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Object Lesson

Light of the World Object Lesson for Kids

A 10-minute light of the world object lesson for kids using a flashlight and a bowl (Matthew 5:14–16), with a read-aloud script, questions and prayer.

Grades K–5

Light of the World Object Lesson for Kids

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Ages
Early Elementary (K–2), Upper Elementary (3–5)
Time
10 minutes
Scripture
Matthew 5:14–16
Bible story
The Sermon on the Mount

What you need

  • A flashlight with fresh batteries (test it before class)
  • A bowl, basket or small box big enough to cover the flashlight
  • A Bible, marked at Matthew 5:14–16
  • A shelf, table or stack of books to set the light up high

Steps

  1. Before class, test the flashlight and find a high spot in the room where everyone can see it.
  2. Dim the room lights and turn on the flashlight. Talk about what light does in a dark room.
  3. Cover the flashlight with the bowl and ask if the light is helping anyone now.
  4. Read Matthew 5:14–15 and explain that a bushel was a basket for measuring grain.
  5. Lift the bowl and set the flashlight up high so it lights the whole room.
  6. Read Matthew 5:16 and talk about good works that let others see Jesus' light in us.
  7. Ask the questions, share the gospel, and close in prayer.

This light of the world object lesson uses a flashlight and a bowl to teach Matthew 5:14–16: Jesus wants His light to shine through us so people see our good works and glorify God. It takes about 10 minutes, needs no prep beyond testing the batteries, and comes with a printable teacher script you can read straight from the page.

How to use it

Dim the lights, turn on the flashlight, then hide it under the bowl. Kids quickly see how silly it is to hide a light. Read Jesus' words about not putting a candle "under a bushel," then set the light up high where it fills the room. The script gives you every Do and Say cue, three questions with answers, a short gospel moment and a closing prayer.

Good for

  • Kids' church or the opening of a Sunday school class
  • A children's sermon during the main service
  • A family devotion at home (use a phone light if you don't have a flashlight)

Tips

  • Test the flashlight before class. A dead battery ruins the moment.
  • Let a child lift the bowl. Kids remember what they do.
  • For preschoolers, let each child hide the light and hold it up high while everyone says "Let your light so shine!"
  • Pair it with the Sermon on the Mount word search for early finishers.

Frequently asked questions

What does "Ye are the light of the world" mean for kids?

Jesus told His followers that they are like a light in a dark room (Matthew 5:14). When we do good works, people can see it and give glory to God (Matthew 5:16).

What is a bushel in Matthew 5:15?

A bushel was a basket or container used to measure grain. Nobody lights a lamp and hides it under a basket. They set it up high so it gives light to the whole house.

What do I need for this object lesson?

Just a flashlight, a bowl or small box to cover it, and your Bible. It takes about 10 minutes and works for kids in kindergarten through 5th grade.

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