Lesson: Sermon on the Mount: Blessed Are Those...

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Life of Jesus--Laminated Wall Chart

This bright colorful chart shows kids the major events in Jesus' life. It has 25 illustrations, including Jesus' miracles, parables, healings, his childhood visit to the Temple, his baptism, calling the disciples, the Sermon on the Mount, feeding the 5000, the Transfiguration, the Last Supper, the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Chart may be cut in strips to form a pictorial time line. Reproducible worksheets on the back. Laminated. 19.5" x 26"

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Sermon on the Mount: Blessed Are Those...

To Remember: Jesus wants us to be happy

Vocabulary

Blessed: happy, shown favor
Parables: earthly stories to teach a spiritual lesson

Lesson - Read Matt 5:1-12

Jesus spent a lot of his time on earth teaching. He often drew large crowds of people who were amazed by the things he said. Perhaps the most famous record we have of this is called the Sermon on the Mount. The beginning of Matthew 5 is called the Beatitudes. It lists the type of person who is happy. Let’s read it.

(Stop after each verse to discuss what the words mean.)

Matthew 5:1-12 1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him: 2 and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.

Jesus taught that we can all develop these attitudes. Some people today say they can’t help how they act, but that’s not true. We all have control over what we say, think, and do. Jesus knows what will make us happy, or blessed, because He made us. In this lesson he taught that we would be happy if we are meek (obedient), peaceful (not arguing a lot), pure (not dirtied by sin), merciful (forgiving and generous), interested in truth. He also taught that even if we suffered or were sad for His sake, He would reward His people, and comfort them.

True or False

Jesus taught many people while on earth. T (thousands)
Matthew 5 records the Belattitudes. F (Beatitudes)
Jesus taught that those who were merciful would be given mercy. T
A peacemaker settles arguments by out shouting others. F
Jesus said His people would never suffer. F (rejoice when persecuted)

SING: Be careful little eyes, what you see

Jesus also taught by stories or parables. After discussing what it takes to be happy, Jesus said that we were to be like salt and candles. What do we have to do with salt and candles? Jesus said that Christians are like salt because they add flavor and preserve what is good. We must be careful to preserve and not destroy, or we are useless.

Jesus asked the people there if they ever lit a candle, and then put a big cover over it. Do you turn on a light, and then cover the light with a box? No - what’s the point? A light is supposed to shine in the darkness so people can see what’s really there. If I turn out the lights, you won’t be sure where anything is. If I turn the light on, you know for sure. Jesus said we can be like lights, letting people who don’t know the truth what’s real and what’s not. But if we hide our knowledge, we are useless to those who need our help.

True or False

A parable is a story meant to entertain. F (to teach)
A Christian with no influence is useless. T
A light, hidden by a box, helps no one see. T
We can teach others the truth. T
Jesus is happy when no one can tell if we’re Christians. F

SING: This little Christian light of mine

Activities

Memory Work
- Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."
- Matthew 5:16"Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Craft:
- Bring a small container of salt. Have the students taste a small bit. Discuss how strong just a little bit of salt can be. We use salt to flavor our foods, preserve meats, and clear roads. Salt is useful, as long as it has flavor. If it hasn't any flavor, we wouldn't use it.
- Light a small candle and turn out the lights. Discuss how one candle can light a whole room. Then put a glass container completely over it. Watch as the light slowly dies. Discuss how our influence can die if we hide it and smother it.