The Beatitudes

Bible Texts:

Matthew 5:1-12, Luke 6:17-14

Matthew 5:13-20, Mark 4:21-25

Children's Bible Story sources:

"Sermon on the Mount," DK Children's Illustrated Bible, p.214

"The Beatitudes," Spark Story Bible, p.264

"Salt and Light," Spark Story Bible, p.268

"Jesus Teaches on a Mountain," The Beginner's Bible, p. 318

"Jesus' Words About Happiness," The Lion Bible for Children p. 246

Children's Story Resource

There's No Such Thing as Little by LeUyen Pham

These things may seem little:
A fish.
An idea.
A snowflake.
But what if that little fish was also brave? And that little idea was fantastic? And that little snowflake turned out to be unique in all the world? In taking a look a little things, we discover some big surprises.

How these stories are connected: Just as two children discover there's more to the things in our world than size, Jesus teaches that suffering, want, despair, and grief are not all they appear to be. These two stories give us the opportunity to invite God into our smallness and hopelessness and reveal something more.

Questions about There's No Such Thing as Little:

     What do little things become? Can you name some?

     What did you think when you found out the fish was brave?

     What big, inspiring, brave things did the children do?

Questions about the Bible story:

     Why were people coming to see Jesus?

     What did Jesus tell them about being sad and hopeless?

     How did Jesus make them feel better?

Questions about our lives: 

     What do you think of having Jesus as your friend?

     How does he promise to change things for you?

     What big, inspiring, brave things can you do?

 Prayer

Dear Jesus, help us to believe that goodness, kindness, and the gifts of heaven can come to everyone who is hurting. Help us pray for people who need you. Amen.

Bedtime is Canceled by Cece Meng, Illustrated by Aurélie Neyret

Wanting to stay up all night, two children write a note to their parents canceling bedtime. When their note accidentally ends up on the desk of a news reporter, people everywhere follow the news to the letter of the law.

How these stories are connected: Rules provide structure for daily life and for life together, but when they are strictly followed, they can cause as much harm as they help to avoid. Bedtime is Canceled shows the importance of rules; Jesus’ teaching on being salt and light in the Beatitudes helps us interpret rules by the spirit of their intention, helping us live with joy and freedom within the rules that govern us.

Questions about Bedtime is Cancelled:

     Why did Maggie and her brother write the note canceling bedtime?

     What happened when Principal Nancy read the note?

     How did everyone’s lives get messed up?

     Why is bedtime a good thing?

Questions about the Bible story:

     What does Jesus tell his disciples to be like? Why?

     Why do we have special rules?

     Why do we want to live God’s way?

Questions about our lives: 

     What are some of the rules your family has?

     What are some of the rules our church family has?

     How do rules help us?

 Prayer

Dear God, thank you for giving us good rules. Help us to follow the rules that make our families, schools, church, and friendships work. Amen.