Free Gospel-Centered Sunday School Curriculum
for Elementary Kids

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Salt and Light: Shining for Jesus
(Matthew 5:13-16)

Imagine you are walking through a dark forest at night. The trees block out the moon and stars. You cannot see the path. You cannot see the roots and rocks under your feet. It feels scary. Then, someone hands you a bright flashlight. You click it on. Suddenly, you can see everything. The light shows you the way. It keeps you safe.

Jesus told a story like this to a big crowd of people on a mountainside. He said, "You are the light of the world." Jesus explained that a city sitting on a hill cannot be hidden. When it gets dark, everyone can see the city's lights shining from far away. Nobody lights a lamp and then hides it under a bowl. Instead, they put the lamp on a stand. Then the light shines all over the room for everyone to see.

Jesus also talked about salt. He said, "You are the salt of the earth." Salt might seem small, but it does big things. Salt makes food taste better. It also stops food from going bad. In Bible times, people did not have refrigerators. They used salt to keep their meat and fish fresh. Without salt, food would quickly rot and be useless.

Jesus said that if salt loses its saltiness, it is not good for anything. You cannot make it salty again. People just throw it out and walk on it. That would be sad. Jesus wants his followers to be like good salt and bright light. He wants us to make the world better and show others how to follow God.

How do we do that? By loving others, telling the truth, helping people in need, and obeying God's commands. When we do those things, people see our good works. Then they will praise our Father in heaven, not us. They will see God's love shining through us.

Jesus wants every single one of his followers to be salt and light. You do not have to be a grown-up to shine for Jesus. Even a small candle can push back a lot of darkness. So let your light shine today. Share a toy. Say a kind word. Tell a friend about Jesus. That is what salt and light do.

A Curious Question

If salt can lose its saltiness, can light ever stop being light? What does it mean to "lose your saltiness" as a follower of Jesus?

Old Testament Connection

Jesus' words about salt and light connect back to God's covenant with Israel. In the Old Testament, God called the nation of Israel to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6). They were supposed to show all the people on earth what God is like. But Israel often failed and hid their light. Jesus came as the perfect light of the world (John 8:12). Now, Jesus gives his followers the same job. We continue the mission of God to shine his truth and love everywhere we go.

Discussion Questions

1. Why did Jesus say a city on a hill cannot be hidden? What does that teach us about being a Christian?

2. What are some practical ways kids your age can be "salt" at school or in your neighborhood?

3. If someone sees your good works, who should get the praise and glory? Why?

So What? What Can I Do?

Think about your daily life this week. When do you find it hardest to shine your light for Jesus? Is it when a friend is being mean? Is it when you feel embarrassed to pray before lunch? Ask God to help you be brave salt and bright light in those exact moments. Then look for one small chance each day to do something kind or say something true about God. That is how you let your light shine.

Memorize God's Word

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

• Let your light shine cup both hands together like holding a candle, then open them outward.

before others point with both index fingers to the people all around you.

that they may see your good deeds shade your eyes with one hand as if looking for something good.

and glorify your Father in heaven raise both hands high and then point upward to God.

Praying with Kids

Dear Father, thank you for calling us to be salt and light in this world. Please help us not to hide our faith. Make us brave to do good things and tell others about your love. Forgive us when we act like a lamp under a bowl. Shine through us today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Craft or Activity

Salt Dough Candle Holder

Materials Checklist:

How to Make the Salt Dough Candle Holder:

  1. Mix 1 cup of salt, 2 cups of flour, and 1 cup of water in a bowl. Stir until it forms a dough.
  2. Knead the dough on parchment paper for 2 minutes until smooth.
  3. Flatten the dough into a circle about 1/2 inch thick.
  4. Press the bottom of a small glass jar or a tea light candle into the center to make a dent.
  5. Wrap the dough up around the sides of the jar to form a holder shape. Leave the top open.
  6. Bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours. Let it cool completely.
  7. Place a tea light candle inside. Remember: As you light it, pray, "Lord, help me be salt and light today."

Effective Teaching Techniques

For younger kids (ages 4-7), bring a real candle and a bowl. Light the candle, then cover it with the bowl to show how darkness returns. For older kids (ages 8-11), ask them to name one "dark" thing they see in the world (bullying, lying, loneliness) and then brainstorm one "light" action their class could do to help. Prep shortcut: Pre-make salt dough disks before class so kids only need to shape the candle holder.