Series Overview
Think back to a time when someone made time for you. Maybe that looked like caring for you when you were sick, or teaching you how to tie your shoe, making food for you, or teaching you how to read or learn a new skill. No matter what it is, when people make time for us, it can bring us joy. It’s like a light shining on a dark day. Caring for one another isn’t always the easy thing to do, but it certainly is what Jesus asks of us. When Jesus gave the command in Matthew 5 to let our light shine, it wasn’t just to bring joy into each other’s lives, but also to bring glory to God. We are reflections of Who God is, and as we “Live Bright” this month, we’ll discover exactly how we can shine God’s light.
Memory Verse
“Let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16, NIRV
Week One (September 1)
You Are The Light Of The World
Bible Story: Matthew 5:14-16
Bottom Line: You can shine God’s light
Virtue: Compassion – Caring enough to do something about someone else’s needs
We start the month in Matthew 5:14-16 with the Sermon on the Mount. In this passage, Jesus announced to the crowd, “You are the light of the world.” Each of us can shine God’s light to the world around us. When we shine our light by living God’s way, we bring glory to God and show people what God is like.
God didn’t give us light so that it could be hidden. God gave us light so that we could shine brightly . . . and so that the world could see Who God is. When we look around and identify those who could use some light in their lives—and then do something about it—we reflect God’s light.
Week Two (September 8)
Jesus Feeds 5,000
Bible Story: John 6:1-13
Bottom Line: Use what you have to help others
Virtue: Compassion – Caring enough to do something about someone else’s needs
In Week 2, we read about a massive miracle found in John 6:1-13. Jesus had just crossed over the Sea of Galilee
with His disciples when a massive crowd arrived. Jesus knew that the people would be hungry . . . and instead of
sending them on their way, He had compassion on them and fed them. With a little boy’s small meal of only five
loaves and two fish, Jesus turned a small amount of food into a huge blessing.
Some light is better than no light. Whether it’s a flashlight lighting up what’s in front of you or a spotlight
illuminating the whole stage, each light impacts those who need it. God has given each of us something we can
offer to help someone else—whether we have a lot or only a little. Any amount of light can make a difference in
someone’s life.
Week Three (September 15)
Jesus Heals Bartimaeus
Bible Story: Mark 10:46-52
Bottom Line: Make time to help others.
Virtue: Compassion – Caring enough to do something about someone else’s needs
For Week 3, we head to Mark 10:46-52. Jesus was headed out of the city with His disciples and a crowd in tow. Even though there were several people surrounding Jesus, one voice stood out above the others. A man named
Bartimaeus, who was blind, sat on the side of the road begging for help. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was
passing by, he shouted to ask Jesus for mercy. The crowd tried to shush Bartimaeus, but Jesus brought him forward and made time for him, changing his life forever.
Think back to a moment when someone helped you learn a new skill or helped you with a school project. How did you feel in that moment? When we make time to help others, we reflect Who Jesus is to them. Not only can we make a lasting impact in their life, but the act of showing compassion changes us too.
Week Four (September 22)
Sharing God’s Comfort
Bible Story: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Bottom Line: Comfort others the way God comforts you.
Virtue: Compassion – Caring enough to do something about someone else’s needs
For Week 4, we head to 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Paul was writing a letter to the church in Corinth in which he shared
about the troubles he and Timothy had faced. Yet in the midst of all their difficulties, Paul and Timothy were still
able to praise God because of the comfort God offered them. In this passage, Paul encouraged the believers in
Corinth to offer comfort to others who were in trouble because of the comfort they had experienced from God.
What brings you the most comfort? Maybe it’s a blanket, ice cream, or giving your pet a big squeeze. Maybe it’s
talking with a friend or binge-watching your favorite show. As good as those choices may be, the best comfort of all comes from God. And because of God’s comfort towards us, we can be a comfort to others too.
Week Five (September 29)
Jesus Is The Light Of The World
Bible Story: John 8:12
Bottom Line: Jesus is the light of the world
Virtue: Compassion – Caring enough to do something about someone else’s needs
We wrap up the month in John 8:12, where Jesus said to the people, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who
follows me will never walk in darkness. They will have that light. They will have life.” Because of Jesus, we never have to go through life alone. Jesus brings light to guide us and help us grow. And, of course, the light of Jesus meets our greatest need. When we turn away from our sins and choose to follow Jesus, it’s as if He shines a bright light into our hearts and our lives.
Sometimes it’s hard to see past our current circumstances. When darkness surrounds us, how do we move forward? We take time to remember that Jesus came to be the light of the world. Jesus’ light shines so bright that darkness cannot overcome it. When Jesus died on the cross, He showed the ultimate example of compassion towards us.