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Seeing God's World · Lesson 8

Real Friends in a Screen World

Daniel 3:1-30; Daniel 2:17-18; Hebrews 10:24-25 Old Testament PrincipleFriendship

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walking unharmed in the glowing furnace with a fourth shining figure, as the king stares in amazement.

When King Nebuchadnezzar ordered everyone to bow to a giant gold statue, three friends stood together and trusted God. God was with them in the fiery furnace and brought them out without even the smell of smoke. Real friends help each other stand for God, and screens can't replace them.

God made us for real friendship. Real friends pray together, encourage each other and stand together for God.

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

Memory verse

“And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together… but let us encourage one another.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 BSB

Christ Connection · Picture

In the fire, the king saw a fourth person walking with the three friends. God was with them in the worst moment of their lives. Jesus promises His people, "I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20). He is the greatest Friend, who laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13) and calls us His friends (15:15).

John 15:13-15; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5

The Big Story · Redemption

God protected His people in exile and showed the nations He is the only true God, keeping His promise to bring the Rescuer through them.

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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

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood together and would not bow to the king's statue. God was with them in the fiery furnace. Real friends help each other stand for God, and God made us for real friends, not just screens.

Memory verse

“Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.”

Adapted from Hebrews 10:24-25

Start here

Have one child stand on one foot and wobble. Then have three link arms and stand on one foot. Ask, "Which is easier?" Say, "Today we meet three friends who stood together."

Bible story 6 min

Daniel had three friends. Their names were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They lived in Babylon, far from home. They loved God, and they helped each other.

King Nebuchadnezzar made a huge gold statue. It was taller than a big building! He said, "When the music plays, bow down to it. If you don't, you will go into a fiery furnace!"

The music played. Everyone bowed. But the three friends stood up together. They said, "Our God can save us. But even if He doesn't, we will not bow to your statue."

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

Try an activity

Stand together 8 min

  1. Play music. When it stops, most kids bow down, but three chosen kids link arms and stay standing and say, "We'll only worship God!"
  2. Switch groups each round.
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More lessons on Friendship

The same principle in other Bible stories.

Kings and ProphetsDavid and Jonathan1 Samuel 18:1-4; 1 Samuel 19:1-7; 1 Samuel 20:1-42Jonathan, the king's son, became David's loyal friend, gave up his own claim to the throne, and protected David from King Saul, pointing to Jesus, the Friend who laid down His life for us.Old TestamentFriendship