Matthew 5
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Jesus climbed up a mountain. It was sunny. Many, many people came to Him. They sat down in the grass. They wanted to listen to Jesus.
Then Jesus began to talk. He looked at all the people. He said something wonderful. He said: "Happy are the people who are sad. God will comfort them." And He said: "Happy are the people who are kind. God sees them."
Jesus knew that some people felt small. Some people cried. Some people were hungry. Jesus said to them: "God sees you. God loves you."
What Does This Mean?
Then Jesus said something funny. He said: "You are light!" A little light, like a candle. And you know what you do with a candle? You do not hide it under a bucket. No, you put it up high. Then the whole room becomes light.
Jesus said: "That is what you are like. You may shine. Then people see how good God is."
Jesus also talked about being angry. He said: "Do not stay angry. Say sorry quickly." And He said: "Love the people you find difficult. Even pray for them." That is hard. But Jesus can help.
The Common Thread
Jesus is the biggest Light. Jesus shines the brightest. He came down from heaven. He came to us.
And do you know what is special? Jesus lives what He says. Jesus is kind. Jesus is not angry. Jesus loves everyone. Even people who are mean to Him.
When you know Jesus, a little light comes on inside you. A little Jesus light. And that light may shine.
For You
Maybe you are sometimes sad. Or angry. Or you had a fight. Jesus sees you. He hears you. He says: "Come to me."
And you may shine, just like a little candle. How do you do that? You share your cookie. You give a hug. You say sorry. You are sweet to your little brother or sister, even when it is hard.
Then people see: oh, God is good. Because they see it in you.
You do not have to do it all by yourself. Jesus helps you. Every day.
Talk About It
Where is a candle in our house? What do we do with it when it gets dark?
Who can you be sweet to today, even if it is a little hard?
Praying Together
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You that You are the big Light. Thank You that You see me, always. Please make me a little light too. Help me to be sweet. Also when it is hard.
Amen.
Questions about Matthew 5
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Matthew 5 about?
What does Matthew 5 say?
What does Matthew 5 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Matthew 5?
Why is Matthew 5 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
What strikes me most about the Sermon on the Mount is not the content but the listeners. No rabbis, no scribes, just fishermen and beggars and the sick. Jesus gave his deepest teaching to people nobody took seriously. That comforts me whenever I feel too small for the Kingdom again.
Notice Jesus stops saying "blessed are those" and turns to face you directly: "Blessed are you." Then two small words decide everything: "falsely," and "for my sake." Not every wound qualifies. Some criticism we have earned, some comes from being difficult. The blessing rests on those bruised for loving him.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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