For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Before Jesus begins His great work, He faces a big test in the desert — and shows us how to stand strong.
Today's Story
Right after His baptism, Jesus went out into the desert for forty days. He didn't eat the whole time, and He grew very hungry. That's when the tempter — the devil — came to try to trick Him into doing wrong.
“If You're really God's Son,” the devil said, “turn these stones into bread!” But Jesus answered with God's Word: “People don't live on bread alone. They live on every word that comes from God.”
The devil tried again and again, tempting Jesus to do wrong things. But every single time, Jesus answered with words from the Bible: “It is written…” Jesus never gave in. Finally the devil gave up and left.
Then Jesus began His work. Walking by the lake, He saw two fishermen, Peter and Andrew. “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I'll make you fishers of people!” Right away they left their nets and followed Him. Soon James and John followed too.
Jesus was gathering His team — ordinary people He would use to change the world.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Jesus was tempted to do wrong, but He used God's Word to stay strong. How can knowing the Bible help us when we're tempted?
- Every time the devil tried to trick Him, Jesus said, “It is written…” Why is knowing God's Word like having a strong shield?
- Jesus said, “Follow Me,” and the fishermen left everything right away. What do you think it means to follow Jesus?