Sermon on the Mount

SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Objectives:

Children should know that the Sermon on the Mount is full of teachings of Jesus.
Children should know that Jesus is the light of the world.
Children should memorize the first Beatitude.

Possible Lesson Plan:

Read the Beginner’s Bible, pages 318-321, the Children’s Bible Reader, pages 193-197, or the Golden Children’s Bible. There is also an Arch book about the Beatitudes. All classes are working on the Beatitudes; the smallest class will focus on Jesus as the light of the world. Review the story of Creation: God created light.

True False

Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus is dark and cold.

God created light. Adam created light.

God blesses the poor in spirit. God blesses the braggers.

Give each child a candle. Light one central candle. This is Jesus, the light of the world. Turn out the lights. See how the candle gives us light in the darkness. Light each child’s candle from the central candle. See how much more light there is, now that we also show the light of Jesus. Blow out all the candles. What is the darkness like, with no light? Sing “This Little Light of Mine”.

Begin to memorize the Beatitudes. The smallest children only need to know the first, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” All other classes will need to know the whole Beatitudes. Say or sing it together to begin the memory work to be continued at home. Can each child say it? What is the kingdom of heaven? Have the children brainstorm a bit about what heaven is like? (bright, beautiful, wonderful). Remind them that Jesus says “Seek ye first the kingdom of God.” Do we always seek His kingdom? What are some things that we really want? Do we want these things more than God’s kingdom? If we could go to the state fair or to church on Sunday, which would we choose? Why? Which should we choose?

Make a decorated candle; you can use this for your House Blessing in a couple of weeks, or for Christmas. Take a pillar-type candle. Star and cross stickers would look really nice all up and down the candle. Place clear paraffin in a can and place on warming tray or hot plate – i.e. melting during Liturgy in a metal or glass container on the hot plate. Dip the candles in the hot paraffin to affix the stars. Set on wax paper to harden for a few minutes before taking home. OR take a standard votive candle, short one or tall week-long one used in your parish. Decorate with Sharpies or, for more fun (and more mess), mix Mod-Podge with food coloring and paint, producing "stained glass". Take home and burn all week in your home icon corner or place in the sanctuary of your parish.