Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students will explore what it means to "let their light shine." Using the metaphor of a flashlight in a dark room, they will learn that Jesus provides the light, and we get to reflect that light to others through kindness, helpfulness, and love.

Learning Objectives

• Identify: Define "light" as the love and goodness of Jesus.
• Reflect: Describe three ways a person can show kindness to others (shining their light).
• Create: Design a "Shine Lantern" to serve as a visual reminder to be a light in the world.

Materials Needed

• A Bible (Matthew 5:14-16)
• A flashlight or a battery-operated candle
• A small mirror
• Clear plastic cup or a clean glass jar
• Yellow or orange tissue paper (torn into small pieces)
• Clear-drying glue or Mod Podge
• A paintbrush
• Black permanent marker

1. Introduction: The Hook (5 Minutes)

Activity: The Dark Room Mystery

Go into a room that can be made dark (like a bathroom or a bedroom with the curtains closed). Ask the student to stand in the dark for 10 seconds.

Talking Points (The Hook):

• "Can you see your toes? Can you see the door? It’s hard to find our way when it’s dark, isn’t it?"
• Turn on the flashlight. "Look! Even this one little light changes everything. It helps us see where to go and makes us feel safe."
• "Today, we are going to learn how Jesus is like a light, and how He wants us to be little lights for everyone else!"

2. Body: Content & Practice (25 Minutes)

Part A: The "I Do" (Instruction)

Read Matthew 5:14-16 together: "You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Teacher/Parent Modeling:

• "Think of Jesus as the sun. He is big, bright, and full of love. Now, look at this mirror. If I point the flashlight at the mirror, what happens? (Demonstrate reflecting the light onto the wall)."
• "The mirror doesn't have its own batteries. It just reflects the light it receives. That is what we do! When we spend time with Jesus, we catch His light and reflect it to our friends, family, and neighbors."

Part B: The "We Do" (Collaborative Brainstorming)

Activity: "Shine or Hide?" Game

Read the following scenarios. If the action is "shining light," the student should jump up and make a "star" shape with their body. If it is "hiding the light," they should crouch down and cover their head.

• Sharing your favorite snack with a sibling. (Shine!)
• Using unkind words when you are angry. (Hide.)
• Helping someone pick up dropped toys. (Shine!)
• Ignoring a friend who looks sad. (Hide.)
• Saying "thank you" to the person who makes your lunch. (Shine!)

Part C: The "You Do" (Individual Application)

Activity: The "Stained Glass" Shine Lantern

The student will create a lantern to represent their own light.

1. Preparation: Use a black marker to write "Let Your Light Shine" or "Jesus is My Light" on the outside of the plastic cup or jar.
2. Decorate: Using the paintbrush and glue, coat the outside of the jar. Stick the pieces of yellow and orange tissue paper all over it until it is covered.
3. The Glow: Once dry, place the battery-operated candle or the flashlight inside.
4. The Promise: Have the student name one specific thing they will do today to "shine" (e.g., "I will help put the dishes away without being asked").

3. Conclusion: Closure & Recap (10 Minutes)

Summary:

• "Today we learned that the world can sometimes feel 'dark' with sadness or unkindness, but Jesus gives us light."
• "We learned that we can reflect His light by doing 'good deeds'—which are just kind things done with love."

Check for Understanding:

• "Why do we want to shine our light? (To show people how good Jesus is!)"
• "Where should you put your lantern to remind you to be kind? (On my nightstand, on the dining table, etc.)"

Closing Prayer/Thought: "Dear Jesus, thank You for being our light. Help us to shine brightly today so that others can see Your love through us. Amen."

Assessment (Success Criteria)

• Formative Assessment: Observe the student's responses during the "Shine or Hide?" game. Do they correctly identify kind vs. unkind actions?
• Summative Assessment: The student can explain what their lantern represents and can name one specific "light-shining" action they plan to do.

Differentiation & Adaptability

• For the Struggling Learner: Focus on just one "shine" action. Use a pre-printed sticker that says "Jesus is my Light" instead of writing it by hand.
• For the Advanced Learner: Ask the student to look up other verses about light (like Psalm 119:105) and write a short "Light Journal" entry about a time someone was a light to them.
• For Groups/Classrooms: Have students sit in a circle and pass the flashlight. Whoever has the flashlight shares one way they saw someone else shine their light this week.