Big Idea:

Jesus passed the test we could never pass.

Read Together

Matthew 4:4– "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Matthew 4:10– "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve."

The Story

After His baptism, Jesus went into the wilderness for forty days. He was hungry and weak. That's when the devil came to tempt Him.

The devil tried three times:

1. "Turn these stones into bread."

2. "Jump off the temple and let the angels catch you."

3. "Bow down to me, and I'll give you the kingdoms of the world."

Each time, Jesus answered with God's Word. He refused to sin. He trusted His Father completely.

Where Adam failed in the garden and Israel failed in the wilderness, Jesus succeeded. He passed the test perfectly.

Advent Connection

At Christmas we celebrate that Jesus came to rescue us—not only by dying on the cross, but by living the perfect life we couldn't live. He faced temptation for us and won.

Talk About It

• How did Jesus fight against the devil's lies? • Why is it good news that Jesus never sinned? • How can we use God's Word when we're tempted?

Activity

Temptation Shield

• Cut out a shield shape from cardboard or paper. • Write "God's Word" on it. • Decorate it and talk about how God's Word protects us from temptation.

Prayer

Dear God, thank You that Jesus never sinned and that He fought temptation with Your Word. Help us to trust Him when we are tempted. Amen.

Family Challenge

Pick a Bible verse to memorize together this week as your "shield verse."