Storing Treasures in Heaven 3-6 Lesson

Kids' Corner 3-6 Grade Children's Church / Sunday School Lesson

Title: Storing Treasures in Heaven

Verse: Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Objective: Kids will discover that what they value most shows what’s in their hearts. They will learn that our hearts follow whatever we value, and only Jesus and the things of His Kingdom lasts forever.

Spark

“The Hunt for Hidden Wealth”

Directions: Hide envelopes around the room. Each envelope contains a different amount of "Currency" (e.g., some have 500 "Kingdom Credits," others have 5 "Earthly Dollars"). Kids are given envelopes with their names written on them to collect what they find.

To see an example of the currency go to Kids’ Corner Pinterest

Explain: You have 3 minutes to find as many hidden "wealth" envelopes as you can! You can keep the treasure you find for yourself or put it into someone else's envelope. Just remember, once a currency is inside a person’s envelope, it must stay there!

Once the hunt is finished, have everyone gather together to empty their envelopes and count up their "wealth". After a few minutes of counting, let the kids share their totals. After counting, don't just ask who has the most. Ask:

"Who felt competitive? Why?" (Let the kids discuss – focus on why “winning” was important.)
"If I told you the 'Earthly Dollars' expire in five minutes but the 'Kingdom Credits' last forever, who actually won?" (Let the kids discuss this.)

Transition: Finding the cards with the highest amount might feel like winning, but did you know that what we value most actually shows what our hearts are set on? Let's look at Matthew 6 to see what Jesus says about choosing treasures that last forever instead of things that eventually disappear.

Scripture

Open your bible to Matthew 6:19-21. Read the passage aloud.

Explain:

What is "Treasure"? (Define it as "anything you give your time, thoughts, and energy to.")
What would be “Earthly Treasures”?: (Brainstorm modern examples—social media followers, gaming ranks, expensive sneakers, sports trophies, etc.)

How do "moths and vermin" (rust/rot) affect these today? (Ex: phones break, trends change, trophies gather dust, etc.).
Heavenly Treasures: (Discuss things that last—character, sharing the Gospel, showing compassion, our relationship with Jesus, etc.”)

Object Lesson: “The Dissolving Wealth”

Materials: Two clear jars of water, Alka-Seltzer tablets, and a button.

Directions:

The Earthly Choice: Label the Alka-Seltzer as "Temporary Treasure" (money, popularity, cool clothes, fame, etc.). Drop it in. Watch it fizz and disappear.

It looks exciting at first, but it doesn't last.

The Heavenly Choice: Label the button as "Eternal Treasure" (Jesus/Kingdom). Drop it in. It remains unchanged.
- Jesus is the "Eternal One." When we invest our lives in Him, His value never fades.

Activity

Craft: "Treasures in Heaven Jar"

Kids will create a "Treasure Jar" paper pocket craft featuring Matthew 6:19-21 and fill it with paper hearts representing eternal actions to remind them of the lasting value of "Heavenly Treasures."

Prepare the Base: Glue Matthew 6:19-21 verse onto the bottom or the side of the background paper. This acts as the "label".
Create the Jar: Cut out a large mason jar shape. Glue it down to the background paper, but only glue the edges (left, right, and bottom). Leave the top open like a pocket!
Identify the Treasures: On the small hearts, write down one "Heavenly Treasure" per heart. Think of things that moths can't eat and thieves can't steal, like: Showing kindness to a sibling. Praying for a friend. Learning a new Bible verse. Sharing about Jesus.

To see additional Bible-based Kids’ Craft Ideas go to Kids’ Corner Pinterest

Live

Prayer Focus: Thank the Lord for being everlasting and unchanging. Ask Him for help to shift our focus from "Earthly Treasures” to Him and the things of His kingdom. Commit to spending our time and attention on things that have eternal value.

Materials / Supplies Needed: