Discover a fun, interactive way to teach kids the Beatitudes with this adorable Bee-Attitude Craft and Bible Lesson. Spark joy and faith in young hearts as they learn and create using Matthew 5.
The Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5:1-12, are among the most profound teachings of Jesus, offering guidance on living a life that reflects the kingdom of heaven. The Beatitudes are the first of a series of teachings from Jesus, called The Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon of the Mount is broken down into a number of teachings and sections. The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most significant and comprehensive teachings of Jesus Christ, found in the New Testament of the Bible, primarily in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5 through 7. It is considered by many as the core of Christian ethical teaching.
This sermon presents a radical call to discipleship and presents the ideals of the kingdom of heaven, contrasting with the legalistic practices of the time. Jesus delivers this sermon on a mountainside to his disciples and a large crowd, hence the name “Sermon on the Mount.”
Here are some key elements and teachings found within the Sermon on the Mount:
- The Beatitudes
- Salt and Light
- Fulfillment of the Law
- Teachings on Anger, Lust, Divorce, and Oaths
- Love for Enemies
- Acts of Righteousness
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Treasures in Heaven
- Do Not Worry
- Judging Others
- Ask, Seek, Knock
- The Golden Rule
- The Narrow and Wide Gates
- A Tree and Its Fruit
- The Wise and Foolish Builders
Today we will focus on section one of the opening of Jesus’ message – The 8 Beatitudes and their meaning. Teaching the values of Jesus’ Beatitudes to children in Sunday School or Bible Lessons can seem challenging, but incorporating crafts into learning can make these biblical principles accessible and engaging even for the youngest hearts. A particularly effective craft for this purpose is the Beatitudes Coloring Wheel, perfect for Christian schools, Sunday school classrooms, Bible studies, or family time.
Let’s look at The Beatitudes for Kids simplified.
Understanding the Beatitudes and Their Meaning
The Beatitudes are eight blessings pronounced by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes list begins in Matthew 5: 1-12. Each Beatitude begins with “Blessed are…” and promises the kingdom of heaven to those who embody the virtues Jesus describes. They offer a wealth of wisdom that can be broken down into easy explanations for Children’s church.
The chapter begins…
“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said…” (verse 1-2)
Then the list of Beatitudes is introduced.
Here’s a brief overview of each as well as a simplified meaning for kids:
The Poor in Spirit
Bible Verse
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (verse 3)
Explanation
People who don’t have much, like food or clothes, and those who feel something is missing inside and know they really need God’s love, are both considered poor. They’re promised a wonderful gift: a place in heaven. This refers to those who recognize their need for God. It teaches humility and dependence on God’s grace.
Those Who Mourn
Bible Verse
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (verse 4)
Explanation
Anyone feeling sad or going through a tough time, like losing something special, is who Jesus is talking about. He promises to make them feel better. When things get hard, we can either get upset and angry, or we can use it to understand and help others who are hurting too. Comfort is promised to those who grieve, acknowledging the healing and consolation that comes from God.
The Meek
Bible Verse
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (verse 5)
Explanation
Meek people are those who are gentle and wait patiently. They solve problems without fighting or getting angry. Their reward is something very valuable – Inheriting the earth. The meek are those who exercise self-control and show gentleness to others.
Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Bible Verse
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (verse 6)
Explanation
This Beatitude encourages a deep desire for justice and moral integrity, promising fulfillment. Being filled is a special blessing for those who really want to make things right and fair in the world. Those who hunger for righteousness can easily spot what’s wrong and often have a clear and straightforward way of looking at complicated problems.
The Merciful
Bible Verse
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (verse 7)
Explanation
Showing compassion earns mercy in return, highlighting the importance of forgiveness and empathy. Mercy can mean a lot of things like being forgiving, kind, and caring. The more mercy you show, the more you’ll find comes back to you. Sometimes it is easier to be merciful to others when you’re also kind to yourself.
The Pure in Heart
Bible Verse
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (verse 8)
Explanation
A call to sincerity and wholesomeness, promising a vision of God to those who are pure. People who have a pure heart are free from meanness and are full of innocence. They can ‘see’ God clearly because nothing is getting in the way of their view! Those with pure hearts also put God first in everything and everyone.
The Peacemakers
Bible Verse
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (verse 9)
Explanation
Those who foster peace and reconciliation are recognized as children of God. Jesus wants us all to be peacemakers, to spread peace wherever we go. Being God’s children means we should always try to bring people together and help them understand each other. Peacemakers look for ways to solve disagreements kindly, listen to all sides, and find solutions that make everyone feel happy and safe.
Those Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake
Bible Verse
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (verse 10)
Explanation
Enduring hardship for doing what is right earns the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing the value of standing up for justice. Doing the right thing, like standing up to a bully or facing someone who is being mean, can be tough. Yet, Jesus teaches us that being brave and choosing what’s right is what being his follower is all about. We practice this courage, showing that living like Jesus means standing up for what is good and true.
The sermon concludes with “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (verses 11-12.)
The Beatitudes Coloring Wheel Craft
To make the Beatitudes more relatable to kids, let’s look at some Beatitudes craft ideas. We’ve put together an adorable Bible lesson spinner wheel for kids. The coloring wheel craft for Sunday School is an innovative tool for understanding these parables and extending the Good News into kids’ lives.
Our Beatitudes Coloring wheel requires kids to color the eight Beatitudes on separate sections of a wheel, engage in a cutting activity to prepare the top and bottom parts, and then assemble them using brass fasteners. This activity not only fosters creativity and motor skills but also encourages children to reflect on each Beatitude as they work on the craft.
For younger children or toddlers, a simple coloring page version is available, focusing on the Beatitudes of Jesus without the need for scissors, making it safe and accessible for kids of all ages.
Extending the Lesson
Incorporating the Beatitudes Coloring Wheel into your kids Bible lesson can extend the learning experience in several ways:
- Interactive Learning: As children engage in this Beatitude craft idea coloring and assembling the wheel, they interact with the text in a hands-on manner, which can help in memorizing and understanding the Beatitudes.
- Discussion Prompts: Each section of the wheel can serve as a prompt for discussion. Teachers or parents can ask children what each Beatitude means to them and share examples of how they can live out these values in their daily lives.
- Family Engagement: This craft can also be a tool for family engagement. Parents can work alongside their children, creating an opportunity for spiritual discussion and bonding.
- Visual Aid: Once completed, the wheel serves as a visual reminder of Jesus’ teachings, which children can refer to regularly, reinforcing the lessons learned.
Printable Beatitudes for Kids
Introduce your kids to the powerful words of The Beatitudes of Jesus with our interactive and engaging Printable Coloring Wheel and coloring page. This Kids’ Beatitudes printable focuses on Matthew 5:1-12 and allows children to explore Jesus’ Gospel message in a fun and creative way.
What’s Included:
- Black & White The Beatitudes Coloring Wheel for Kids
- Color The Beatitudes Color Wheel for Kids
- The Beatitudes for Kids Coloring Sheet
- The Beatitudes for Kids Explained (brief lesson notes which can be used at take-home pages)
This printable spinner wheel is a wonderful tool to help kids understand The Beatitudes while having fun coloring and assembling. It’s a great addition to your educational resources for children’s spiritual development.
Get your digital download today and watch your kids explore the beauty of The Beatitudes for Kids in a whole new way! Engaging and positive, the Bee-Attitude Sign Craft Kit is a delightful and straightforward project that children will love, combining fun and faith in a creative way.
Get the Beatitudes for Kids Printable Bible Acitivty PDF
Conclusion
The Beatitudes are foundational teachings for Christian life, offering profound insights into the values cherished in the kingdom of heaven. By integrating the Beatitudes Coloring Wheel craft into your children’s ministry teaching, educators, and parents can make these concepts accessible and engaging for children, laying the groundwork for a life lived in accordance with Jesus’ teachings. This craft not only provides a creative outlet but also a meaningful way to internalize and reflect on the Beatitudes, making it a valuable addition to any Sunday school lesson on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
More Sunday School Resources
Looking to ignite a spark of excitement and curiosity among your students? Dive into our collection of engaging Children’s Church Lessons for Kids, specifically designed to captivate and educate young minds. From innovative youth ministry ideas that challenge and inspire, to hands-on crafts that allow creativity to blossom, and vibrant coloring pages that bring Bible stories to life, we’ve got a wide array of activities to suit every child’s interest. Our carefully selected Bible games make learning fun and interactive, ensuring that every lesson is not just educational but also thoroughly enjoyable. Whether you’re planning for Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, or any children’s ministry event, our resources are guaranteed to provide something fun and meaningful for everyone involved. Transform your teaching experience and watch your students grow in their faith and knowledge with these dynamic Sunday School lessons and activities! See also our Sunday School Lesson Shop.
If you’re looking for fresh, engaging ways to bring the Bible to life for kids, we’ve got just the thing! Sign up for our free list of Sunday School ideas, designed to make understanding the Bible easier and more enjoyable for children. Our carefully curated collection features hands-on lessons, activities, and crafts perfect for children’s church, Vacation Bible School, Christian schools, Sunday School, and beyond. Explore a treasure trove of resources that will help you deliver captivating lessons that kids will love and remember. Don’t miss out on this fantastic free printable resource (list of ideas) to enrich your teaching and inspire young hearts with the love of God’s Word.
Free Printables for Kids
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How to Print at Staples
Don’t have a printer? You can print at your local print shop or your Staples Printing Center. Watch this video for how I print my PDF documents at Staples.
Adorable Bee Clip Art from Whimsy Clips and Jesus Clip Art from Kate Hadfield Designs.
Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your printable Sunday School Craft ideas and how you taught God’s promises through hands-on activities with your students. Leave a comment here or on Pinterest!
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