The Sermon on the Mount , Jesus Teaches Us to Live
Scripture: Matthew 5:1-16
Theme: Jesus teaches us what it looks like to follow Him
Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)
Overview
“God Loves Us!” “Jesus is our friend and teaches us how to be kind and happy. He says, ‘Be like little children, trust God and love everyone.’ Just like we love our mommy and daddy, God loves us too!” Optional reflection: children can draw a picture of Jesus helping their friends, then share one way they can help someone else this week. This extra activity supports the lesson’s theme and gives teachers a simple, lowprep option for extending the discussion.
Bible Story
“Jesus’ Big Love Story”
One day, Jesus walked on a hill. He saw a big crowd of people, kids, adults, and friends. He smiled and said, “This is my happy time!” God is always near, just like a cozy blanket on your bed.
Jesus taught them: “Be kind like God’s love,” He said. He showed them how to love with big hearts, sharing toys, hugging friends, and helping others. Even little things matter! “Little sparrows fall,” Jesus said, “but God loves them!” God loves you so much, like holding a favorite teddy bear!
Children should shine like stars, Jesus said. “Give them pretty lights to see!” When you do good things, like smile at your mom or share your snack, God is happy! He sees it and loves you extra.
Even when you make mistakes, God loves you! “Be like clean white flowers,” Jesus said. Washing hands and saying “I’m sorry” shows you care. God always cleans your heart, just like washing your fingers after a playdate.
God’s love is like sunshine, bright, warm, and never gone! Today, He says, “I love you!” Just like a parent hugs their child. Let that love grow in your heart.
— Why this story matters: Because God loves you so much, just like He loves Jesus! No matter what, He wants you to be kind, happy, and safe, just like a hug from a favorite person.
Activities
Supplies:
- Give each child a piece of red paper and a crayon. Say, “God loves you, just like this heart!”
- Let them color the paper while singing, “Jesus loves me, this I know…” (simple tune).
- Fold the paper in half, then cut out a heart shape with scissors. Say, “Cut out a heart for God’s love!”
- Glue the heart onto a bigger piece of paper and share how God loves them every single day.
- “Kindness Light-Up” Bible Story Light
- Draw a simple picture of Jesus holding hands (like a circle) on the box lid. Write, “Jesus teaches us to be kind!”
- Cut out 4 small paper pieces: one with a “happy face”, one with “sharing”, and two with “love hugs” (draw them).
- Let toddlers pick a picture to glue inside the box. Say, “God says, ‘Be kind like Jesus!’” while pointing.
- Shine a flashlight under the box to make it “glow” with love, then sing, “The Lord is good, He’s always near.”
Discussion Questions
- Here are four simple, open-ended questions about God’s love based on the Sermon on the Mount for babies and toddlers:
- When Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” what do you think God wants us to be like? What makes us feel happy or kind? (Let them share pictures of kindness they see.)
- If Jesus teaches us to be like little children, trusting and soft, how can we show God we trust Him? Maybe you can tell me one time you prayed or asked Him for help today!
- God says, “Be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” What does that mean? What do you like about God’s love that makes you feel safe? (Hold hands or show a hug.)
- Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” Who is someone kind in your family or classroom? How can we show God’s love to them? (Let them point to a friend or picture.)
Prayer Focus
“Dear Jesus, love us always, like a big hug and a warm smile. You make us feel safe, happy, and loved, just like God loves us too! Thank you for loving us even when we’re small and silly.” (Pray with simple repetition: “Love us always… God loves us too…”)
Missions Spotlight
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about being ‘salt and light.’ In many parts of Africa, salt is extremely valuable and light is precious in areas without electricity. Missioners in sub-Saharan Africa find these metaphors come alive in powerful ways.
To the Cross
Jesus said, ‘You are the light of the world.’ But we can’t shine on our own. It’s only because Jesus , the Light of the World , lives in us that we can shine. And He could only be our light because He went to the cross to remove our darkness.
Teaching Tips
- Engagement via Repetitive Songs
- Simple Observations
- Individualized Attention
- Visual Cues and Immediate Feedback
Family Take-Home
Jesus taught His followers in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1, 16) to live with love, humility, and kindness, like pure light shining for others. He showed how to follow God’s love through honesty, compassion, and forgiveness, encouraging believers to be faithful servants who reflect His heart.