“The Greatest Reward” Bible Crafts on Matthew 16:21-28

Use this craft ideas to help children reflect on what it costs to follow Christ. Print the directions below, gather your project supplies, and watch our demonstration video as you prepare.

“The Greatest Reward” Matthew 16:21-28

Craft Ideas on the Cost of Discipleship

In this Gospel lesson, we focus on the importance of committing to follow Jesus. It may be tough at times and require sacrifice, but ultimately it is not a burden, but something that brings great joy and hope. Drawing on a sports theme, these crafts remind children of the great reward that is ours in Heaven. Offered here are instructions for making a “medal of honor”, a “crown of glory”, and a cross decoration with a fun scratch-off element. Feel free to alter and embellish as needed, and always be sure to remind students of the significance behind items they are making.

Bible Verses or Craft Captions to Consider…

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. ²⁶ What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 

 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
    -Matthew 6:19-21

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. -1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Jesus is the true treasure!

A crown that lasts…the sacrifice of Christ

A medal of greater reward…life with Jesus!

Don’t miss the demonstration video of these craft projects and on our Matthew 16:21-28 for kids playlist. We also have a children’s sermon based on this Bible passage.

• Watch a demonstration of this children’s sermon and the playlist on Matthew 16:21-28
• Compare the Rfour.org message on Matthew 16:21-28

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Craft one: “True Reward Medal”

You will need:

• Paper plates or construction paper
• Yarn or string
• Markers, stickers, or other decorating materials
• Scissors
• Hole punch

Procedure:

1. Cut a circle out of paper, cardstock, or paper plate.
2. Decorate the circle as a “medal”, including verse captions, colors, and glitter, if desired.
3. Hole punch the center of the “medal.”
4. Use the medal as a necklace or hang as a decoration.

Craft Two: “Crown of Glory”

You will need:

• Glue or tape
• Construction paper, cardstock, or crown cut-out
• Scissors
• Caption or verse
• Markers or crayons
• Jewels, stickers, or other decorations (optional)

Procedure:
1. Cut paper into a crown shape strip, or prepare crown hat. 
2. Decorate the crown with captions, verses, colors, gems, stickers, or otherwise.
3. Fold or bend the crown to fit the head of the individual child.
4. Remind kids that we seek an “unperishable crown”!      

Craft Three: “Scratch off Cross Decoration”  

You will need:

• Yarn, pipe cleaner, or string
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Extra decorations (stickers, etc.)
• Caption or verse
• Crayons
• Toothpicks

Procedure:
1. Decide whether you prefer to trace a shape or color an entire paper (shape cutting optional).
2. Use crayons to cover the area with layers of colors.
3. Use a black crayon for the final layer, pressing fairly hard to make the black top coat. 
4. Cut out the shape, if desired.
5. If desired, hole punch the top to create a decoration. String the yarn, string, or pipe cleaner through the papers. This can be used as a long wall decoration or a simple necklace to enjoy.     

Extra Craft and Sunday School Activities

• Make a list of things that people tend to seek after or dedicate their lives to. Create a collage that goes with it, depicting the importance of seeking Christ first and foremost.
• “Cross toss”: arrange several Solo cups in the shape of a cross. Place other cups surrounding it (in differing colors), and attempt to toss ping pong balls in the cups that make up the cross shape.
• Play “follow the leader” to recall how we follow Christ.
• Look up facts about military leaders. Examine how they sacrifice for their country.