Sunday School Lesson: The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12

Download this Sunday School lesson about the Beatitudes. It is based on Matthew 5 and the opening of Jesus’ sermon on the mount. Teach kids how Jesus defined happiness in a new way that centered on a person’s relationship to God. Use this Beatitudes lesson on All Saints Sunday, when many churches read Matthew 5:1-12, or any week you teach the Sermon on the Mount in Sunday School or children’s church.

Free from the Sunday School Store: four complete Sunday school lessons for kids ages 6 to 12, one from each of four of our 2027 series. Script, games, craft and a parent page in every lesson.

The Beatitudes Explained for Kids (Matthew 5:3-10)

The Beatitudes are eight blessings Jesus gave at the start of the Sermon on the Mount. Each one says who God blesses and what He promises them. Some teachers call them the “Be-Attitudes,” because they describe the kind of people God makes His own. Here is each one in words kids can follow.

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3, BSB) Poor in spirit means knowing we need God. We cannot make ourselves good. God gives His kingdom to people who ask Him for help.
• Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4, BSB) God is close to people who are sad, and He promises comfort. That includes kids who miss someone who has died.
• Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5, BSB) Meek means gentle, not weak. Jesus said He Himself is “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29, BSB).
• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6, BSB) Righteousness means being right with God and doing what is right. Hungry people want food. God promises to fill the people who want His goodness that much.
• Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7, BSB) Merciful people forgive and help others, because God has been merciful to them.
• Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8, BSB) A pure heart is honest and loves God, with no pretending. God promises that they will see Him.
• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9, BSB) Peacemakers help people stop fighting and make things right. God calls them His children.
• Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10, BSB) Some people are treated badly because they follow Jesus. Jesus says the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

Who can live like this? Only Jesus did it perfectly. He was gentle, merciful and a peacemaker, and He was persecuted for doing right. He gives His kingdom to people who trust Him. The Beatitudes are a gift from Jesus, not a list to earn.

How to Teach the Beatitudes to Children

1. Read Matthew 5:3-10 aloud, or use the NIV text at the bottom of this page.
2. Go through the eight blessings above one at a time. After each one, ask, “Who does Jesus say is blessed?”
3. Watch the children’s sermon video or make a craft from the sections below.
4. Ask: Which blessing is hardest to believe? Why does Jesus say God’s people are blessed when they are sad or poor in spirit?
5. Close with prayer, thanking Jesus for welcoming people who need Him.

Teaching younger children? Try our Preschool Bible lesson on the Beatitudes.

What Is All Saints Sunday? A Simple Explanation for Kids

All Saints Day is November 1. Many churches use it to thank God for Christians who have died and are now with the Lord. Some mark it on the first Sunday in November.

In the Bible, a saint is not a super-Christian. Paul writes to all the believers in a church and calls them saints, God’s holy people (Ephesians 1:1, Philippians 1:1). A saint is someone God has made holy through Jesus. That is a gift, not a prize for being extra good.

That is why the Beatitudes fit this day. Jesus is describing his people: poor in spirit, mourning, hungry for what is right. And Matthew 5:4 promises comfort to those who mourn, a promise grieving families hold on to.

Say It to the Kids on All Saints Sunday

• A saint is anyone who belongs to Jesus.
• Some saints are with Jesus in heaven now.
• Some saints are still here, loving and serving him.
• We do not earn a place in God’s family. Jesus brings us in.

Then ask each child to name one Christian who helped them know Jesus, like a grandparent, a teacher or a friend. Thank God for those people together in prayer.

Think about the shortness of life, the certainty of your own death, and the hope of the Gospel. Then resolve to make a difference. Pray and teach in such a way that tomorrow’s children will put their hope in God.

Tony Kummer, founder of Ministry-to-Children, writing in 2009

Sunday School Lessons

These lesson plans include the complete teacher’s guide, coloring page, children’s sermon, craft ideas, and worksheets. It’s everything you need to teach your Sunday School lesson.

9 Week Study of the Beatitudes on Ministry-To-Children

“Blessed are the Losers!” Sunday School Lesson

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Crafts on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5)

Beatitudes Craft ideas – Teach the Beatitudes with these Craft ideas for Sunday School. Download the directions, gather your supplies, and watch our demonstration video below. These are perfect for your Sunday School or children’s ministry.

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Children’s Sermon on the Beatitudes

This Children’s Message on the Beatitudes also has a little fun with the Groundhog Day holiday. It’s one the church will remember for years to come!

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The Sermon on the Mount – Bible Story for Kids

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More Lesson Ideas on the Beatitudes

• Compare the Beatitudes children’s sermon from Sermons4Kids
• Coloring Page | Group Activities | Crossword | Decoder | Word Search | Maze
• Worship Bulletin: (DOC) | Worship Bulletin: (DOC) (PDF)
• Compare our Preschool Bible lesson on the Beatitudes
• Beatitudes Teaching Activities from the Catholic Toolbox
• Read some Devotional Sermons on the Beatitudes

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Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV) The Beatitudes

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them. He said: ³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:1-12 NIV