The Temptation of Jesus – Bible lesson for kids

This week we will study the temptation of Jesus, which happened directly after His baptism. Our Bible reading can be found in Matthew 4:1-11 and Hebrews 4:15. Some of the key points we will examine are–

• Jesus became fully man and had to fight against sin just like we do (Hebrews 4:15)
• Jesus understands us because He became like us. (Hebrews 4:15)
• Jesus’ didn’t sin. (Matthew 4:10).
• Jesus knew the Bible and obeyed it. (Matthew 4:4)

The temptation of Jesus – Lesson Guide

Remind the child of Jesus’ baptism. Talk about how Jesus went into the desert after He was baptized. Ask the child if they know what a desert is. You may take turns mentioning things about deserts either what they are (hot) or what they aren’t (filled with plants). Ask the child if they think a desert would be a comfortable place to spend forty days.

Talk with the child about temptation. Point out that temptation is the desire to do something wrong. Ask the child if they have ever been tempted. Perhaps they broke something and lied in order not to get in trouble. Maybe they stole a sweet. Ask the child if they remember what they felt before they committed these sins. Point out that sometimes temptation is harder to resist. Ask if they think it would be harder to resist stealing a sweet if they had just eaten cake, or if it would be harder if they were very hungry. You may continue to make a list of times it would be either easier or harder to resist temptation. Then point out that Jesus had not eaten for forty days. Ask the child if they have ever been hungry. Point out that Jesus must have been very hungry and Satan offered Him food—but Jesus said no. He resisted temptation.

 Talk about how Satan tempted Jesus three times, but Jesus resisted his temptations. Ask what Jesus did to resist temptation. If necessary, help the child figure out that each time Jesus quoted a Scripture to resist temptation. Point out that Jesus never sinned.

Find verse which help your child with something they struggle with. For example, verses about fear, loving others, obedience, not stealing and so on. You may choose either one verse to memorize or continue to work on several. This might be an opportunity to begin helping your child memorize Bible verses. Point out that Jesus needed to know the Bible so that He could resist temptation and obey the Bible.

To illustrate, play a game. Tell the child that if they follow a rule you will tell them, they will get a prize. Say, “Now, here is the rule you must follow.” Then say nothing more. The child will ask for more information. Point out that the child cannot follow the rule since he doesn’t know it, just like we can’t follow the Bible if we don’t know it. Then ask the child to tell you some of the rules you have given them. You may choose to help by giving hints e.g. “I always tell you to do what with your toys?”

Talk about how Jesus became like us so He understood what it was like to be human. He was both human and God. Point out that we understand people better when we walk in their shoes. Tell the child that they can experience life as a parent. Allow them to select an article of your clothing and put it on. Have fun with this. You may choose to put on an article of their clothing (such as putting a shirt on your head as a hat). Tell the child that they are now the parent and you are the child. You may help them understand by asking them if they want you to pick up “your” toys or clean “your” room. They will probably enjoy this opportunity to be the boss. Then begin to ask them what is for dinner or how to pay the bills. They will start to understand that it is hard to become someone else if only for a little while. Point out that Jesus left His throne to come to earth and become a human.

Pray and thank Jesus for coming to earth and resisting temptation. Ask Him to help you resist sin and follow Him.

Free Printable Bible Story

Games and Activities

Make some Bread

Follow a simple reciepe to make some bread. Allow your children to help you measure out all the ingredients needed.

When you are waiting for the bread to bake. Remind your child how Satan tempted Jesus to turn a rock into bread. Speak about how that would be impossible for us, but Jesus could have done it. Speak about how just because we CAN do something, it doesn’t always make it the right thing to do.

Remind your child how Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness without any food.

Have a competition to see how long they can do a difficult thing. For example:

• Standing on one leg
• Balancing something on their head
• Stay silent
• Not watching TV and so on.

Sand Play

To help understand that Jesus was in a desert praying allow your child to have some free sand play.

Either use a sand table, or just pour a little sand into a tray. You could also take a trip to the beach.

While playing with the sand, try to imagine what it must be like inside a desert.

Worksheets

Bible Coloring pages – The temptation of Jesus

Memory Verse Box – Includes free template

What you need:

• Template (for best results print on card)
• A sheet of paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Orange or yellow crayon or pencil
• String

What to do:

1. Cut the dove shape out of the template. Glue both sides together. Carefully cut across the wing line.
2. Fold a sheet of paper like an accordion. About every 2 cm. Insert through dove to form wings. Make sure it’s even.
3. Add some color to the beak and thread string to hang.

Download the lessons

Translations