City on a Hill

Matthew 5:14-16 

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 talking to a lot of people.


Jesus told them He wanted them to show God’s GOODNESS to everyone. Jesus really wanted the people to understand what it meant to show God’s GOODNESS so Jesus told them about a special light.


What does a candle do? A candle burns bright and shines light in a dark room. Jesus said that when we choose GOODNESS it’s like we are shining a light that shows everyone God is good. 


We choose GOODNESS when we help others. Helping shines a light that says God is good!


We choose GOODNESS when we share with others. Sharing shines a light that says God is good!


We choose GOODNESS when we say kind words to others. Kind words shine a light that says God is good!


But when we do mean things . . . or don’t share . . . or don’t help, Jesus said it’s like we’re covering up our light. 


Jesus said, “Let your light shine!” Jesus wants us to choose GOODNESS and be like a shining light that shows everyone God is good.


Jesus will help us choose GOODNESS because Jesus can help us do everything!






Bible Verse: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” —John 14:6, NIV

Text Truth: Jesus can help me show God’s goodness.



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 the 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, we learned that when we do things like help others, say kind words, and share what we have, we are like a shining light that shows God’s goodness to the world. And when Jesus is our friend forever, He can help us show God’s goodness because Jesus can help us do everything!

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” —John 14:6, NIV

With your family, make a list of things you can share because sharing is one way you can show God’s goodness. Make sure to write down each family member’s thing and the name of each family member.

Pray with your family. Allow any family members to pray if they wish. In your own words, say, “Dear God, thank You for sharing Your Son, Jesus, with us so He can be our friend forever and help us do everything. We want to share with others, too, so everyone can see Your goodness. Help [family member’s name] share [what family member listed]. Help [child’s name] share [what child listed]. Help . . . (continue with each family member). We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

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Some story illustrations are in the Public Domain.

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