Leader Guide

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!

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