Jesus Tempted in the Desert - Bible Lessons for Kids
The story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness is an important Bible lesson that helps kids understand how to resist temptation and trust God. There are many creative and engaging ways to teach the story of Jesus's temptation in the desert from the Gospels of Matthew 4 and Luke 4. These ideas include YouTube videos, hands-on crafts, interactive activities, games, and printable lesson plans to help children learn how Jesus used God’s Word to stand against temptation.
The Temptation of Jesus - A Bible Lesson for Preschool Through Third Grade. (Shield craft pictured is included in the lesson for bigger kids.)
STORY OF JESUS TEMPTED IN THE DESERT
The story of Jesus’s Temptation in the Desert can be found in Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13. It is also referenced in Mark 1:12-13.
After Jesus was baptized, He went into the desert for 40 days to fast and pray. Then Satan came and tempted Jesus three different times, but Jesus was able to use Scripture to say “no” to the temptations.
Jesus Tempted in the Desert Bible Lessons for Kids
Are you looking for an age-appropriate way to teach about Jesus being tempted in the desert? Be sure to check out our scripted lesson plans, activities, and printable crafts. Perfect for ages 3 to 8.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT JESUS’ TEMPTation IN THE DESERT
Satan tempted Jesus with three things:
By tempting Jesus to turn stones into bread, Satan was trying to get Jesus to be selfish and do a miracle to feed Himself.
When he tempted Jesus to jump off the highest point of the Temple, Satan was trying to make Jesus doubt God, instead of trusting God. Jesus didn't need to test God to know that He could trust God.
Then Satan tempted Jesus by claiming to offer Him the world if Jesus would worship him. If Jesus had accepted this temptation, He would not have had to suffer on the cross. But Jesus chose to save the world God's way. Only God is worthy of worship!
WHAT IS A TEMPTATION?
Temptation is when doing something wrong looks like a good idea. Thinking about or wanting to do something wrong is a temptation. When we act on that temptation and actually do the wrong thing, then it is a sin. Being tempted is not a sin; acting on the temptation is.
scenario cards for kids
Scenario cards are a great tool for starting conversations and can be used with kids of all ages. In Jesus Tempted in the Desert for Preschool, there are simple scenario cards where young kids decide whether the person made a good or bad choice. If it’s describing a good choice, kids stand up tall. If it’s a bad choice, kids will sit down.
In Jesus Tempted in the Desert for Older Kids, there are scenario cards that show situations where it might be tempting to make a wrong choice. Kids have to discuss what the temptation is and what a good choice would be.
As you go through the scenario cards, be sure to emphasize that Jesus chose what was right, even when it was hard, and we can choose what is right too.
shield of protection CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS
A shield helps block attacks and keeps a soldier safe in battle. In a similar way, God’s Word protects our hearts and minds when we face temptation. In Jesus Tempted in the Desert for Older Kids, there is a printable template for a shield to remind kids of the truths we can “protect” ourselves with when we are tempted.
Kids will attach printable Scripture badges to the shield. Let kids choose which verses they would like to decorate their shield with, and give them time to color and glue on their badges. Some of the badges include verses like Joshua 1:9, Psalm 119:11, and James 4:7.
Desert Scene CRAFTS FOR PRESCHOOL KIDS
Younger kids will enjoy creating a desert scene craft using real sand! Use the template pieces provided in Jesus Tempted in the Desert for Preschool, and have kids create their desert scene. Then, kids will glue real sand onto their picture to create a textured background that looks like a real desert!
While working, remind kids that Jesus was tempted in the desert, but chose to do what was right.
OTHER CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE STORY “JESUS TEMPTED IN THE DESERT”
“Worship the Lord Only” Praise Time: Jesus responded to one of the temptations by saying we are to worship the Lord only. So put on some praise music and take time to worship God. Some song suggestions are "Praise" by Elevation Worship and "One Way" by Hillsong Kids.
Lie vs. Truth Sorting Game: Write some simple lies and some simple truths on slips of paper. Then discuss them with kids and have them sort out which are the lies and which are the truth. These could include things like “God wants me to love everyone”, “It’s OK to be mean to someone if they are mean to you,“ “No one will know if I copy my partner’s homework”, and “I need to honor my parents and do my chores.”
Follow the Right Path Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course that eventually forks into two paths. Explain to the kids that when they reach the fork, you will show them two signs describing a situation, and they need to choose the route with the correct decision. For example, one path might be labeled “tell the truth even if you get into trouble” and “lie so you don’t get into trouble”. Or “ignore the new kid in class” and “invite the new kid to play at recess”. Kids should take the path labeled with the action God would want us to take.
Or find more ideas in Self-Control Bible Lessons for Kids.
YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT JESUS CALLING HIS DISCIPLES
YouTube can be a great resource to help kids visualize Bible stories and help capture their attention. But, before showing your kids any videos, be sure to preview them for content and to ensure they are age-appropriate. Here are a few suggestions:
The Temptation of Jesus by Saddleback Kids - This video depicts Satan as a dark-hooded person, which might be scary for younger children.
LifeKids’ Jesus is Tempted in the Desert - This video also depicts Satan as a dark-hooded person.
God’s Story: Jesus Was Tempted by Crossroad Kids’ Club - This video depicts Satan as a shadow, so this might be more gentle for children who can become easily frightened.
WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT THE LIFE OF JESUS?
This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the life of Jesus. Other lessons in this series include Jesus Calls His Disciples, Jesus the Good Shepherd, Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet, Let the Little Children Come to Me, The Great Commission, Zacchaeus, and The Transfiguration.
For more Life of Jesus Bible Lessons, check out:
