Answering BIG QUESTIOns

Jesus says to be the salt of the earth, bringing flavor to the world around us. He also says to be the light of the world and not to hide our lights. Our good deeds can be like lights that point out God’s glory and bring Him praise. ...

Jesus begins his most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount, with something known as the Beatitudes. In this section of His sermon, Jesus lists kinds of people who seem lowly or down and out and names the reward they are promised. Jesus flips everything upside down by demonstrating that those who seem to be struggling are actually blessed. Kids’ moods are very contingent on their present circumst...

God commands His people not to want other people’s stuff. Joseph’s brothers are jealous because their dad likes Joseph best and gives Joseph a fancy coat. Plus, Joseph brags about dreams in which his brothers bow to him. Of all the Ten Commandments, this one describes what feels most like a harmless, inward emotion...not a sin. And yet God gave this commandment because He knew the harm that can co...

God commands His people not to lie. When Ananias and Sapphira sell their property, they lie about how much money they sell it for so they can keep some money but make it seem like they gave it all. Both of them are caught in the lie and die suddenly. Lying has a lot of gray areas for kids. What if I don’t technically lie, but I lead someone to believe an untruth? What about if lying spares someone...

God commands His people not to steal. Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, is the treasurer for the group. Instead of being responsible with the money, he secretly steals some for himself and then criticizes a woman who gives generously to Jesus, saying she’s being wasteful. Help your kids see why stealing is wrong and replace a desire to steal with a desire to give generously....