YEA Lesson Library
Be Happy
About This Lesson
This lesson teaches a general overview of the Sermon on the Mount, specifically, the Beatitudes.
Scriptures
Psalm 24:4
Psalm 34:18
Psalm 37:11
Psalm 119:165
Isaiah 57:18
Matthew 5:1-10
Matthew 5:9
Luke 1:50
Romans 8:17
Words to Know
DISCIPLE - one who followed and learned from Jesus
OBEY - to do what you are told
PEACEMAKER - a person who helps others get along
The Lesson
Jesus and His disciples went up into a mountain one day. The disciples sat down on the grass and listened to Jesus teach. He taught His disciples how to Be Happy. Jesus was there when God made the first people, so He knew how to make people happy.
Jesus told His disciples to always treat others the way they want to be treated. When you are mean to someone else it makes them sad. When you are kind and share with your friends that makes them happy. They will want to play and share with you, too. Then you will all Be Happy!
Jesus told the disciples they would Be Happy if they would obey God. God gives us rules to help us Be Happy. Disobeying God’s rules makes God unhappy and makes us unhappy. God will forgive you if you are truly sorry for disobeying Him. He loves you and wants you to Be Happy.
Jesus also told His disciples that it’s good to be kind and help others. Then, if you need help some day, they will want to help you. Helping others makes everyone happy.
If two friends are fighting over a toy, and you try to make them both happy, you are a peacemaker. Your memory verse says, “Blessed (or happy) are those who make peace.”
Doing good things isn’t always easy. But it is always best. And it will make you happy! God doesn’t want His children to be sad. He likes to put a smile on their faces!
Daily Devotions
Sunday - Psalm 34:18
Monday - Isaiah 57:18
Tuesday - Psalm 37:11
Wednesday - Luke 1:50
Thursday - Psalm 24:4
Friday - Psalm 119:165
Saturday - Romans 8:17
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the children will be able to:
1. State that God wants us to be happy.
2. Describe what a peacemaker does.
3. Tell how they can be happy.
4. Recite their memory verse.
Topics & Themes
Beatitudes
Forgiveness
Helping Others
Jesus, His Ministry
Kindness
Obedience
Peace
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA Students’ and Teacher’s books, attendance and memory verse chart, stars or stickers, songbook, CD or cassette tape, music player, lunch-size paper bags, construction paper, yarn, glue, scissors, dolls, ball
Preparation
Preschoolers are taking steps toward independence. Because of this, they are not always deliberately disobeying. They just may not understand the importance of obedience. This lesson gives opportunity to reinforce that obedience is the way to happiness. Children will gradually become more loving and obedient as they learn about God and how to be like their friend Jesus.
As the children arrive, greet them warmly and suggest that they go to the table and shape the clay into something that will make them feel happy. Praise them for the good job. Listen as they tell you about the objects they have made. You can learn a lot by listening.
Before you come to class, enlarge and photocopy the puppet head (located on the Pattern Page) onto construction paper. Cut the yarn into various lengths for the puppet’s hair.
Review Questions
Have the children sit in a circle on the floor. Tell them you will roll the ball to the person who is to answer the question. The answer to every question is, “Jesus will make me happy.” Have them repeat it a few times with you before you roll the ball to the first person.
1. If you do something bad and are sorry you did it, what will Jesus do?
2. If someone treats you mean, and you are kind to them instead of being mean back to them, what will happen?
3. If you treat others like you want to be treated, what happens?
4. If you are a peacemaker, what will happen?
5. What happens when you obey God and His rules?
REACH Activity
Letter: M
Words: mountain, make, mean, memory, Mommy, Matthew
Sentence:
REMEMBER TO BE A PEACEMAKER WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. MAKE GOD HAPPY AND OBEY HIM.
Song
“If You’re Happy” is on page 47 of the Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving me and showing me how to Be Happy. Help me do what Jesus said and always obey your rules. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Printable Pages
