Teaching Plan

Session 58: Sermon on the Mount

Biblical Truth: Jesus taught what it means to be a citizen of God's kingdom.

Fanning the Flame Question: What historical event has had the most impact on your life?

Large Group
Show “Play All” for session 58 on the DVD. If you want to lead a discussion after each section of the video, show “The
Spark,” “Fanning the Flame,” and “Combustion” separately. As an alternative, replace “Combustion” by using “Story Outline,
Session 58” to present the story of Matthew 5:1-16,38-48; 6:5-13,19-21,25-34; 7:7-12,24-29. If desired, distribute copies of
“Listening Guide 58” to the students to complete during “Combustion.”

Small Groups
(Note: Questions or activities that are more appropriate for younger youth or for older youth are marked by “YY” or “OY”
respectively.)
Preparation: Listen to “Sermon on the Mount” by playing this CD in any CD player. Read Matthew 5:13-16,43-48; 6:19-
21,25-34; 7:7-11,24-27 and “Background for the Bible Passage, Session 58.”
1. Show “Time Line 58” and note where today's story fits. Explain that Jesus' teachings on how to be a disciple in His day
apply just as much to how to be His disciple today.
2. Use the following questions to guide students to discuss the disciples’ mindsets.
• How do you think people in our society would complete the statement, “Happy are those who...”?
• How did Jesus complete the statement, “Happy are those who...”?
• What does it mean to have a different mindset than the majority of people around us?
• How can you be salt and light to people around you? (OY)
3. Guide students to discuss the disciples’ relationships with others.
• What are the inward attitudes that support the outward action of “Do not murder”? (OY)
• Read Matthew 5:47. What extraordinary things are you doing to love others more than a non-disciple would?
4. Lead a discussion of the disciples’ relationships with God.
• What are the right motives for giving, praying, and fasting?
• Do you know anyone who has a collection? What does he or she collect?
• What kind of collection can you take with you to heaven?
• Which has a higher priority for you, material things or things that help you grow closer to God?
• How can you plan for your future and have faith in God?
5. Guide students through a discussion of the disciples’ daily struggles.
• Why is it easier to judge others than to judge ourselves?
• Why is searching for God more worthwhile than searching for a topic on the internet? (OY)
• How do you know if you are “keeping it real” in your relationship with Jesus?
6. Tie Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount together by discussing the disciples’ call to action.
• The inventions on the video were all revolutionary ways to do things. In what ways were Jesus’ teachings revolutionary?
• What is the next step you should take after learning Jesus' teachings?
• Why is it important to have the right foundation for your life?

Options
1. Group students into five teams and give each team one of the assignments from “Team Assignments.” After teams discuss
their questions, guide them to report back to the large group.
2. Direct students to work in pairs to prepare and present role plays of situations in which one person offends the other. The
role play should demonstrate how a disciple would react according to Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5. (OY)
3. Contact students before the session and ask them to bring their most treasured possession with them. Call for volunteers to
share what the possession is and whether they would be willing to give it up if God asked them to do so. During a few
minutes of silence, guide each student to think about where his or her heart is. (YY)
4. Distribute copies of “Pictures for Principles.” After students have had time to complete the handout, call for volunteers to
share what they wrote.

© 2005 LifeWay Press®. Fuel: Igniting New Life with God’s Story 2.1. Permission granted to reproduce this item for church use only. Published in the United States of America.
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Hand out copies of “Exploring the Bible Daily 58.” Direct students to write questions or insights as they read.