Single lesson
Salt and Light
Matthew 5:13–16
Jesus uses two everyday pictures, salt and light, to teach his listeners how their lives should affect other people. This lesson helps children notice what Jesus says and think of one visible, practical way to do good.
Before you teach
In these verses, Jesus speaks directly to his listeners and describes them as salt of the earth and light of the world. He adds examples about a city on a hill and a lamp on a stand, then explains the purpose: people see good works and glorify the Father in heaven.
Students will explain Jesus’ images of salt and light from Matthew 5:13–16 and name one visible good work that fits his teaching.
Welcome: Notice the two word pictures
4 minShow a small container of salt and a torch or lamp picture. Ask children what each one does in ordinary life. Then explain that Jesus used both objects to teach about his people. Today they will listen for what Jesus says salt and light are meant to do.
Matthew 5:13, Matthew 5:14, Matthew 5:15
Read and explain: Salt of the earth
7 minRead Matthew 5:13 slowly. Point out that Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.” Then notice the warning that salt which has lost its flavour is “good for nothing”. Keep the focus on Jesus’ picture: salt is meant to be useful, not empty or useless.
Matthew 5:13
Read and explain: Light that can be seen
7 minRead Matthew 5:14–15. Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.” A city on a hill cannot be hidden, and a lamp is placed on a stand so it shines to everyone in the house. Help children see that this picture is about being visible, not covered up.
Matthew 5:14, Matthew 5:15
Discuss: Why does the light shine?
5 minRead Matthew 5:16 and ask what people are meant to see. Jesus says they see “your good works” and glorify “your Father who is in heaven”. Discuss a few realistic acts of goodness, such as helping, sharing, or speaking kindly, and connect them back to Jesus’ purpose in the verse.
Matthew 5:16
Make and respond: Reminder card and closing
7 minChildren make a small reminder card with either “You are the salt of the earth” or “Let your light shine before men” written on it. Invite each child to add one good work idea from the discussion. Finish by rereading verse 16 together and summarising the lesson.
Matthew 5:13, Matthew 5:16
Questions to explore
In Matthew 5:13, what happens to salt that has lost its flavour?
Look closely at Jesus’ warning and talk about why useless salt does not do what salt is meant to do.
Matthew 5:13
What two examples does Jesus give to show that light is meant to be seen?
Find the city on a hill and the lamp on a stand, and notice that both pictures are visible to others.
Matthew 5:14, Matthew 5:15
According to Matthew 5:16, why should people see good works?
Read the whole verse and notice both parts: people see the good works, and they glorify the Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
Make, think or respond
Salt and Light Reminder Card
What you’ll need
- small cards or scrap paper
- pencils or pens
- crayons or markers
- Bible
Try it together
- Read Matthew 5:13–16 aloud again.
- Let each child choose one short line from the passage to write on a card, such as “salt of the earth” or “let your light shine”.
- Ask each child to draw either a salt shaker, a lamp, or a city on a hill.
- On the back, help them write one good work they can do this week.
- Invite volunteers to read their card aloud before taking it home.
The card keeps Jesus’ pictures of salt and light in view and helps children connect visible good works with glorifying the Father.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, offer two simple choices for the back of the card, such as “help at home” or “be kind at school”, and let them copy one.
- For older or more confident children, ask them to explain in one sentence how their chosen good work connects to Matthew 5:16.
An optional closing prayer
Suggested prayer: “Father in heaven, thank you for Jesus’ words. Please help us do good works that others can see, so that you are honoured. Amen.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Matthew 5
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.
15 Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.
16 Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.