February 8, 2026 – Shine God’s Love

“You are the light of the world.” — Matthew 5:14a

SECTION 1 – LEADER PREP

Leader Devotional & Invitation (for you, before teaching) In this part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks directly to His followers and tells them something surprising: You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Jesus does not say, “Try really hard to be salt and light.” He speaks as if it is already true. When people follow Him, God’s love naturally shines through their lives. This matters for children because kids often believe they have to “be good enough” for God to use them. Jesus tells us the opposite. When we belong to Him, we already matter. Even small acts of kindness, honesty, and care can shine brightly in God’s world. As a leader, God may be inviting you to reflect on where your own light is shining—or where it feels hidden. Jesus reminds us that God works through ordinary people in ordinary places. Your presence, patience, and love today are part of how children see God’s light.

Reflection Questions for Volunteers

Where has God’s light shown through me recently? How can I help children see that shining God’s light doesn’t mean being perfect?

Prayer for Leaders

“Jesus, give me clarity as I teach, compassion as I listen, and faithfulness as I lead. Help me reflect Your light so children can see Your love through me. Amen.”

Bible Background for Leaders

WHO: Jesus and His disciples; crowds listening to the Sermon on the Mount. WHAT: Jesus teaches that His followers are salt and light, showing God’s love to the world. WHERE: On a mountainside in Galilee. WHEN: Early in Jesus’ public ministry. WHY: To help His followers understand their role in God’s kingdom and how their lives reflect God’s goodness. CONNECTION: This teaching shows that God’s people are meant to reflect His love. Jesus fulfills God’s law and teaches that following Him changes our hearts, not just our actions. Volunteer Connection Tip Emphasize identity (“You are the light”) rather than behavior (“You should…”). Avoid fear-based language about “doing enough.” Use concrete examples kids understand: kindness, honesty, helping. Model warmth and encouragement—this is shining light. Reassure kids that small actions matter to God.

Key Vocabulary

Salt: Something that helps, preserves, and adds goodness Light: Something that helps people see clearly Shine: To show God’s love through words and actions Law: God’s instructions for living with love Kingdom of God: God’s loving way at work in the world

Supply Checklist

Lesson Supplies: Bible (open during storytelling) Small flashlight or battery candle Craft Supplies: Paper light bulbs or star, Crayons/markers, Tape Game Supplies: None (game is movement/discussion-based) Prep Time: ~10 minutes to gather supplies, prep craft, and display memory verse card

Welcome Question (displayed): “When have you helped someone see or understand something better?”

Before Kids Arrive

Setup Instructions: Write the Welcome Question clearly on the board or poster. Place paper light bulbs/stars and coloring supplies out. Keep the flashlight nearby but out of sight for now. Prayer Over the Space: “God, thank You for bringing each child here today. Help them feel safe, loved, and ready to shine Your light. Amen.” Leader Tip: K–2 kids may answer through drawing. Older kids may share examples like helping a friend or sibling.

As Kids Arrive (Leader Script)

Greet each child by name with a smile. “Hi, [child’s name]! I’m so glad you’re here today. You can draw or think about our question—when have you helped someone understand something?” If they struggle, gently prompt: “Have you helped someone find something?” “Have you shown a friend how to do something?” Encourage them to be proud of sharing: “That was kind of you — I bet it made the other person happy.”

At Start Time (Leader Script)

“Friends, let’s gather together. Today we’re going to hear Jesus say something really special about you.” Pause for attention. “He tells us that when we follow Him, we shine like light in the world.” Curiosity Activity – Game (Light & Dark Moment):

Leader Instruction

This short, interactive moment helps children experience what Jesus means when He says, “You are the light of the world.” Rather than explaining the idea abstractly, this activity lets kids feel the difference between darkness and light in a safe, simple way. The goal is not to create fear or drama, but to spark curiosity and wonder: Darkness makes things harder to see. Light helps, even when it’s small. Jesus says we shine God’s light. This activity works well for all ages and sets up the Bible story naturally. Step-by-Step: Gather the group Have children sit in a circle on the floor or stand together in one area. Say calmly: “We’re going to try a short experiment together.” Create a ‘dark’ moment Dim the lights slightly or cover the flashlight with your hand so no light shows.

Ask gently: “Is it easy or hard to see right now?”

Let kids answer freely: “Hard!”, “I can’t see much!”, “It’s kind of dark.” Name the feeling Respond warmly: “Yes — when it’s dark, it can feel confusing or hard to know where to go.” (Keep tone calm — no fear language.) Introduce the light Turn on the flashlight and point it toward the floor or wall (not faces). Say: “What changed?” Let kids respond: “I can see!” “It’s brighter!” “It helps!” Connect the idea Say slowly and clearly: “Even one small light makes a big difference.” Turn the flashlight off and on once more so they can see the contrast again. Personal connection

Ask: “What do lights help us do?”

Guide if needed: See where we’re going, Feel safe, Find things we lost Leader Tips for Management K–2: Focus on simple observations: “Dark is hard. Light helps.” Grades 3–5: Invite a little more thinking: “Why do you think Jesus compares people to light?”

Transition (Leader Script)

“That little bit of light made a big difference. Now let’s open the Bible and hear what Jesus says about being light in the world.”

Leader Instruction

This is the heart of the lesson. The goal is not just to hear Jesus’ words, but to help children experience what He means when He says, “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world.” Jesus is not giving a job assignment or setting rules. He is telling His followers who they already are because they belong to Him. Children need to hear that shining God’s love doesn’t start with trying harder — it starts with being close to Jesus. Tips for volunteers: Have kids sit in a close circle to encourage focus and connection. Hold the Bible open throughout so children see that these words come from God. Use your voice intentionally: Calm and steady when Jesus is teaching Curious when asking questions Warm and affirming when naming the truth Encourage simple motions and participation. Pause often to let kids wonder aloud. Repeat the key ideas: salt helps and light shines. Prayer of Invitation (Leader Script): “Jesus, thank You for loving us and calling us Your followers. Help us listen to Your words today and understand what You are teaching us. Amen.” Bible Time Rhyme (say with motions): Say together slowly, with motions: “Open God’s Word (pretend to open a big book), Shine and see (wiggle fingers like light), God’s love is shared through you and me!” Repeat once with a little more energy. Storytelling: (Have kids sit in a circle. Hold the Bible open. Keep a flashlight nearby but off for now.)

“Jesus was teaching His followers on a mountainside.” (Sweep your hand slowly across the group.) “Lots of people were listening very carefully to what He said.” “Jesus looked at His followers and said something surprising.” Say clearly: ‘You are the salt of the earth.’ Pause & Wonder: “Do we usually eat salt all by itself?” Respond gently: “Salt helps food taste better. It helps things last. It makes a difference.” Say: “Jesus was saying that His followers make the world better by being in it.” “Then Jesus said something else even more amazing.” Say slowly: ‘You are the light of the world.’ Turn on the flashlight and point it at the floor or wall.

Ask: “What does light help us do?”

Affirm responses: “Yes — it helps us see.” “It helps us know where to go.” “Jesus said we don’t hide a light.” (Briefly cover the flashlight with your hand.) “That wouldn’t help anyone.” Uncover it again: “Light is meant to shine so others can see.” “Jesus wasn’t saying, ‘Try really hard to be light.’” Say gently: “He was saying, ‘Because you follow Me, God’s love already shines through you.’” Engagement Tips Use a few of these naturally: “Show me with your hands how light shines.” (wiggle fingers) “What happens if we hide the light?” “How can kids shine God’s love at school or at home?” “Can a small light still make a difference?” Optional movement: Have kids crouch down (hidden light), then stand tall and wiggle fingers (shining light). Connecting the Wonder Truth (Leader Script): “Jesus tells us something important about who we are.” Invite kids to repeat, placing a hand over their heart: “Jesus calls us to shine God’s love.” Repeat it 2–3 times: Soft voice Normal voice Confident voice Remind them: “Shining doesn’t mean being perfect. It means letting God’s love show.” Word of Wonder (Memory Verse): “You are the light of the world.” — Matthew 5:14a Teach with Motions: You — point outward Light — wiggle fingers World — make a big circle with arms Practice Methods: Whisper it together. Say it in a normal voice. Say it joyfully and brightly. Optional Engagement Game: Point the flashlight briefly at different areas of the room as kids say the verse together, reinforcing that light spreads.

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Leader Instruction

This section helps children move from hearing the story to living the story. The goal is not simply to talk about thankfulness, but to help kids understand why gratitude matters to God and how it can become part of their everyday faith. Gratitude is not about manners or saying the “right words.” In this story, gratitude is a faith response — a way of recognizing God’s love and staying connected to Him. Tips for Volunteers: Encourage participation from everyone. Gently invite quiet children to share, and manage dominant voices by saying kindly, “Let’s hear from someone new.” Keep examples concrete and relatable. Children best understand gratitude when it connects to everyday life: meals, family, friends, pets, school, and church. Affirm every response: “That’s a great thing to thank God for.” “That shows you’re noticing God’s blessings.” Avoid guilt-based language. This is about invitation, not correction. For K–2, keep questions simple and factual. For Grades 3–5, invite deeper reflection with “why” and “how” questions.

Discussion (Leader Script)

Have children remain seated in a calm circle. Younger Children (K–2)

Ask these questions slowly, pausing after each one and helping if needed.

“How many people did Jesus heal?” (Guide gently if needed: Ten.) “How many came back to say thank you?” (Guide: One.) “What did the one man do when he came back?” (Guide: He praised God and thanked Jesus.) “Why do you think that made Jesus happy?” (Guide: Because the man remembered Him and showed love.) “What is something you can thank God for today?” (Guide: food, family, friends, church, Jesus.) Respond warmly after each answer: “That’s a wonderful thing to thank God for.” “I’m glad you noticed that.” Older Children (Grades 3–5) Invite deeper thinking. There are no wrong answers. “Why do you think the other nine didn’t come back?” (Guide gently if needed: They might have been excited, distracted, or forgot who helped them.) “Do you think they were happy they were healed?” (Affirm: Yes — but they didn’t stop to say thank you.) “What does this story teach us about gratitude?” (Guide: Gratitude helps us remember God and stay close to Him.) “What is something you want to thank God for — not just today, but every day?” Encourage deeper answers: “For forgiving me” “For helping me when I’m scared” “For always being with me” Affirm courage and honesty: “That’s a really thoughtful answer.” “Thank you for sharing something important.” Faith Practice – Pause & Thank God Leader Script: “Sometimes we get busy or excited, just like the nine men in the story. But faith helps us pause and remember God.” Invite children to place one hand over their heart. Say slowly, and invite them to repeat each line: “Thank You, God,” (pause) “For loving me,” (pause) “For helping me,” (pause) “Every day.” Pause quietly for a moment after. Then say: “When we stop to say thank you, our hearts remember God’s love.” Optional Object Moment (If Time Allows) Hold up an empty hand and then a full hand (or an empty plate and full plate if available). Say: “Sometimes we notice what we have, and sometimes we forget who gave it to us. Gratitude helps us remember that God is the giver of good things.”

Transition (Leader Script)

“Just like the one man who came back to thank Jesus, we can choose to notice all the good things God does for us. When we pause to say thank you — not just once, but often — it shows that our hearts remember God’s love.” Pause briefly. “Now let’s think about how this story reminds us who we are as people who belong to Jesus.”

Craft Activity – Thankful Hearts Supplies: Construction paper (pre-cut heart shapes if possible) Crayons, markers, or colored pencils Stickers (optional) String or tape for display

Leader Instruction

This activity helps children move from talking about gratitude to seeing themselves as thankful people who belong to Jesus. The heart shape is intentional — it reminds children that gratitude isn’t just something we say with our mouths, but something that lives inside us as a response to God’s love. This is not about making kids feel bad for forgetting to say thank you sometimes. It’s about helping them see this identity truth: Because God loves me and cares for me, I can be someone who remembers to give thanks. Age Guidance: Younger children (K–2): Focus on drawing and naming simple blessings. Adults may write words for them as they explain. Older children (Grades 3–5): Encourage thoughtful reflection on different areas of gratitude — God, others, and daily life. Classroom Management Tips Set a clear, encouraging time limit: “We have about five minutes to work on our hearts.” Move around the room with curiosity and warmth: “Tell me about what you’re thankful for.” “That sounds really important to you.” Encourage creativity — colors, patterns, and stickers are all welcome. Affirm effort, not appearance: “I love how you thought about that.” “That shows you’re noticing God’s goodness.” Step-by-Step Instructions Give each child a paper heart and crayons or markers. Say calmly and clearly: Leader Script: “In today’s story, ten men were healed by Jesus, but only one came back to say thank you. That man remembered who helped him. Let’s make hearts that show the things we want to remember and thank God for.” Invite children to write or draw on their hearts: Things they are thankful for People who help or care for them Ways they see God’s love As children work, gently repeat: “God sees you.” “God cares for you.” “God loves a thankful heart.” When time is nearly finished, invite 1–2 volunteers (only if they want) to share what they wrote or drew. Age Differentiation K–2 Suggestions: Draw family members, pets, or Jesus. Draw hearts or smiling faces. Adults may label drawings with words the child says. Grades 3–5 Prompts: “What is one thing God has helped you with recently?” “Who is someone you’re thankful God put in your life?” “How does being thankful help you stay close to God?” Display & Meaning-Making Tape all the hearts together on a poster, wall, or board titled: “Thankful Hearts for Jesus” Gather the children nearby and say: Leader Script: “Look at all these hearts. Each one tells a story of God’s goodness. The man in today’s story didn’t just walk away — he came back to thank Jesus. When we remember to say thank you, it shows that our hearts know who loves us and helps us.” Pause and look around. “Gratitude isn’t about being perfect. It’s about remembering God’s love. And that’s part of who you are.” Identity Closing Line (Optional Transition) “Because you belong to Jesus, you are someone who can notice God’s goodness and respond with a thankful heart.”

Leader Instruction

Invite the children to come back together into a close circle on the floor. Sitting close helps signal that the lesson is ending and creates a sense of safety and belonging. Choose one calm signal and wait patiently for the group to respond: Clap a simple rhythm and have the kids echo it. Say slowly and gently: “Hands on your knees, eyes on me.” If possible, dim the lights slightly or lower your voice to naturally bring the energy down. Once the group is settled, say softly: “This is our quiet moment to remember what God taught us today and to talk to Him together.” If the group is still wiggly, invite a shared pause: “Let’s take one deep breath in… and out.” Review Wonder Truth (Leader Script) “Before we go, let’s remember today’s Wonder Truth.” Say it clearly and invite the children to repeat with you: “Gratitude pleases God.” Now repeat it together in different ways: Whisper voice: say it quietly together. Normal voice: say it clearly together. Celebration voice: say it joyfully and confidently! Add motion: Place both hands over your heart and smile as you say the truth, reminding children that gratitude starts on the inside. Affirm the group: “You did a wonderful job remembering that.” Memory Verse Review (With Motions) Hold up the verse card and say: “Let’s say our Word of Wonder one more time.” Luke 17:17 — “Where are the other nine?” Teach or review with motions: Hold up ten fingers (the ten men) Look around the room as if searching (“Where…”) Place a hand over your heart (the thankful one) Then say: “Let’s try saying it without me leading.” Invite a confident child to start, with the group joining in. Smile and encourage: “Great job helping us remember God’s Word.” Blessing (Leader Script) (Look slowly around the circle, making gentle eye contact with each child. Speak calmly and warmly.) “May you always know that God sees you. May your heart remember God’s goodness. And may your life show thankfulness in the way you love others.” Pause briefly. “Amen.”

Closing Prayer (Repeat-After-Me)

“Let’s close in prayer together. I’ll say a line, and you repeat it after me.” “Dear God,” (pause) “Thank You for loving me.” (pause) “Thank You for all Your blessings.” (pause) “Help me remember to say thank You.” (pause) “Amen.”

Leader Tip (End on a Warm Note)

If the group is chatty, gently invite them to fold their hands or bow their heads during prayer. As you dismiss, end with encouragement and connection: “I am really thankful for each of you today. I’m so glad you were here.”