B26 – Blessings From Heaven Part 3 | Junior Activities

Lesson B 26 · Blessings From Heaven, Part 3

Words from the Mountain

Fill in the blanks to complete what Jesus said in Matthew 6–7.

Matthew 6–7 Fill in the Blank 8–10 minutes

Use the Word Bank below to fill in each blank. Each word is used once. When you’re done, compare answers with a partner and discuss: does any verse surprise you?

Word Bank

secret daily kingdom worry plank narrow rock forgive

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1. “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in .” Matthew 6:3–4
2. “Give us today our bread.” Matthew 6:11
3. “For if you other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14
4. “But seek first his and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
5. “Therefore do not about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
6. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3
7. “Enter through the gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Matthew 7:13
8. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the .” Matthew 7:24

Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®.
This activity is free to use and adapt for non-commercial ministry purposes.

Teacher Answer Key — Not for Distribution

Lesson B 26 · Blessings From Heaven, Part 3

Words from the Mountain

Answers with teaching notes for each verse.

Matthew 6–7 (NIV)

1. “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.” Matthew 6:3–4 Jesus calls his followers to give without seeking praise. The reward from God matters more than the approval of people.

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2. “Give us today our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11 From the Lord’s Prayer — we ask God for what we need today, not hoarding for the future. It reflects trust rather than anxiety.

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3. “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 Forgiveness isn’t optional. Jesus links the forgiveness we receive from God directly to our willingness to forgive others.

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4. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 The answer to worry isn’t trying harder — it’s reordering priorities. When God is first, everything else falls into its right place.

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5. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 A verse worth memorizing. Jesus doesn’t say hard things won’t come — He says don’t borrow tomorrow’s trouble today.

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6. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3 One of Jesus’ most vivid word-pictures. The humor makes the point: our own blind spots are usually far bigger than the faults we notice in others.

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7. “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” Matthew 7:13 Following Jesus is not the path of least resistance. The easy way and the right way are often different — and Jesus is clear about which one He calls us to.

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8. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount with this challenge: hearing is not enough — it’s doing that makes all the difference. A great closing discussion point.

Closing Thought for the Teacher

Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with a builder’s challenge: you’ve heard — now what will you do? After completing the activity, ask your students to pick their one favorite verse from the list and explain why it stands out to them. Then close in prayer, asking God to help them put at least one of these words into practice this week.

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Lesson B 25 · Blessings From Heaven, Part 2

You Were Heard — Now What?

Match each real-life scenario to the teaching of Jesus it best illustrates.

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📖 Matthew 5:9–48 ✏️ Individual / Partner Activity ⏱ 5–7 minutes

Jesus' Teachings — Use This List to Help You

A. Peacemakers → called children of God (v.9)

B. Persecuted for righteousness → great reward in heaven (v.10–12)

C. Salt and light → let your light shine before others (v.13–16)

D. Anger and reconciliation → settle matters quickly (v.21–24)

E. Turn the other cheek → do not resist an evil person (v.39)

F. Love your enemies → pray for those who persecute you (v.44)

Read each scenario. Write the letter of the teaching it best matches on the line provided. Be ready to explain your answer!

Scenario 1

Two girls in Daniela's friend group stopped talking to each other after a misunderstanding, and now everyone is taking sides. Daniela doesn't want to pick a side — she wants them to make up. She quietly talks to each of them separately, helps them see the other's point of view, and eventually gets them together to work it out.

Teaching:     

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Scenario 2

Noah started bringing his Bible to school to read during free period. A few kids from his class started calling him "preacher boy" and making fun of him in the hallway. His teacher noticed and asked if he wanted to stop. Noah said, "No — I know why I'm doing it."

Teaching:     

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Scenario 3

The youth group at Priya's church started volunteering at a food pantry every Sunday morning. Priya's neighbor — who isn't religious — noticed what the group was doing and asked why they gave up their Sunday mornings. Priya answered simply: "We want people to know someone cares about them." The neighbor started donating food the following week.

Teaching:     

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Scenario 4

During a school debate, another student said something rude and untrue about Elijah's opinion in front of the whole class. Elijah felt humiliated. Later that day, the student bumped into him in the hallway — bracing for a fight. Instead, Elijah just said, "We can disagree without being mean about it," and kept walking.

Teaching:     

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Scenario 5

Grace has a classmate named Brianna who has been unkind to her all year — excluding her from group projects, whispering, rolling her eyes. Grace doesn't like it. But at night before bed, she's started quietly praying for Brianna — not for things to go badly for her, but genuinely asking God to help her.

Teaching:     

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Scenario 6

Marcus said something harsh to his younger brother during an argument and immediately regretted it. At dinner that night — before anyone else brought it up — Marcus went to his brother and said he was sorry. His brother looked surprised. "I thought you'd just forget about it," he said. Marcus told him, "I didn't want it hanging between us."

Teaching:     

Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®.
This activity is free to use and adapt for non-commercial ministry purposes.

✦ Teacher Answer Key — Not for Distribution ✦

Lesson B 25 · Blessings From Heaven, Part 2

You Were Heard — Now What?

Answer key with discussion notes for each scenario.

📖 Matthew 5:9–48

Scenario 1 — Daniela

Two girls in Daniela's friend group stopped talking to each other after a misunderstanding, and now everyone is taking sides. Daniela doesn't want to pick a side — she wants them to make up. She quietly talks to each of them separately, helps them see the other's point of view, and eventually gets them together to work it out.

✓ A — Blessed are the peacemakers (v.9)

Discussion: Jesus doesn't just say "avoid fighting" — He says make peace. Peacemaking is active, not passive. It costs something. Ask kids: is it ever tempting to just stay out of conflict instead of doing the harder work of helping people reconcile?

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Scenario 2 — Noah

Noah started bringing his Bible to school to read during free period. A few kids from his class started calling him "preacher boy" and making fun of him in the hallway. His teacher noticed and asked if he wanted to stop. Noah said, "No — I know why I'm doing it."

✓ B — Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness (v.10–12)

Discussion: Jesus says to "rejoice and be glad" when people mock you for doing right — which sounds almost impossible in the moment. Ask kids: have you ever been made fun of for something you believed was right? What kept you going?

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Scenario 3 — Priya

The youth group at Priya's church started volunteering at a food pantry every Sunday morning. Priya's neighbor — who isn't religious — noticed what the group was doing and asked why they gave up their Sunday mornings. Priya answered simply: "We want people to know someone cares about them." The neighbor started donating food the following week.

✓ C — Salt and light: let your light shine (v.13–16)

Discussion: Jesus says the point of shining isn't to look good — it's so people will "praise your Father in heaven." Priya's group didn't make a show of it; the good deeds spoke. Ask kids: can you think of a time when you noticed someone's faith because of what they did, not what they said?

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Scenario 4 — Elijah

During a school debate, another student said something rude and untrue about Elijah's opinion in front of the whole class. Elijah felt humiliated. Later that day, the student bumped into him in the hallway — bracing for a fight. Instead, Elijah just said, "We can disagree without being mean about it," and kept walking.

✓ E — Turn the other cheek (v.39)

Discussion: "Turn the other cheek" isn't about being a pushover — it's about refusing to let someone else's cruelty determine your response. Ask kids: what's the difference between being a doormat and choosing not to retaliate?

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Scenario 5 — Grace

Grace has a classmate named Brianna who has been unkind to her all year — excluding her from group projects, whispering, rolling her eyes. Grace doesn't like it. But at night before bed, she's started quietly praying for Brianna — not for things to go badly for her, but genuinely asking God to help her.

✓ F — Love your enemies; pray for those who persecute you (v.44)

Discussion: Jesus says even people who don't follow God love those who love them back — that's nothing remarkable. What's different is loving someone who is unkind. Ask kids: is it possible to pray for someone you're still upset with? How might praying for someone change the way you feel about them?

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Scenario 6 — Marcus

Marcus said something harsh to his younger brother during an argument and immediately regretted it. At dinner that night — before anyone else brought it up — Marcus went to his brother and said he was sorry. His brother looked surprised. "I thought you'd just forget about it," he said. Marcus told him, "I didn't want it hanging between us."

✓ D — Anger and reconciliation: settle matters quickly (v.21–24)

Discussion: Jesus connects anger and broken relationships to something so serious that He says to leave your offering at the altar and go reconcile first. Marcus didn't wait for his brother to bring it up — he initiated. Ask kids: why is it so hard to be the one to apologize first, even when you know you should?

Closing Thought for the Teacher

Wrap up by pointing out that these six scenarios all require something costly — initiating peace, enduring mockery, resisting retaliation, praying for people who hurt you. Jesus isn't describing an easy life. He's describing a transformed one. None of the kids in these scenarios did the easy thing. That's the point. Encourage your students: which of these teachings do you most need to practice this week — and what would it actually look like?

Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®.
This activity is free to use and adapt for non-commercial ministry purposes.

B24 - Blessons from Heaven Part 1

Lesson B 24 · Blessings from Heaven, Part 1

Which Beatitude Is It?

Match each scenario to the Beatitude it best illustrates.

📖 Matthew 5:1–8 👥 Group Activity ⏱ 4–5 minutes

The Beatitudes — Use this list to help you

Poor in spirit → kingdom of heaven (v.3)

Hunger for righteousness → shall be filled (v.6)

Those who mourn → shall be comforted (v.4)

The merciful → shall obtain mercy (v.7)

The meek → shall inherit the earth (v.5)

Pure in heart → shall see God (v.8)

Read each scenario. Write the letter of the Beatitude it best matches on the line provided. Be ready to explain your answer!

Scenario 1

Jordan used to think he had everything figured out — good grades, lots of friends, never really needed anyone's help. But after going through a really hard year, he realizes how much he's been relying on himself instead of God. Now when he prays, it's different. He actually means it.

Beatitude:

Scenario 2

Mia's best friend moved away, and she cries about it more than she thinks she should. She also feels sad when she sees people being mean to each other at school and nobody does anything about it. Sometimes the world just feels heavy to her.

Beatitude:

Scenario 3

Caleb is one of the best players on the team — everyone knows it, including him. But instead of showing off, he quietly encourages the kids who are struggling. When he wins, he doesn't make a big deal of it. His coach says he has more self-control than players twice his age.

Beatitude:

Scenario 4

Every time Leah sees something unfair — a kid being left out, a lie going unchallenged, someone being treated badly — it bothers her deeply. She can't just let it go. She genuinely wants things to be right, and it frustrates her when they're not.

Beatitude:

Scenario 5

Marcus's friend spread a rumor about him that wasn't true. Marcus was hurt — really hurt. But when his friend came to apologize, Marcus didn't bring it back up or hold it over him. He just said, "We're good," and meant it.

Beatitude:

Scenario 6

Sofia acts the same whether or not anyone is watching. She's not kind because she wants to look good — she's kind because she actually cares. She doesn't pretend to be something she's not. What you see is what you get, and what you get is someone genuinely trying to follow God.

Beatitude:

✦ Teacher Answer Key — Not for Distribution ✦

Lesson B 24 · Blessings from Heaven, Part 1

Which Beatitude Is It?

Answer key with discussion notes for each scenario.

📖 Matthew 5:1–8 🔑 Answer Key

Scenario 1 — Jordan

Jordan used to think he had everything figured out — good grades, lots of friends, never really needed anyone's help. But after going through a really hard year, he realizes how much he's been relying on himself instead of God. Now when he prays, it's different. He actually means it.

✓ A — Blessed are the poor in spirit (v.3)

Discussion: "Poor in spirit" doesn't mean weak or sad — it means recognizing your need for God. Jordan moved from self-sufficiency to honest dependence. Ask kids: is it hard to admit you need help? Why?

Scenario 2 — Mia

Mia's best friend moved away, and she cries about it more than she thinks she should. She also feels sad when she sees people being mean to each other at school and nobody does anything about it. Sometimes the world just feels heavy to her.

✓ B — Blessed are those who mourn (v.4)

Discussion: Mourning isn't just about death — it includes grieving over loss, injustice, and the brokenness of the world. Jesus says those people won't be left alone. Ask kids: what kinds of things make you feel sad about the world?

Scenario 3 — Caleb

Caleb is one of the best players on the team — everyone knows it, including him. But instead of showing off, he quietly encourages the kids who are struggling. When he wins, he doesn't make a big deal of it. His coach says he has more self-control than players twice his age.

✓ C — Blessed are the meek (v.5)

Discussion: Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness. Caleb is talented but chooses not to flaunt it — that's strength under control. Ask kids: can you think of someone who is strong AND humble at the same time?

Scenario 4 — Leah

Every time Leah sees something unfair — a kid being left out, a lie going unchallenged, someone being treated badly — it bothers her deeply. She can't just let it go. She genuinely wants things to be right, and it frustrates her when they're not.

✓ D — Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness (v.6)

Discussion: Jesus uses hunger and thirst — the strongest physical cravings — to describe how much we should want justice and goodness. Ask kids: is there something wrong in your world that bothers you the way Leah is bothered?

Scenario 5 — Marcus

Marcus's friend spread a rumor about him that wasn't true. Marcus was hurt — really hurt. But when his friend came to apologize, Marcus didn't bring it back up or hold it over him. He just said, "We're good," and meant it.

✓ E — Blessed are the merciful (v.7)

Discussion: Mercy means giving grace to someone who doesn't necessarily deserve it — just like God does for us. Ask kids: has someone ever forgiven you when they didn't have to? How did that feel?

Scenario 6 — Sofia

Sofia acts the same whether or not anyone is watching. She's not kind because she wants to look good — she's kind because she actually cares. She doesn't pretend to be something she's not. What you see is what you get, and what you get is someone genuinely trying to follow God.

✓ F — Blessed are the pure in heart (v.8)

Discussion: A pure heart isn't a perfect heart — it's a sincere one. No hidden motives, no performance. Ask kids: is it easy or hard to be the same person in private as you are in public?

Closing Thought for the Teacher

Wrap up by pointing out that none of these kids are perfect — they're just responding to ordinary situations in ways that reflect God's character. The Beatitudes aren't a checklist; they're a description of a heart being shaped by God. Encourage your students: which of these do you most want to grow in this week?

B-23

Juniors · Lesson B 23

"Follow Me!" — A Call-and-Response Quiz Game

Jesus calls His disciples — and they left everything and followed.

⏱ 20–25 minutes 👥 Best for 8–30 kids 📖 Matthew 8 · 9 · 12 · Mark 2–3 · Luke 5–6 · 9

In this week's passages, Jesus does something remarkable again and again: He looks at ordinary people — fishermen, a despised tax collector, a mixed crowd of outsiders — and says two words: "Follow Me." And they go. No hesitation. No negotiating. They leave their boats, their tax tables, and their old lives behind.

This game puts kids in the middle of that story. They'll race to answer questions about the disciples Jesus called, the conflicts He faced, and the kingdom principles He taught — all from Lesson B 23's passages.

How to Play

Setup

1. No materials needed — this is a verbal call-and-response game.
2. Divide kids into two teams. Teams sit on opposite sides of the room or stand in two lines.
3. The leader reads each question aloud. The first team to raise a hand (or the leader calls on alternating teams) gives the answer.
4. A correct answer = 1 point. An incorrect answer = the other team gets a chance to steal.
5. Play all 12 questions. The team with the most points wins.

Variation for large groups: Give each team a bell or a buzzer sound (clap, stomp, or a noise-maker). First team to buzz in gets to answer. If wrong, the other team steals. Keeps energy high!

Bonus Round Rule

Questions marked "Follow Me Bonus" are worth 2 points. For these, a team must answer and give the Bible reference to earn both points. If they answer correctly but miss the reference, they earn 1 point.

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The Questions

1 What was Matthew (Levi) doing when Jesus called him to be a disciple?

Sitting at the tax collector's booth, collecting taxes.

Matthew 9:9 · Mark 2:14 · Luke 5:27

2 After Matthew followed Jesus, what did he do to celebrate? Who did he invite?

He threw a great banquet at his house and invited tax collectors and other "sinners."

Luke 5:29 · Mark 2:15

3 The Pharisees complained that Jesus ate with sinners. What did Jesus say He came for — sick people or healthy people?

He came for the sick — those who need a physician, not those who think they are well.

Matthew 9:12–13 · Mark 2:17

4 Follow Me Bonus The Pharisees criticized Jesus' disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath. What was the name of the Old Testament king Jesus used as an example in His defense?

King David — who ate the consecrated bread from the tabernacle.

Matthew 12:3–4 · Mark 2:25–26

5 Jesus said something very important about the Sabbath and people. What did He say the Sabbath was made for?

The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath.

Mark 2:27

6 Jesus healed a man with a shriveled hand on the Sabbath. Why were the Pharisees so angry about this?

They believed healing was "work" and violated their Sabbath rules — they were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus.

Matthew 12:10–14 · Mark 3:1–6

7 Follow Me Bonus Jesus used a parable about wineskins to explain why His ministry was something new. What happens if you put new wine into old wineskins?

The old wineskins burst — the wine spills out and the skins are ruined. New wine must go into new wineskins.

Matthew 9:17 · Luke 5:37–38

8 Jesus went up a mountainside before choosing His twelve apostles. What did He do there the night before?

He spent the entire night praying to God.

Luke 6:12

9 Name at least four of the twelve apostles Jesus officially chose.

Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas Iscariot.

Mark 3:16–19 · Luke 6:13–16

10 A man told Jesus, "I will follow You wherever You go." What did Jesus say to him about foxes and birds?

"Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head" — following Jesus means sacrifice.

Matthew 8:19–20 · Luke 9:57–58

11 Follow Me Bonus Another man said he would follow Jesus, but first wanted to go bury his father. What did Jesus reply?

"Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Following Jesus must come first.

Luke 9:59–60 · Matthew 8:21–22

12 What familiar Old Testament prophecy about a gentle servant did Matthew quote to describe the way Jesus treated people — not breaking a bruised reed or snuffing out a smoldering wick?

The prophecy of Isaiah — referring to God's Servant who would bring justice gently to the nations.

Matthew 12:18–21 · Isaiah 42:1–4

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Closing Discussion

1. Matthew left his tax booth the moment Jesus called. What do you think was going through his mind? Would it be easy or hard for you to do the same?
2. Jesus said the Sabbath was made for people, not the other way around. What do you think that means for how we treat the Sabbath today?
3. The people who followed Jesus "immediately" didn't know exactly where they were going. What makes it possible to trust someone enough to follow them like that?

Big Idea

Jesus didn't call the most qualified or the most religious people — He called ordinary people willing to say yes. Tax collectors, fishermen, and outcasts became His closest friends. His call is still the same today: "Follow Me." The question is always whether we will go.

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Main texts: Matthew 8:18–22; 9:9–17; 12:1–21 · Mark 2:13–3:19 · Luke 5:27–6:16; 9:57–62