Summary
Kids practice using their Bibles to find “thank you” verses, then turn those verses into short prayers and praises. They see that the Bible is full of reasons to thank God—for who He is, what He’s done, and the people around us.
Verse
Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Motions:
Emphasize:
Motions:
- “Let your light shine” – one hand up like a flashlight beam.
- “See your good deeds” – point to your eyes, then hands.
- “Glorify your Father in heaven” – point up.
Emphasize:
- we shine so people notice God, not us.
Movement – “Under a Bowl / On a Stand”
Act out Jesus’ picture:
Alternate, then add situations:
Each “on a stand” moment, have them shout: “Shine for Jesus!”
- Everyone pretends to be a little lamp or flashlight.
- Call: “Under a bowl!” – they crouch and cover their heads with their arms.
- Call: “On a stand!” – they stand tall, “shine” with hands up, and say, “Let my light shine!”
Alternate, then add situations:
- “When a friend is bullied—under a bowl or on a stand?”
- “When you see someone alone at lunch—under a bowl or on a stand?”
Each “on a stand” moment, have them shout: “Shine for Jesus!”
Lesson – “Jesus Is the Light, We Shine His Light”
Read or retell Matthew 5:14–16 (short and visual):
Connect to Jesus as the Light:
What does shining look like?:
Guide them toward:
Underline:
- “You are the light of the world.”
- A city on a hill can’t be hidden.
- No one lights a lamp and hides it under a bowl.
- “Let your light shine… so they see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Connect to Jesus as the Light:
- Briefly mention that Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” and when we trust Him, His light shines through us.
What does shining look like?:
- Ask: “What are examples of ‘good deeds’ that help people see Jesus?”
Guide them toward:
- Being kind when others are mean.
- Telling the truth.
- Including lonely kids.
- Helping at home without grumbling.
- Talking about Jesus when it’s natural.
Underline:
- the goal is not “Look how great I am,” but “Look how good God is.”
Small Groups – “Shine Idea Cards”
Each child gets a small card divided into three boxes:
In each box, they draw or write one way to shine (e.g., help with dishes, sit with someone alone, stand up for someone, share about church):
- “Shine at Home”
- “Shine at School”
- “Shine with Friends”
In each box, they draw or write one way to shine (e.g., help with dishes, sit with someone alone, stand up for someone, share about church):
- Leaders can suggest concrete examples.
- On the back, leaders add the verse reference “Matthew 5:16.”
- Encourage them to put the card where they see it before school.
Game – “Shine or Hide?”
Quick-response game to make it practical.
Explain motions:
Read short scenarios:
After each “Shine” answer, everyone says together:
Explain motions:
- Hands up like a flashlight = “Shine!”
- Arms crossed and head down = “Hide.”
Read short scenarios:
- “You see someone being teased and do nothing.” → Hide.
- “You say, ‘Stop, that’s not kind,’ or go get help.” → Shine.
- “You know a friend is sad and you walk away.” → Hide.
- “You sit with them and listen.” → Shine.
- “You’re embarrassed to pray before lunch even though you want to.” (leave room for nuance; talk about quiet ways to shine.)
After each “Shine” answer, everyone says together:
- “Let your light shine before others!”
- Close with a short prayer asking Jesus to shine His light in their hearts and out through their actions this week.