Lesson 5: Heavenly treasures
Passage: Matthew 6:19-24 - Jesus taught his followers to focus on storing up heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones, since earthly treasures do not last but heavenly treasures last forever. He also taught that whatever we treasure and value is what will be in our hearts. He then says that having healthy eyes (that focus on things of the spirit) fills us with light, while having unhealthy eyes (that focus on worldly things) fills us with darkness. Finally, Jesus says that we cannot serve both God and money.
Big Idea: Treasures that last forever.
For Teachers:
Lesson plan.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit in a circle on the circle time rug. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: Storytime — Activity Leader
Read: God Made All Your Feelings
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are talking more about Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount - which is all about the teachings that Jesus gave to his followers from the side of a mountain.
Can anyone remember any of the lessons we’ve learned so far?
Today we’re going to be learning another one of Jesus’ lessons, which is all about treasures...
Does anyone know what a treasure is?
What is the most important thing is the world to you?
Let's watch our video to find out more about what Jesus said is the most important treasures are…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Questions — Bible Story Leader
What did Jesus say was more important - treasure in the world or in heaven?
What do you think treasures in the world are?
What do you think treasures in heaven are?
Why do you think treasures in heaven are better than treasures in the world?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for the lesson we learned today from Jesus, that the most important treasures are the gifts that come from you. Help us to remember that it’s more important to be loving and kind people than to have lots things. May we be full of your love and goodness, so that we can share it with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Cardboard Yarn Art — Activity Leader
Cardboard with notches cut into it will be provided. Kids can colour the cardboard, wrap the yarn around it, and add beads to the strands.
If a child is not interested in the activity, allow them to move to free play.
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Have the children sit near the TV. Welcome them to class.
Warm Up Activity: Storytime — Activity Leader
Read: God Made All Your Feelings
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are talking more about Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount - which is all about the teachings that Jesus gave to his followers from the side of a mountain.
Can anyone remember any of the lessons we’ve learned so far?
Today we’re going to be learning about another one of Jesus’ lessons, which is all about treasures…
Does anyone know what a treasure is?
What kinds of things do you think about when you think of treasures?
Now we’re going to watch our video to find out more about what Jesus said is the most important treasures are…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Questions — Bible Story Leader
What did Jesus say was more important - treasure in the world or in heaven?
What do you think treasures in the world are? What do you think treasures in heaven are?
Why do you think treasures in heaven are better than treasures in the world?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for the lesson we learned today from Jesus, that the most important treasures are the gifts that come from you. Help us to remember that it’s more important to be loving and kind than to have lots of nice things. May we be full of your love and goodness, so that we can share it with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Yarn Weaving — Activity Leader
Popsicle stick forms will be pre-glued. Kids will wrap the yard around the form to create a medallion. They can weave in different colours of yarn to create a pattern.
See instructional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X53ZXcHoR_c
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
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Welcome — Activity Leader
Welcome the kids to class, ask how their week was.
Warm Up Activity: Thumbs Up Seven Up — Activity Leader
Seven children (or a number less than seven depending on the number of kids in the class) will be selected to stand at the front of the room. The rest will sit with their eyes closed and one thumb up.
The standing students will walk around the room quietly and touch the thumb of someone with their eyes closed who will then put their thumb down. When all have made their selections, they will return to the front of the room. Those who's thumbs were touched will guess who touched it.
Preliminary Discussion — Bible Story Leader
Today we are talking more about Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount - which is all about the teachings that Jesus gave to his followers from the side of a mountain.
Can anyone remember any of the lessons we’ve learned so far?
What do you all think about Jesus’ teachings so far? Are they pretty simple or are they challenging to follow?
Today we’re going to learn about what Jesus taught us about treasures.
What do you think of when you hear the word treasure?
Let's watch today’s video to find out what Jesus taught about treasures…
Video Lesson — Bible Story Leader
Follow Up Questions — Bible Story Leader
What would you say are some examples of earthly treasures
What are some examples of heavenly treasures?
Why do you think that Jesus said treasure in heaven are better than treasures on earth?
What do you think Jesus meant when he said "Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be"?
Do you think that Jesus' point is that it's bad to have money and nice things? Or do you think there's another point to the message?
Prayer — Bible Story Leader
“Dear God, thank you for the lesson we learned today from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount about seeking and valuing heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones. Thank you for reminding us that the most important things are the things of the spirit - being full of your love and goodness and peace, and sharing it with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Activity: Yarn Weaving — Activity Leader
Popsicle stick forms will be pre-glued. Kids will wrap the yard around the form to create a medallion. They can weave in different colours of yarn to create a pattern.
See instructional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X53ZXcHoR_c
Dismissal: Collect tags and make sure each child leaves with their caregiver.
For Parents:
Follow-up questions.
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
What do you think are the treasures on earth that Jesus talks about?
What are heavenly treasures? (spiritual gifts like faith, love, goodness, and kindness)
Why did Jesus say that heavenly treasures are better than earthly ones?
What are some ways that we can collect heavenly treasures and share them with others?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
What do you think are some examples of earthly treasures?
What are heavenly treasures? (gifts of the Spirit like faith, love, goodness, and kindness)
What did Jesus say what better? Why do you think he said that?
What are some ways that we can collect heavenly treasures and share them with others?
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What was the story you learned about in class today?
What’s the difference between earthly and spiritual treasures?
Which kind did Jesus say was better to focus on?
Why do you think heavenly treasures are more valuable than earthly ones?
What are some ways we can we seek after spiritual treasures and share them with others?
