Good Morning! Here is a “children’s focus” devotional from Matthew chapters 5-6.
It is followed by one for adults, written by Ron and Carla Segally.
Ron is on the security team, and Carla is one of our teachers for 4’s and 5’s on Sunday mornings.
Key Verse: Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Read Key Passage: Matthew 5:3-16
Reflection: One day Jesus was healing people and a big crowd gathered. Can you imagine seeing someone heal people? Jesus climbed up on this big hill and began to teach the people. (That is why they call this passage the “sermon on the mount.”) It was like a gigantic classroom. I’m sure there were kids like you there that day. There were a lot of people there and many of the people did not believe in Jesus. They did not think Jesus was God’s Son; they were just there because they wanted to see Jesus do miracles. When Jesus spoke this passage of scripture, he was talking to the people that believe in him. He was talking to people that follow Christ; we call them Christians. What is really neat is that the words he said to the people that day are written down in Matthew. The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most important parts of the whole Bible for us Christians. Are you a Christian?
Here are a few of the things Jesus said; talk to your parents and discuss what they mean.
1. Blessed (Happy) are the meek (gentle); they will inherit the earth.
2. Blessed (Happy) are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they will be filled.
3. Blessed (Happy) are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
4. Blessed (Happy) are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God
5. Blessed (Happy) are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for yours is kingdom of heaven.
6. You are the salt of earth.
7. You are the light of the world.
Application: Jesus tells us to be salt and light in this world. In places where people are doing wrong, Jesus needs Christians like you to stand for what is right. Be a light in your home, school, church and wherever you go. Let’s do what verse 16 says, let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and give glory to you? NO – NO – glory to your father in heaven. Remember the purpose of all people should be to bring glory to God!
Thanks for reading and you have a great day!
Review Questions:
· Is salt good when it loses its saltiness?
· Who should we let our light shine in front of?
· What does it mean to be salt of earth?
· What does blessed mean?
MATTHEW 5 AND 6
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
MATTHEW 5 AND 6
Hello everyone,
This is Ron and Carla Segally with some thoughts on these chapters.
KEY VERSES:
REFLECTIONS:
Matthew 5 and 6 – “Sermon on the Mount”
We can easily picture Jesus, the professed Son of God, sitting on the mountainside addressing His disciples while the multitudes continue to gather. This was a classroom, for all intents and purposes. Jesus was teaching that strength and power could manifest itself in the most humble of servants – that stripping off pride and the love of earthly treasures could bring righteousness to all. He was ministering to a group more tuned in to Mosaic Laws and their desire for an earthly kingdom. The New Covenant, the “Law of Christ,” was yet to be established (read Galatians 6). Called “the beatitudes,” verses 1-12 say that being meek or poor in spirit (proud) is not synonymous with weakness, and brings blessings when we submit ourselves to His will. They state that maintaining a selfless attitude and showing kindness and mercy will be rewarded. Jesus wanted all to know His love for them and to hear the assurances guaranteed to those who would put their faith in Him though times may be difficult and even perilous. He expected His people to be in touch with the needs of others and to be responsible for their actions in all instances. He instructed but also inspired the crowd to pray in a specific manner. “The Lord’s Prayer” is found in chapter 6, verses 9-13. Now memorized by most and beautifully remembered in song, it sweetly but powerfully instructs all to humbly seek God’s grace. Praying in secret was key to keeping a close bond with the Father, who promised to reward His children openly. His expectations for His followers were to love the brethren and reach out to the lost. These chapters are as important now as they were when first spoken to the disciples and the multitudes that day so long ago.
APPLICATIONS:
Though saved by grace, we have all sinned. It is difficult to imagine anyone, our Lord excluded, walking a perfect life on this earth. But, Jesus’ sermon gives us a path to follow so that our light will shine before men.
On a personal note, my wife Carla, a Christian since age 9, is a teacher (ages 4 and 5) at VBC. One of her favorite chapters in the Bible is I Corinthians 13. I am a member of the security team at VBC. Born and raised a Catholic, I have fond memories of my days as a choir boy while attending a parochial school – a soprano, no less! But my closest relationship with Christ came when I was saved at Valley Baptist Church. Psalm 23 is one of my favorite chapters.
Enjoy the Challenge and have a great day!
Ron and Carla Segally