Jesus the King · Lesson 5

Jesus Is Tempted

Matthew 4:1-11; Deuteronomy 8:2-3 New Testament PrincipleSelf-control

Jesus alone in the rocky Judean wilderness, tired and hungry, looking at round stones that look like loaves of bread.

After forty days without food in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted by the devil, and He said no every time by trusting God's Word.

God's Spirit helps us say no to wrong things, and Jesus won against temptation for us.

  1. CreationGod made it
  2. FallWe broke it
  3. RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
  4. RestorationJesus makes it new

Memory verse

“It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”

Matthew 4:4 BSB

The Big Story · Redemption

Adam gave in to temptation in a garden, and Israel gave in during forty years in the wilderness. Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness and won, so He could be the perfect Savior for everyone who has given in.

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Teacher guide plus handouts for preschool through 6th grade. Members can read the full lesson and download everything.

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Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade

When the devil tempted Jesus, He said no every time with God's Word, and Jesus helps me say no to wrong things.

Memory verse

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Adapted from Matthew 4:4

Start here

Ask, "What's something that's really hard to say no to?" Let a few kids share (candy, screens, getting even). Say, "Today Jesus is very hungry, and He has to say no to something hard."

Bible story 6 min

Jesus was baptized. Then God's Spirit led Him into the desert. Jesus did not eat for forty days. He was very hungry.

The devil came to tempt Jesus. That means he tried to get Jesus to do wrong. He said, "If You are God's Son, turn these stones into bread!" Jesus said no. "God's Word says people need more than bread. They need God's words."

Then the devil took Jesus up high on God's house. "Jump!" he said. "God will catch You!" Jesus said no. "God's Word says, 'Do not test God.'"

The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.

Try an activity

It is written! 8 min

You’ll need: A cardboard tube or rolled paper "sword"

  1. Read a wrong choice out loud ("Don't share your snack!").
  2. A child holds up the paper sword and shouts, "It is written!" Then the group says a good choice instead.
  3. Talk about how God's Word is like a sword that helps us.
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