Children's Church: Matthew 5:33-37

Opening:

Sermon on the Mount

Each week, add symbol to hill

Today: God wants us to do what we say

Have each child draw a checkmark on the hill

Why I would not promise to bungee off a bridge

Q. Would you promise this? Why?

Q. … Sing a solo on stage at church?

Q. … Preach a sermon?

Q.... Swim with sharks?

Q… Do a high schooler’s math homework?

Open Bible to Matthew 5.

Silly promises

Real promises

God wants us to do what we say

See what Jesus says

PRAY

Core Bible Discovery:

God wants us to do what we say.

Not adding qualifier

“I swear on my mother’s grave.”

“I swear on this chocolate bar!”

Matthew 5:33–36 NLT

33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. 35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black.

Vows

Not what Jesus said to do

Silly promises; silly qualifiers

Assign each kid one of the following categories:

Verb (action word)

Noun (something you can physically touch)

Deadline

Qualifier

1 word on each slip of paper (4 total)

Take turns creating silly promises

Q. What was so silly about our promises?

Q. Which one would you be least likely to do?

Q. What differences did it make to add the qualifier? Did it make your promises more believable?

Would not really make

But sometimes we add words

Raise your hand if..

“I really, really mean it this time!”

“Cross my heart and hope to die!”

“I promise!”

“I swear to God!”

“I pinky promise!

We do add words

Jesus had different idea

Matthew 5:37 NLT

37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

God wants us to do what we sy.

Trusting yes or no

No extras needed

Faithful to our words

Reflects God

Let’s practice

Have kids write theoretical “realistic” promises

Write on slips of paper

Collect slips, have kids read, saying “yes” or “no”

Q. How did you decide whether to say yes or no to the promises you pulled out?

Q. When have you sais you’d do something and then forgotten about it?

God wants us to do what we say.

Easy to say something and then get distracted

But then we add qualifiers

Ask God to help our yes and no’s be believeable

Life Application Wrap-Up

God wants us to do what we say

He sets example

Thank Him

PRAY: Thank you, God that you promised to love us no matter what, and you do.

PRAY: Thank you, God, that you promised to always be with us, and you are.

PRAY: Thank you, God, that you promised you’ll always forgive us, and you do.

Ask kids if they would like to add any promises of God’s

End prayer