You Are the Light of the World

Matthew 5:14-16

Our true also 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!”

Have you ever seen a bright light in the dark? Maybe it was a night-light in your room or a flashlight on a camping trip. Light helps us see. Light helps us feel safe. Light shows the way to go.

Jesus once told His friends something very special. He said, “You are the light of the world.” That means when we follow Jesus, His light shines through us.

Jesus explained, “No one lights a lamp and hides it under a basket. Instead, they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” A light is meant to shine where everyone can see it.

Jesus told His friends to let their light shine so that others would see their good deeds and praise God. That means when we are kind, when we help, and when we show love, we are shining with the light of Jesus.

So, remember: Jesus is the light of the world, and He says that you can shine too!

Jesus says you are the light of the world. When you do good things and show love, you shine for Him and help others see God’s love.


Dear God,

Thank You that Jesus is the light of the world, and thank You that He says I can shine too. Help me to be kind, to help others, and to show love every day. When I shine for Jesus, people can see Your love in me. We love You, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.





Bible Verse: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”  — John 8:12, BSB

Paraphrase: “I am the light of the world.”



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. Candle Craft

Objective: Teach children that their light should shine for Jesus.

Materials: Construction paper, crayons, yellow/orange tissue paper (for flames), glue sticks.

Activity Description: Help children cut out or draw a candle on paper. Add tissue paper flames or color in a bright flame at the top. Write the words “Shine for Jesus” on the candle.

Talk About It: “Just like a candle gives light, you can shine for Jesus by showing love.”


2. Shine Kindness Game

Objective: Show how good deeds make our light shine.

Materials: None.

Activity Description: Sit in a circle. Go around and have each child name one kind thing they can do (help a friend, share a toy, say kind words). Each time, the group says, “That shines for Jesus!”

Talk About It: “Every kind thing we do is like letting our light shine.”


3. Hide and Shine

Objective: Illustrate Jesus’ teaching that lights should not be hidden.

Materials: A flashlight and a basket (or box).

Activity Description: Turn on the flashlight and let children see the light. Place the basket over it to hide it. Then remove the basket to let the light shine again.

Talk About It: “Jesus says not to hide our light. We let it shine so people can see God’s love.”


4. Music Activity: Song – “This Little Light of Mine” (Traditional Tune)

Objective: Joyfully celebrate shining for Jesus through music and movement.

Materials: None (optional: paper stars or battery tea lights for children to hold).

Activity Description: Teach children to sing the classic song “This Little Light of Mine” with motions—point to themselves for “this little light,” hold a finger up like a candle, and wave it while singing. Add motions like covering the light with a hand for “hide it under a bushel—no!”

        This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
        This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
        This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
        Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

        Hide it under a bushel—no! I’m gonna to let it shine.
        Hide it under a bushel—no! I’m gonna to let it shine.
        Hide it under a bushel—no! I’m gonna to let it shine.
        Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Talk About It: “When we sing this song, we are remembering that Jesus says we are the light of the world!”

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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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