These days, being “salty” isn’t much of a compliment…so what does it mean to have “salt” in our lives as Christians? Jesus calls us to flavor and influence the world for Him. This lesson focuses on a somewhat tricky passage in the Gospel of Mark, examining what it means to follow the Lord wholeheartedly and impact others as we do.
There are a few themes going through this passage. Jesus continues to puzzle and surprise His disciples with the way He gives instructions. But He also emphasizes the importance of working together and living for Him. The “salty” element comes into play in this Gospel message, as well. So have fun and choose how you’d like to kick things off! Some possible ideas include:
Download the printable lessons and activities below to use in your kids church or Sunday School.
Children’s Sermon Lesson
Children can have a challenging time understanding metaphors and abstract concepts. In this Gospel passage, Jesus offers some hyperbolic statements that can be hard even for adults. The focus of this message emphasizes the “salt” element, though. Kids are encouraged to think about the importance of our influence on the world as Christians. Just as salt can add flavor to food (among other things), we can “flavor” those around us and maintain an essential impact on those we encounter.
Bible Craft for Sunday School
These days, being “salty” isn’t a good thing…however, the Bible calls us to be the salt of the world, and Jesus invites Christians to be patient and “full of salt.” We can “flavor” and preserve the world around us when we are connected and devoted to Christ. These crafts remind kids of this word image in fun and creative ways. Salt dough can be used for fun molding, or to make more permanent baked crafts. Salty art work features colorful, textured elements for unique and engaging additions to regular drawings. Have fun and get salty!
Bible Verses/story to Reference:
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” –Mark 9:38-50