This lesson teaches children that Jesus was tested in the wilderness and chose to trust God’s Word, and that we can do the same. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Jesus stayed close to God’s Word when the devil tried to lead him away, and we can too. God’s words are strong enough to help us say no to what is wrong.
Memory Verse
Luke 4:4
Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’”
(WEB)
Put one hand flat on your heart and then hold up an open book with the other hand. Say the verse together while you move your hands, then whisper it three times, getting quieter each time.
The Story: Luke 4 for Kids
After Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led him into a quiet, empty desert. He stayed there for forty days and did not eat anything. Jesus was very hungry when those days were over. Children, Jesus was tired and weak, and that is when the devil came to tempt him.
The devil said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to turn into bread.” Jesus did not follow the devil’s plan. He answered that people need more than food, they need every word that comes from God. Jesus trusted God’s Word more than he wanted food.
Next, the devil took Jesus up a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world. The devil offered them all to Jesus if Jesus would bow down to him. Jesus told the devil to go away, because we worship only God and serve only him.
Then the devil took Jesus to the top of the temple in Jerusalem. He tried to get Jesus to jump, using God’s own promises in a twisted way. Jesus answered that we must not test the Lord our God. After this, the devil left Jesus for a while.
Later, Jesus went back to Galilee and began teaching in the synagogues. He went to Nazareth, the town where he had grown up. On the Sabbath, he stood up to read from the book of the prophet Isaiah. He read about bringing good news to the poor and freedom to people who are held captive.
When Jesus sat down, everyone looked at him. He said, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Some people were angry and tried to throw him off a cliff, but Jesus walked right through the crowd and went on his way.
Read It Together
Luke 4:1-2
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. He ate nothing in those days. Afterward, when they were completed, he was hungry.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus came out of the Jordan full of the Holy Spirit and was led into the wilderness. Ask children to notice that the devil came when Jesus was hungry, which shows that temptation often comes when we are tired or weak.
Luke 4:8
Jesus answered him, “Get behind me Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’”
(WEB)
Show children how Jesus answered the devil with God’s words rather than arguing. Explain that knowing what God says helps us answer temptation the way Jesus did.
Luke 4:18-19
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, 19 and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus read these words about himself and about helping people who need hope. Explain that Jesus came to bring good news, healing, and freedom to everyone who needs it.
Talk About It
- What did the devil ask Jesus to do when Jesus was hungry, and how did Jesus answer?
- Why do you think Jesus chose to trust God’s Word instead of doing what the devil wanted?
- When do you feel tempted to do something you know is wrong?
- What is one word from God that you could remember when you feel tempted?
- How did the people in Nazareth react to what Jesus said, and how do you think Jesus felt about that?
Activity Ideas
Paper Bread and Stone Craft
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a small round loaf of bread on one piece of paper and a gray stone on another. Then have them write Luke 4:4 in a simple version on the bread. Glue the bread on top of the stone and talk about how Jesus chose God’s words over the stones.
Temptation Freeze Game
Gather the children in an open space and choose one child to be the devil. The devil tries to get the others to do silly tempting actions, like wiggling or shouting. When someone hears a Bible word, like “worship” or “God,” everyone freezes, just as Jesus stood firm. Play a few rounds and then talk about how God’s words help us stand strong.
Word in My Pocket
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a small envelope or pocket. Help each child write one short verse from this chapter or a simple promise from God on a card. Let them decorate the card and place it in the envelope to take home. Encourage them to keep it in a pocket or backpack as a reminder to trust God’s Word.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows Jesus as the faithful Son who met real temptation in human weakness and answered with Scripture. It also shows that the words of God have authority, and that Jesus’ mission was to bring good news to the poor, the captive, and the broken. Many in Nazareth struggled to accept him, which reminds us that people do not always welcome God’s messengers.
Avoid suggesting to children that choosing God’s Word will always make life easy or that believers will never be tempted again. The story shows Jesus trusting God in hard moments, not a promise of smooth paths. Keep the focus on who Jesus is and how he responds, rather than making a list of rules to keep.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank you that Jesus trusted your Word when he was tired and hungry. Help us to listen to you and remember your words when we feel tempted. Give us strength to say no to what is wrong and yes to what is good. Amen.
