In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the crowd how to live Godly lives. He illustrated the significance of followers displaying Godly lives by saying, “You are the salt of the earth” and  “You are the light of the world”.

Our actions and lives can be a positive influence on our world and point people to God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Matthew 5:13-16
• Psalm 18:28; 27:1; 119:130.
• Isaiah 42:6 and 49:6.
• John 1:1-9; 8:12; and 12:44-46.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8
• 1 John 1:5-7

Outline:

1. You are salt (Matthew 5:13)
2. You are light (Matthew 5:14-16

Tips for teaching:

• For children, tell the story in a dark room with only a tiny light ( lamp or torch/flashlight).  Serve unsalted popcorn and add salt as you share the teaching.
• Mix salt in paint to do salt painting.  It dries with a little sparkle.
• Crafts can be created using small battery-operated tea lights. Alternatively, you can use a Sharpie pen and write the verse on the underside of the tea light.
• Discuss ways children can make a difference in the world around them.  How can they shine their lights?
• Childen and/or adults can sing songs that mention ‘light’: “Here I Am to Worship”, “Shine, Jesus, Shine”, and “This Little Light of Mine”
• When teaching adults, gather in a class member’s home to have this Bible study and a meal together.  Have the meal first and then follow with a Bible study of this text.  Make it a simple meal but with a twist.  Have volunteers prepare the dishes for the class without salt.  Begin eating the saltless meal.  And then ask your guests to salt their food as they like. Discuss the difference salt made to the meal.    The group can also eat this meal by candlelight with all other lights in the house turned off.   Afterwards, have the bible study. 

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Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Jesus Teaches about Salt and Light 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org