Light That Points to the Father
Month 4: The Teacher (Part 1) · Memory Verse
Today's Scripture
Read together: Matthew 5:16
16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Memory Verse
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”— Matthew 5:16 (BSB)memorize this week
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 5-7
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Around Day 106 of 365 — more of Israel's tribes, including the priestly line.)The Heart of It
Yesterday Jesus showed us that He fills God's Word full and gives us new hearts. Today's memory verse tells us what those new hearts do. They shine. Jesus said to "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Notice the goal of our shining. It isn't so people will say, "Wow, what a wonderful family!" It's so they look right past us and say, "Wow, what a wonderful God!" Real Christian light always points away from itself, up to the Father.
Here's the beautiful part for a family memorizing this verse together. God doesn't tell us to manufacture light. He tells us to let it shine. The light is already given. It's the life of Jesus glowing inside everyone who belongs to Him. Our job is simply not to hide it. We are kind when it's hard. We are honest when a lie would be easier. We are gentle when we'd rather snap. Each of those small good deeds is a little window someone else can see God through. So this week, as the words sink into your memory, let them also sink into your hands and feet.
Around the Table
When you're kind and helpful, it's like a little light that helps people see how good God is!
Let's do it: Turn off the lights, hold up one small flashlight or candle, and say the verse together while it glows.
Our good deeds aren't meant to make us look great. They point people to God.
Let's talk: Can you name one good thing you could do this week so someone thinks about God, and not just about you?
"Glorify your Father" is the whole aim. Good deeds done to be admired miss the point. Good deeds done so God is seen hit the bullseye.
Let's go deeper: How do you keep doing good without secretly wanting the credit?
💬 Conversation Starter
If your good deeds were like flashlights, where would you most want to shine one this week — and who would it help see God?
🛡️ Defending the Faith
People sometimes say Christians only do good to look holy. Jesus actually warns against that very thing. He says to do good so God gets the glory, not you. A faith that produces real, humble kindness is evidence that something true has changed inside ().
For Dad · Go Deeper
Memory work is discipleship in disguise. When a verse lives in your child's memory, the Holy Spirit has something to bring to mind years from now, in a moment of temptation or kindness (). Don't rush it. Repeat it at breakfast, in the car, and at bedtime, until it's effortless. And model the verse. Don't just recite it. Your children will most powerfully "see your good deeds and glorify your Father" when they watch you serve quietly, apologize quickly, and give without keeping score. The strongest sermon your family hears this week is the one your hands preach.
Draws on: Andrew Murray, Teaching Children to Pray and Believe.
Let's Pray Together
"Father, You've put Your light in us through Jesus. Help us not to hide it. Help us let it shine. And when people see the good we do, let them see how wonderful You are. In Jesus' name, amen."
I don't shine to be noticed. I shine so the Father is glorified.