Lesson Objective: How can words be delicious? What does it mean that God’s law is sweet? This message focuses on the memorable passage of Psalm 119, which celebrates meditating on God’s Words and using the Bible as primary guide. Start kids off with a conversation about favorite candies, and use sweet treats to introduce the concept of enjoying God’s words for ultimate satisfaction.
Don’t miss our full-length Sunday School Lesson on Psalm 119 from the Sunday School Store.
Law/Gospel Theme: We sometimes think of law in a negative connotation, as a strict set of rules that condemns us, takes away fun things, and goes against the good news of God’s grace and Gospel. In this passage, though, the psalmist rejoices in meditating on the sweetness and goodness of God’s law. There are wonderful blessings that come from the law: it keeps us safe, helps us follow the Lord, and reminds us of our need for Jesus. The greatest and “sweetest” joy we have comes from reading and knowing the message of the Bible.
Optional Materials: (Optional) Candy and sweets of various kinds; honey; Bible
Bible Passage: Psalm 119:97-104
Message: Note: As with most messages, the details of how you choose to communicate this are adaptable and should cater to timing as well as to your audience and student needs.
Greet children, maybe with some candy already in your mouth, if not in hand.
Hello, Children of God!
Mmmm…I just love candy, don’t you? For some reason, I have seen a lot of candy in stores lately. There are a lot of tasty kinds of treats out there. What are some of your favorite kinds of candy? Allow students to share some of their favorites, and describe some treats that you particularly enjoy, as well. Those are all delightful. I really like how eating candy just makes me feel great inside and out, don’t you? Well….okay, maybe a lot of candy isn’t always the greatest thing for me. In fact, sometimes if you eat too much candy, you can get a tummy ache, especially if you don’t eat nutritious foods along with it. And it can give you a not so great dentist checkup, too, come to think of it. Do you want to know something that is sweet, and wonderful, and won’t give you cavities?
Pull out a Bible: Now, I know what you’re thinking…you can’t eat a Bible! This something you read, not something you put in your mouth. Well, we might not necessarily eat the Bible, but we certainly can take in God’s Word and we can “digest” Scripture, in a sense. Did you know that there’s actually a passage in Psalms that describes how the Bible is sweet like honey? It’s true! The psalmist talks about how God’s law is wonderful, keeping him wise and full of understanding. It says that the words of God are sweeter than honey! In those days, honey was like sugar or candy, and would make things sweet.
But what does it mean that God’s word is that way? We know that Scripture contains the true words of God, given to us so that we can know what God loves and thinks. It also helps us know how to live. The Bible isn’t just a collection of random stories or a list of harsh rules. It’s an instruction manual for our lives. It’s a love letter from the Lord to His people. When we read the Bible, we want it to be like enjoying a good meal. We can think about what the words mean and how they can help us or make our lives better. When we think of it that way, it truly is as sweet as honey! We can always go back to God’s Word. If we aren’t sure what it means, or if you cannot read it very well yet, we can ask God for understanding, and can ask others for help, too!
So read it, embrace it, enjoy it, think about it, and love the Word of God! It lasts forever, helps you in every way, and won’t give you cavities or a tummy ache. That’s even better than candy!
Let’s say a prayer now to thank the Lord for giving us His Word.
Prayer:
(Have kids repeat each line)
Dear God,
Thank you for your Word
Thank you that we can read the Bible to know your law and heart
Help us meditate on it
And savor it like tasty treasure!
Thank you for your love
We love you, God!
In Jesus name, Amen!
Bible Verses/story to Reference:
Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commands are always with me
and make me wiser than my enemies.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.
100 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.
102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path. -Psalm 119:97-104