Children’s Object Lesson: “Small Deeds, Big Impact”

Bible Verse: Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Materials Needed:

A large pan or big bowl of water that you can put down in front of the kids.
Small item to drop in the water (such as a pebble or small stone)
Towels or a tray to catch any spills – unless you are super careful!

Set the Scene
- Gather the kids around the pan of water so everyone can see. Tell them you’re going to show them how even a small thing can make a big difference!
Object Lesson
- Hold up the small stone and ask, “Do you think something this small could have a big effect?” Most will probably say no, because it seems so small.
- Explain, “Sometimes, the good things we do can feel small or unimportant, but even little acts of kindness can make a big difference!”
The Ripple Demonstration
- Drop the small item into the water and have the kids watch as ripples spread across the entire surface.
- Ask the kids to describe what they see: “Do you notice how this little stone is making ripples that go all the way across the water?”
Connect the Ripples to good deeds /acts of kindness
- Say: “When we do something kind, even something small, it can start a chain reaction—just like these ripples. That one small good deed can ‘ripple out’ and make others feel loved, happy, and even inspire them to be kind too!”
- Give examples of small good deeds, like helping a friend, saying thank you, or sharing a toy. Each small act can “ripple out” and affect people in ways we may not even see.
Tie It Back to the Bible Verse
- Read Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
- Explain that when we do good things—even small ones—we are shining God’s love for others to see. And when people see these little acts of kindness, it can point them toward God, just like how the ripples move outward.
Encourage Them to Make Ripples
- Encourage the kids to think of one small thing they could do this week to show kindness or help someone. Remind them that even the smallest good deed can start a big ripple effect in someone’s life. Consider giving some examples. You could also relate it to the ripple effect of Jesus giving his life for us on the cross.
Children’s Prayer
- Dear God, thank you that even small acts of kindness to others can make a big difference in peoples lives. Help us, through your Holy Spirit, to always do good to others, even if it seems small. In Jesus’ name – Amen!