Lesson: Matthew 16:26 (Ages 3-5)

📖 Matthew 16:26 – Ages 3-5

Explanation

This Bible verse is like a story that teaches us about what truly matters in life. It tells us that even if someone has lots of toys, candy, or even all the treasures in the world, it's not as important as our souls.

Imagine you have a big, shiny toy that you really love. It's the best toy in the whole world. But what if you had to give up being kind or sharing with others just to keep that toy? That wouldn't make you happy inside, right? Our souls are like our hearts, the part of us that loves, cares, and believes in God.

God wants us to be kind, loving, and share with others. These things are more special than any toy or treasure. So, this verse reminds us that our souls, our love for God and others, are the most important things we have. We should always take care of our hearts and be kind to everyone, just like Jesus taught us.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a little squirrel named Sammy who loved collecting shiny acorns more than anything in the world. Sammy spent all day gathering acorns and building a big pile in his tree.

One day, a wise old owl named Mr. Oliver visited Sammy and asked, "Sammy, what do you treasure most in the whole forest?" Sammy proudly showed Mr. Oliver his pile of shiny acorns.

But Mr. Oliver gently said, "Remember, Sammy, there are things more precious than shiny acorns. The love in your heart and the kindness you show others are worth more than any treasure."

Sammy realized that even though his acorns were shiny and fun to collect, they couldn't bring him true happiness. From that day on, Sammy shared his acorns with his friends and found joy in spreading kindness and love.

Prayer Prompt

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us and caring for our souls. Help us remember that our souls are more important than anything in the whole world. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think it is more important to have a happy heart than to have lots of things?

2. What does it mean to have a happy heart?

3. Can you think of something that is more important than toys or treats?

4. How do you think we can take care of our hearts and souls?

5. Why do you think God wants us to be happy inside, too?

Life Application

This Bible verse teaches us that our soul, which is our inner being and connection to God, is the most important thing we have. Even if we have all the toys, candies, or possessions in the world, none of those things are as valuable as our soul.

Children can apply this message in their daily lives by remembering that being kind, loving others, and following God's ways are more important than having lots of toys or treats. They can show love and kindness at home by helping their family members, sharing toys with siblings, and saying kind words. At school, they can be a good friend by including others in their games and activities, and by standing up for someone who is being treated unkindly. With friends, they can choose to play in a way that makes everyone feel happy and included, even if it means sharing their favorite toy or taking turns.

By remembering that our soul is the most precious thing we have, children can make choices that honor God and show love to others in their everyday lives.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a "Treasure Chest of the Heart" craft to help children understand the message of Matthew 16:26. You will need a small cardboard box, craft supplies like paints, stickers, and gems, and paper.

1. Encourage the child to decorate the cardboard box as a treasure chest. They can paint it, add stickers, or glue on gems to make it sparkle.

2. On a piece of paper, write or print out the Bible verse, "For what benefit is it if someone gains the whole world but forfeits their soul? Or what can a person give in exchange for their soul?" and have the child cut it out.

3. Help the child place the Bible verse inside the treasure chest. Explain that our soul is the most valuable treasure we have, even more valuable than all the treasures in the world.

4. Discuss with the child what things are truly valuable in life, such as love, kindness, helping others, and following Jesus.

5. Encourage the child to keep their "Treasure Chest of the Heart" in a special place as a reminder that our soul is precious and worth more than anything else in the world.

Through this craft, children can visually understand and remember the important message of Matthew 16:26 about the value of our soul.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

In this verse we find,
A lesson that is kind.
Gaining the world is grand,
But our souls we must understand.
For nothing can compare,
To the love that God does share.
So remember, little one,
With Jesus, our souls are won!

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Matthew 16:26 is "You're Gonna Miss It" by HOSANNA! Music. This song talks about how the things of this world are temporary, but our soul is precious and eternal. Another wonderful song is "Treasure" by Seeds Family Worship, which reminds children that the most valuable treasure we can have is a relationship with Jesus, not the things of this world. Both songs help reinforce the important message of prioritizing our souls over earthly possessions.

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