This lesson teaches children that Jesus was tempted by the devil and always chose to trust God, and that we can trust God too. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Jesus said no to the devil and yes to God. When we feel tempted, we can ask God for help and choose what is right, just as Jesus did.
Memory Verse
Matthew 4:4
But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and then open it wide like a book, as if you are reading God’s words. Say the verse together three times, opening your hand a little more each time.
The Story: Matthew 4 for Kids
After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit led him into a quiet, empty desert. He stayed there for forty days and forty nights without eating. By the end, he was very hungry, and it was the perfect time for the devil to try to trick him.
The devil came close and said, “If you are really God’s Son, turn these stones into bread.” Jesus did not give in. He answered by saying that people need God’s words more than they need food. Jesus trusted that God would take care of him.
The devil tried again. He took Jesus up to the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem and said, “Jump down! God will catch you.” Jesus answered that we must never test God like that. He knew God’s love is not a trick.
One more time, the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain. He showed him all the kingdoms of the world and offered them all if Jesus would bow down to him. Jesus sent him away with a firm word: “Go away, Satan! Worship God alone.”
Then the devil left, and angels came to take care of Jesus. After that, Jesus left the wilderness and began teaching people in Galilee that God’s kingdom was near. He told the people to turn back to God.
Soon Jesus met some fishermen named Simon, who was also called Peter, and his brother Andrew. Jesus said, “Come and follow me.” They left their nets right away and went with him. Then he called two more brothers, James and John, and they followed too.
Read It Together
Matthew 4:1-2
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward.
(WEB)
Point out that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, so being tempted was part of God’s plan. Ask children what they think it was like for Jesus to be so hungry. Remind them that Jesus knows how we feel.
Matthew 4:10
Then Jesus said to 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 that Jesus used firm, clear words to send the devil away. Explain that worshiping God means putting Him first in our hearts. Ask them how they can say no to things that pull them away from God.
Matthew 4:19
He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers for men.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus invited ordinary fishermen to follow him. Explain that Jesus calls ordinary people to share his love with others. Ask children how they might help someone learn about Jesus this week.
Talk About It
- What do you think Jesus was feeling when he was hungry in the desert?
- How did Jesus answer the devil, and what words helped him stay strong?
- Why is it good to trust God even when we cannot see how He will help us?
- When have you felt tempted to do something you knew was wrong?
- What is one thing you can do this week to follow Jesus, like the fishermen did?
Activity Ideas
Desert Scene Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or colored pencils, and a small bowl of dry rice or sand if you have it. Have children draw a desert with a mountain, a temple, and a sun. Let them sprinkle a little rice on their drawing as sand and talk about how Jesus stayed close to God there.
Follow the Leader Game
You will need an open space and a few cones or pillows to mark a path. One child leads, and the others follow exactly, like the fishermen following Jesus. Stop the game often so the leader can say, “Jesus helps us stay strong.” Switch leaders so every child gets a turn.
Bread and Words Take-Home Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a small piece of bread or a cracker. Have children write or draw one word from God that helps them stay strong, such as “love” or “trust.” Let them place the card next to the bread at home and say the memory verse at dinner.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that Jesus, fully God and fully human, faced real testing and answered with Scripture and trust in the Father. For adults, it also shows that the temptations, to meet needs apart from God, to test God, and to seek power apart from the cross, are patterns we still face, and that Jesus overcame them for us. It also reveals Jesus beginning his public ministry with a call to repentance and a call to people to follow him.
With children, avoid overstating the devil as a cartoon figure or making the story sound scary. Keep the focus on Jesus being strong and trusting God, rather than on giving detailed descriptions of evil. Let the children feel safe and hopeful at the end of the lesson.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you for being strong when we feel tempted. Help us trust you and say no to what is wrong, just as you did. Thank you for calling us to follow you every day. Amen.
