a short version of the video about the Sermon on the Mount. If you’ve already seen it, listen carefully for the reason Matthew said he didn’t have many friends.

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (9 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.

Condensed Bible Story

Play Video 10C: SuperVerse Graphic (1 minute)

Graphic loops 1 minute without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.

SuperVerse Graphic 3

SuperVerse (2 minutes)

Our SuperVerse today is Matthew 5:16: “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” I would like three people to raise their hands and name a good deed you could do that could bring praise to God. Children respond.

There are many things that you can do, like sharing or helping, listening, or being courteous and kind. Even having a cheerful, joyful attitude can show the love of God to others. It is important that we do good deeds with the right motive. We should not do things to bring attention to ourselves, but rather to point people to God and give Him the glory!

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.

Introduce Signposts Video (1 minute)

Let’s watch the Signposts video to learn more about the greatest teacher of all time. Does anyone have an idea who that might be? Jesus.

He was not only the greatest teacher, but He was also the greatest … wait. Why don’t we just watch the video and find out!

Play Video 6: Signposts Video (4 minutes)

Signposts Video

Prayer and Send-Off (2 minutes)

Now, let’s pray before we move to Small Group. Dear Jesus, how exciting it is to know that we can carry Your light to a world that needs to see You! Help us to always follow the leading of Your Spirit to do and say things that will point others to You. In Your name, we pray, Amen.

In Small Group today, we are going to play a game to do good deeds and shine your light. Are you ready to shine?

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


  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • Red, yellow, or orange crayons, colored pencils, or markers
  • Two tables
  • Two empty paper towel rolls, plus extras
  • Bible or the Superbook Bible app
  • Sermon on the Mount Candle Flame Page

Make a copy of the Candle Flame Page in color or black and white.
If copied in black and white, color the flame with the crayons, pencils, or markers.
Cut the flames out.
Tape a flame to the top of each roll.
Stand up one candle in the middle of each table.

Light Work: Play a game to shine your light.

In Large Group, you were asked to listen carefully for the reason Matthew said he didn’t have many friends. What’s the answer? He was a tax collector.

Back then, tax collectors worked for the Roman government, which didn’t treat the Jewish people very well. Plus, tax collectors often took more money from people than they should!

Hold up a candle. This represents Jesus’ light. The SuperTruth says, “I will be a light to others.” That is what this game is about.

Jesus says that good deeds done with the right heart can bring praise to God. In this game, I will give you an instruction to do something representing a good deed. Listen carefully and act out my instructions right where you are standing—don’t leave the table.

When I suddenly shout, “Shine your Light,” try to grab the light on your table before your opponent does.

Divide the children into pairs. Try to pair children of a similar age together. Two pairs of children will play at one time—one pair at a table.
Each player in a pair stands on opposite sides of a table.
Read one instruction from the list and wait a moment for the players to do it. Continue this way and then, without warning, shout, “Shine your light.”
Each player then tries to grab the light at their table before the other player can.
Play the best out of three.
If a light is knocked off a table before it can be grabbed, neither player gets the point.
If time permits, mix up the pairs and play again.

Optional: If the time is limited or the class is larger, add tables and candles.

Instruction List (Vary the order and repeat as desired; feel free to add your own.)

  • Open the door for someone. 
  • Walk and carry someone’s books. 
  • Pat someone on the back. 
  • Smile. 
  • Clap for someone.
  • Run to help someone. 
  • Erase the board for a teacher. 
  • Empty the trash can.
  • Rake the leaves.
  • Mow the grass.
  • Pick up litter and put it in the trash can.
  • Wash the dishes.
  • Walk the dog.
  • Pray for someone.
  • Hang your clothes in the closet.
  • Smile and shake hands with a visitor at church.
  • Sing a song to praise God.
  • Water the flowers.
  • Wash the car.
  • Rock the baby to sleep.
  • Help your brother or sister pick up toys.
  • Jump for joy. 
  • Lift hands toward heaven.
  • Hold both ears to listen to someone.
Conclusion: Let’s always be on the lookout for opportunities to shine our lights no matter where we go by following Jesus’ example. There’s a saying, “You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?” That means you may be able to talk about something, but can you actually do it? Jesus always did exactly what He taught. Let’s find out more about this in our Signpost Teaching.

Teaching


Discipleship Challenge materials

  • Sermon on the Mount Lighthouse Craft—one per child who missed Lesson 1
  • Cardstock—one page per child who missed Lesson 1
  • Sample craft made in Lesson 1
  • Bibles or the Superbook Bible app

Make one copy of each Signpost Card. Stack the cards in order (1–3, from top to bottom). Gather Discipleship Challenge materials for children who missed the previous lessons. Make copies of the Lighthouse Craft on cardstock. See Lesson 1 for details.

Walk the Talk: Discuss how Jesus lived out what He taught.

Have a child select the first Signpost Card and read it aloud. Prop up the card so children can see it. Lead a discussion with the information below. Repeat for the other cards.

Additional material is included for Grades 4–6 to look up and discuss.

Card #1: Live and Love

Jesus didn’t just say how to live; He showed us by example. In the first week’s SuperVerse, Jesus said that when we listen to and do what He says, we are wise. He went on to compare this to building a house on a certain kind of foundation; what is it? Solid rock.

What kind of foundation does a foolish person build on? Sand.

Jesus taught that we should love not only those who love us but also those who don’t! Many times on earth, Jesus displayed God’s love by being kind to His enemies. When the Roman soldier asked Jesus to heal his servant, did Jesus refuse? No, He healed him.

How did Jesus display the ultimate example of loving His enemies to us? While He was dying on the cross, He prayed that God would forgive those who crucified Him.

What a powerful example to us when we are offended or mistreated! The Bible tells us that Jesus did many good deeds while in this world. Acts 10:38 says:

And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

What was His motivation; did He like all the attention? No, Jesus taught us not to bring attention to ourselves and to do our good deeds in private or in secret. Jesus led by example. He sometimes told the people He healed not to tell anyone.

Jesus often withdrew from the crowds to spend time with His Father. Many misunderstood His mission and tried to make Him an earthly king! Yet Jesus remained humble and desired to do only what God told Him to do and say.

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Mark 7:36:

Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more He told them not to, the more they spread the news.

Luke 5:14–16:

14Then Jesus instructed him not to tell anyone what had happened. He said, “Go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.” 15But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of His power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear Him preach and to be healed of their diseases. 16But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

Matthew 6:1–4:

1"Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

John 4:34:

Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent Me, and from finishing His work.”

Card #2: Meekness—Not Weakness

Jesus taught and modeled how to show compassion and comfort to people who are sad and in mourning. He came alongside Mary and Martha when their brother Lazarus died. The Bible tells us that Jesus even wept at Lazarus’s tomb. Jesus didn’t just talk about sorrow and pain; He experienced them!

John 11:35–36 says:

35Then Jesus wept. 36The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much He loved him!”

The Bible also tells us that Jesus mourned or wept over the lost people of Israel. Jesus showed us the true meaning of meekness. Do you remember from the Signpost video what the translation for the Greek word “meek” is? Children respond.

It means power under control. Even when Jesus was under extreme pressure and confronted by His enemies, Jesus remained in control.

1 Peter 2:23 says:

He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

In the garden, Peter was out of control and reacted violently to those who came to arrest Jesus. Peter even cut off a soldier’s ear with a sword! Jesus scolded Peter and in Matthew 26:53–54 said:

53 “Don’t you realize that I could ask My Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly? 54But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”

Jesus showed us the importance of meekness in accomplishing God’s will in our lives, no matter what we face.

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Matthew 23:37:

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let Me.”

Card #3: Be the Light

Jesus taught us to trust God rather than be filled with fear. In the midst of a storm on the sea, Jesus slept peacefully. When the disciples were terrified and woke Him, Jesus said in Mark 4:40 (ESV):

“Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

Yes, Jesus was a light in the stormy darkness. And, in troubled times, we can be, too! Even when facing death, Jesus placed His concerns in God’s hands and remained obedient to God’s will over His own.

Jesus came into the world to be a light and to show us the way to salvation. Jesus calls us to be lights in the darkness. We are to love, obey, and trust, as He did on earth.

By our words and actions, we can shine His light and point the way to salvation for others.

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Matthew 6:25–34:

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? 27Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. 34So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Luke 22:42:

“Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from Me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine.”

Philippians 2:15:

So that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

Now, it’s time for the Discipleship Challenge, where we will continue to build our houses on a solid foundation.

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Give the Discipleship Challenge materials to children who missed previous lessons; see Lesson 1 for details. Use the model craft as you discuss the challenge.

Was anyone able to read some verses or chapters in the book of John? What are some things you remember from your reading? Children answer.

For this lesson’s challenge, you will need to look up and try to memorize the verse written on the top of the lighthouse. Will someone read that verse? Matthew 5:16

This verse really sounds familiar, like the last challenge did. Do you know why? It’s today’s SuperVerse!

Optional: read and discuss Matthew 5:16 with the children.

“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

The last part of this challenge is to continue reading the book of John in the New Testament. Continue to read a few verses or a chapter each day. Think about the words Jesus is saying and try to apply them.

When we do good deeds for the right reason, God is pleased. What is the right motivation? To show God’s love, to point to God, to bring praise to God.


SuperVerse


  • Whiteboard and marker or chalkboard and chalk
  • Eraser

Write the SuperVerse on the board: Matthew 5:16: 

 “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Superbook Next: Memorize the SuperVerse with a group activity.

If you were here for the first Sermon on the Mount lesson, Chris and Joy misunderstood Jesus’ Words about letting people see their good deeds. Do you remember what Chris and Joy did? Chris donated all of his mom’s clothing, and Joy didn’t study.

This isn’t what Jesus meant, was it? Their good deeds didn’t bring praise; they brought irritation and anger! When we do a good deed or service, our goal should not be to bring attention to ourselves.

Let’s say the SuperVerse together, but let’s do it this way: I will read a few words and then stop. You will then shout the word that comes next.

Read the verse as written below:

Let your good … deeds
Shine … out
For all to … see,
So that … everyone
Will … praise
Your heavenly … Father.
Matthew … 5:16 

Have the children turn their backs to the board and do this activity again. This time, children will raise their hands to tell you the words. If time permits, play a third time and stop at different words.

End by having the children try to say the verse from memory with their backs to the board. If any children are not able to memorize the entire verse, be sure they understand its meaning.

Prayer


  • Bibles or the Superbook Bible App

Light Prayers: Communicate with God.

In our SuperVerse discussion, we learned that we are to let our deeds shine for all to see. Jesus also said in Matthew 6:1:

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.”

Our motivation should be to please God and seek His reward—if not in this world, in heaven!

In our prayer time today, I would like you to ask God to show you ways you can be a light at home, at school, in your neighborhood, or anywhere. Did you know that we can even be a light at church? Can you think of a way? To be a friend to a guest, to sincerely praise God, to listen and obey the teachers, to show respect to the pastor and other leaders, etc.

When we put Jesus’ words into action, His light can shine anywhere!

I would like you to close your eyes and silently ask God to show you something that you can do today to show His light. Allow children time to pray.

Now, continue to close your eyes and express your desire for Him to receive the praise for the good deeds you will do. Allow children time to pray silently.

Close in prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus is the Light of the world and that He lives in us. Help us to shine Jesus’ light wherever we go and in whatever we do, not for our glory, but Yours! In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Object Lesson


  • Various lights: flashlight, lamp, a strand of Christmas lights, unlit candle, nightlight, or additional types of lights as desired
  • Table
  • Bible or the Superbook Bible App

Place the lights on the table.

A Light Discussion: Discuss the purpose of shining.

We have been learning about being a light to others and doing good deeds so people will praise us, right? No, so they will praise God!

Oh, yes, thank you!

God sent a man named John the Baptist for the specific purpose of preparing the way for Jesus. Here is what the Bible says about Him. Read John 1:6–9:

6God sent a man, John the Baptist, 7to tell about the Light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8John himself was not the Light; he was simply a witness to tell about the Light. 9The one who is the true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

Who is the one true Light of the world? Jesus.

John wasn’t the Light. He knew his purpose was not to build his own following but to lead people to follow Jesus—the one true Light. Regarding Jesus, John the Baptist said in John 3:30 (NKJV):

He must increase, but I must decrease.

Just as John’s specific purpose was to point others to Jesus, these different lights have a specific purpose, too.

Adjust the discussion to correspond with the lights you have chosen.

Hold up the Christmas lights. What is the purpose of these lights? Would you use this to light the way in a dark cave? No, they are used to decorate and light the Christmas tree.

Hold up the lamp. What is this used for? Would you hang it on a Christmas tree? No, it is used to light a room.

Hold up the flashlight. What is the purpose of this light? Would you use it to see the road while driving a car or riding a motorcycle at night? No, you carry it with you to see as you walk outside or in a dark place. You can use it in the house if the power goes out in a storm.

Hold up the night light. Now, what is the purpose of this light? It is a night light that you place in a hallway or a room, so if you wake up at night, you can see.

Before Jesus’ death, He spoke this to His disciples in John 12:36a:

“Put your trust in the Light while there is still time; then you will become children of the Light.”

Jesus referred to Himself as the Light in this verse.

Call up a volunteer girl and boy to stand before you. Now, according to Jesus in this verse, when {child’s name} and {child’s name} put their trust in Him, what do they become? Children of the Light.

Jesus begins to live in their hearts and shine through them. What is the specific purpose of this light—to cause people to look at them and admire them? No, it is to shine and bring praise and glory to God; to point to Him.

Conclusion: God called us for a specific purpose, just like with John the Baptist. Jesus is coming to earth again. Our purpose is to live as children of light and to prepare people for His coming.

Review Activity


  • Four unlit birthday candles
  • Four large plastic cups
  • Eight socks—four socks of one color and four of another
  • Optional: masking tape or painter’s tape
  • Timer such as a stopwatch, clock or watch with a second hand, or timer app
  • One assistant
  • Whiteboard and marker or chalkboard and chalk to keep score
  • Bible or Superbook Bible app
  • Reference Sermon on the Mount True and False Review Answers

Place a line or mark on the floor. Place the cups on the floor about 8–10 feet from the line, with about 2 feet between them.
Place an unlit birthday candle under each cup.
Make four balls by rolling up two socks of the same color together.

Shining Review: Play a game to review the Bible story.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said in Matthew 5:15:

“No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.”

There are four candles representing our light under the cups; can you see them? No! According to the verse we read, would Jesus be happy with our lights being hidden? No!

Just like the baskets in the verse, the cups should not be placed over the lights. Your job is to try and uncover the lights by knocking over the cups with these balls.

Hold up the socks. I will first ask one review question to the players, and then you will have a chance to roll two sock balls to uncover the candles. Are you ready to shine?

Divide the class into two teams. They do not need to be equal.
A player from each team stands behind the mark.
Ask the same review question from the list to both players. Feel free to add your own questions. The players have five seconds on the timer to quietly tell the assistant or teacher their answer without the other player hearing it. Both answers are revealed, and, if correct, both teams are awarded five points. If an answer is incorrect, no points are scored for that team.
Ask the teams to tell you the correct answer for any wrong answer.
Give two sock balls to each player.
Each player can roll one sock ball at a time toward the cups to try to knock them over and reveal the light by uncovering the candle.
One point is scored for a player’s team for each cup knocked over.
The two players then retrieve the socks and put the cups over the candles again.
The next two players take a turn.
The team with the most points wins.

Questions and Answers

1. Fill in the blank: Jesus said, “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be _____. (Comforted)
2. T/F: Only a small group of people listened to Jesus teach. (False—large crowds)
3. T/F: Jesus said the Kingdom of God belongs to the rich in spirit. (False—the poor in spirit)
4. T/F: Jesus said those who are weak would inherit the earth. (False—Meek)
5. T/F: Meek means “power out of control.” (False—power under control)
6. T/F: Jesus said all who hunger and thirst for food and water will be filled. (False—righteousness)
7. Fill in the blank: Jesus said that all who are merciful will obtain _____. (Mercy)
8. Fill in the blank: Jesus said that the pure in _____ will see God. (Heart)
9. T/F: Jesus said that troublemakers would be called the sons of God. (False—peacemakers)
10. T/F: Jesus told us to hate our enemies. (False—Love them)
11. T/F: Jesus said to curse those who bless us. (False—Bless those who curse us)
12. T/F: Jesus said to pray loudly so everyone can hear us. (False—pray in secret)
13. Fill in the blank: Jesus teaches us to lay up our treasure in _____. (Heaven)
14. T/F: Jesus told us to do good deeds to bring praise to God. (True)
15. T/F: Jesus said it is fine to worry about everything. (False—Trust God instead)
16. T/F: Jesus said we are the light of the world. (True)
17. T/F: Jesus said we are to build our houses on water. (False—solid rock)
18. Fill in the blank: Jesus said that all who listen and do His sayings are _____. (Wise)
19. T/F: Jesus calls us to love just like He loves. (True)
20. T/F: Jesus said that the Roman Centurion had great faith. (True)

Guessing Game


  • Two birthday candles
  • Four large plastic or disposable cups
  • Table
  • Bibles or the Superbook Bible App

For large classes, add a table, double the cups and candles, and have an assistant perform the activity at the same time with another group of children.

Where Is the Light? Guess which cup the candle is under.

In Matthew 5:15–16, Jesus said:

15“No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Sometimes, it might be a bit confusing to hear Jesus teach this and then say a little later in Matthew 6:1:

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.”

There is one big difference, though; what is it? One says to be admired by others; the other verse says to bring praise to God.

Good! It is all about the purpose, or motive, in our heart for doing it. In all that we say and do, we should seek to honor God so others will experience His love, kindness, and mercy.

In this game, you are going to choose which cup has the candle, which represents your light. Jesus said to cover it up at all times, right? No, it needs to shine!

Have children stand around the table.
Begin with two cups and one candle.
Move the cups around on the table, varying the speed, length, and pattern.
Choose a child to uncover a cup which he/she thinks the candle is under.
Repeat this process several times, giving each child at least two times to guess.
Add a candle and cups as children become familiar with the process.
Optional: after some time, allow different children to move the cups around.

Conclusion: Remember, it’s all about the heart. Do we want to point others to Jesus or ourselves? On the other hand, we shouldn’t be afraid or embarrassed to shine Jesus’ light wherever we are. Sometimes it can be difficult when others don’t know Jesus. But, when this happens, ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength and boldness to shine in the darkness!

Bible Activity


  • Bibles—to make the activity fair for all children, do not use electronic devices unless all the children have them
  • Whiteboard and marker or chalkboard and chalk
  • Eraser
  • Index cards—ten per pair of children. Or, cut paper into 3“x5” sheets.
  • Plastic bowl or container
  • Chair or table
  • Pencils—one per pair of children
  • Timer, such as a stopwatch, clock or watch with a second hand, or timer app

At the top of the board, write: Matthew chapters 5–7 and Luke chapter 6.
Underneath the Matthew and Luke chapters, write: Matthew 5:1, Matthew 7:20, Luke 6:18.
Place the container on a chair or table several feet away from the children.
Make sure there is a clear path between the children and the container.
If you don’t want to use cards or sheets of paper, have children raise their hands to answer.

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

Raise your hand if you were here for a previous lesson when we looked up Bible verses about the Sermon on the Mount. Children respond.

The verses you will look up are in the Bible books of Matthew and Luke. The chapters for these books are written on the board.

Have the children sit in pairs and assign a number to that 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, index cards, 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.
The children do not need to close their Bibles in between questions.
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 reread it slowly. One player in each group will write the answer and the Bible book, chapter, and verse on an index card.

Point to the board. I have written examples of how to write a Bible book, chapter, and verse correctly. You may abbreviate Matthew to Matt. to save time.

Even if you know the answer, you must locate and write down the proper Bible book, chapter, and verse to score points. The writer will then walk quickly to the container and place the card in it. You have one minute to do that.

The first team scores ten points for the correct answer; all other teams score five points for the right 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 Bible books. 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 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 you when people _____ you and persecute you because you are His _____. (Mock, followers) Matthew 5:11; Luke 6:22

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are My followers.”

2. Do to _____ what you would like them to do to you. (Others) Luke 6:31; Matthew 7:12

“Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Two-point bonus question: what is this verse often called? The Golden Rule.

3. The _____ to life is very narrow, and few ever find it. (Gateway) Matthew 7:14

“But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”

4. Anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called _____ in the kingdom of Heaven. (Great) Matthew 5:19

“If you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

5. The crowds tried to touch Jesus because healing _____ went out from Him. (Power) Luke 6:19

“Everyone tried to touch Him, because healing power went out from Him, and He healed everyone.”

6. Jesus teaches us to _____ those who curse us and _____ for those who hurt us. (Bless, pray) Luke 6:28

“Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”

7. You are to be_____as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Perfect) Matthew 5:48

“But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

8. Jesus asked why people call Him ____ when they don’t do what He says. (Lord) Luke 6:46

 “So why do you keep calling Me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?”

9. Jesus said that our heavenly Father knows what we need _____ we ask Him. (Before) Matthew 6:8

“Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!”

10. When you are mistreated for following Jesus, be happy and _____ for joy because a great _____ awaits you in heaven. (Leap, reward) Luke 6:23

“When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.”