Light of the World
Matthew 5:1-2, 14-16
Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew was a disciple of Jesus. That means Jesus was his teacher. And the word gospel means “good news!”
We begin with Jesus. Jesus is very special because Jesus is God’s Son. One day, Jesus was on a mountain with His friends, the disciples. While they were there, Jesus began to teach. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” Hmm, how can PEOPLE be a light?
We know that flashlights shine light. And we know that lamps shine light. But Jesus said, “YOU are the light.”
How can PEOPLE be a light? Great question! You see, when you are kind to people . . . you shine like a light so people can see that Jesus is kind.
When you forgive people . . . you shine like a light so people can see that Jesus forgives. You can shine like a light every day.
Now, I have a game that will help you remember to shine our light! All you have to do is hold your finger out, like this: Hold your hand out with your pointer finger pointing up like a candle.
Pretend your finger is a really bright light. What would happen to your light if you covered it up with your other hand?
If you cover it, you would hide your light, and no one could see it. We don’t want to hide our light. We want to shine our light! Uncover your light. Now people can see your light!
Let’s play a game. I’ll tell you a little story and then you will tell me if the person in the story is shining their light . . . or hiding their light.
Let’s play! There is a boy playing with two cars. He will NOT share one of his cars with his friend. Is the boy who will not share shining his light . . . or is he hiding his light? He’s hiding his light. How could the boy shine his light?
Yes! He could share one of his cars. When you share with people, you shine your light . . . so people can see that Jesus shares!
Let’s play again! A little girl needs help walking across the street. Her older brother helps her by holding her hand, looking both ways, and walking with her across the street. Is the brother shining his light . . . or hiding his light? Right, again! He is shining his light. When you help people, you shine your light so people can see that Jesus helps!
Every time you do what Jesus says, you shine your light. And Jesus says to shine your light so the world can see that Jesus loves them and He wants to be their friend forever, just like Jesus loves you and wants to be your friend forever! We can do what Jesus says and shine our light! So, when someone asks you, “Who can do what Jesus says?”, you can say, “I can do what Jesus says!”
Bible Paraphrase: “Let your light shine.” —Matthew 5:16, NIV
Text Truth: Jesus says to let my light shine.
Family Devotional
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In this same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
—Matthew 5:14-16
In our Bible Story, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” Do you remember how we can be the light of the world? When we do what Jesus says, we shine like a light so other people can see that Jesus loves them and wants to be their friend forever! That means I can do what Jesus says and shine, and you can do what Jesus says and shine! So when someone asks you “Who can do what Jesus says?” you can say, “I can do what Jesus says!” And when we do what Jesus says, we shine!
“Let your light shine.” —Matthew 5:16, NIV
With your family, take a piece of paper and make a list of places where you can shine your light. Have each member of your family write down a place where they can shine their light. Since Jesus said we are the light of the WORLD, we can shine everywhere in the world! Remember wo write the name of each family member next to the place they write down.
Pray with your family. Allow any family members to pray if they wish. In your own words, say, “Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to be the light of the world. Help us do what Jesus says so we can let our light shine too. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
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