For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Jesus sits down on a hillside to teach, and the very first thing He does is turn the world upside down — by telling us who is really, truly happy.
Today's Story
A huge crowd gathered on a grassy hill. Jesus sat down — that's how teachers taught back then — and everyone leaned in to listen.
Jesus started with a big surprise. He said the happiest people aren't always the ones you'd expect. “Happy are the humble. Happy are those who are sad — they will be comforted. Happy are the gentle. Happy are those who are hungry to do what's right. Happy are the ones who show mercy. And happy are the peacemakers — they will be called children of God.”
The crowd had never heard anything like it. God's kind of happy was different from the world's.
Then Jesus told the people something amazing about themselves. “You are the salt of the earth! You are the light of the world! Nobody lights a lamp and hides it under a basket. You put it up high so it lights the whole room.”
“So let your light shine,” Jesus said, “so that people can see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.”
God made His people to shine.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Jesus said the gentle, the kind, and the peacemakers are the truly happy ones. What does the world say makes people happy? What does Jesus say?
- Jesus said YOU are a light. What's one way you could let your light shine for someone tomorrow?
- A peacemaker helps people stop fighting and become friends again. When could you be a peacemaker this week?