Jesus Said No--Can You?

To help the children understand that they are following Jesus' example when they make good choices

The children will tell the story of Jesus overcoming temptation in the desert.

• Two or three Bibles for each of two groups or copies of the two passages indicated (Matthew's passage is the adaptation seen in the hints section.)

• Tell the children that this activity will help them to remember how Jesus resisted temptation because he wanted to follow God's will.
• On the board write these references to the Gospel stories about Jesus' temptation: Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13.
• Arrange the children in two groups. Assign one of the passages to each group. Tell the groups that they will practice and then read aloud as a choral reading the passage assigned to them.
• Choose one child in each group to read Jesus' words and another to read the devil's words. The other children will read the narration.
• Give the groups time to practice, preferably far enough apart that they will not bother each other. Then invite them to take turns presenting their readings for the other group.
• Remind the children to think of these stories and how Jesus resisted temptation when they are faced with difficult choices.

Body Smart, People Smart

The children will be familiar with Luke's account if you did the optional activity, Mark and Luke Tell the Story:

The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert. Jesus didn't eat for 40 days and 40 nights. He was very hungry. The devil came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, turn these stones into loaves of bread." Jesus said, "The Scritpures say the people do not live only on bread, but on every word that God speaks." Then the devil took Jesus to the top of the Temple. He said to Jesus, "If you are the Son of God, Throw yourself down. The Scriptures say that God will tell the angels to protect you." Jesus answered, "The Scriptures also say you shall not put God to the test." The devil took Jesus to a high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world. The devil said, "All these I shall give you if you worship me." Jesus said, "Go away, Satan!" The Scriptures say that you shall worship God alone, and you sahll serve only him." Then the devil left Jesus, and angels came and cared for him.