For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Jesus teaches that God cares about what's really in our hearts — not just looking good on the outside.
Today's Story
Some of the religious leaders liked to LOOK very holy. They wore fancy clothes, said long prayers where everyone could see, and loved sitting in the best seats so people would admire them. But on the inside, their hearts weren't always kind or loving. They were like a cup that's shiny on the outside but dirty on the inside.
Jesus gently warned the people not to be like that. “Don't just do good things to show off,” He said. “God sees your heart, not just the outside. Don't try to look important. Whoever wants to be great should be a servant.”
Jesus said it this way: the one who is humble will be lifted up, but the one who is proud and shows off will be brought low.
Jesus wants us to be REAL — not pretending to be good so people will clap for us, but truly kind and loving on the inside, where only God can see. It's not about looking good. It's about a clean, humble, loving heart.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- The leaders wanted to look holy on the outside. Why does God care more about our hearts than about how we look?
- Jesus said don't do good things just to show off. What's the difference between being kind to help someone and being kind to get attention?
- Jesus said the humble will be lifted up. Why do you think God loves a humble heart?