Overcoming Temptations Role-Play

To understand the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness and how we can learn by his example

The children will be able to explain the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness and relate it to their own lives.

• Bibles
• Poster board
• Pencils, pens

• Open the activity by asking the children to share what they know about the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. Spend some time discussing this story and the ways we can learn from Jesus' experience.
• Ask the children to brainstorm the kinds of temptations that children their age might face. Invite the children to write these examples on a piece of poster board.
• Next, invite the children to work with a partner or in small groups.
• Ask them to plan and practice a role-play showing one of the examples.
• Ask the children to role-play their scenario for the other children.
• When they have finished, talk about strategies for resisting temptation.
• Close the activity by saying to the children: Jesus experienced temptation because he was truly human. We know that we can go to Jesus when we experience temptation because he understands and can help us be strong.
  

Art/Space Smart, Body Smart, Logic/Math Smart

Provide the children with examples of times we encounter temptations as Jesus did.

Be aware that some children may feel uncomfortable performing in front of others. Offer these children the opportunity to write or illustrate their depictions of temptations that children might face.