Temptation in the Desert
Ilumi Kids · Stories
After Jesus was baptized, God's Spirit led him into the desert. It was a very big place, full of sand and rocks, and very quiet.
Jesus stayed there for forty days and forty nights, talking with God, his Father. During all that time, he didn't eat anything, and by the end, he was very hungry.
After his baptism, Jesus spent forty days fasting in the wilderness. The tempter suggested he turn stones into bread, jump from the top of the temple, and worship him in exchange for the kingdoms of the world. Jesus answered each temptation with the Word of God and sent the devil away. Then angels came and took care of him.
Where it is in the Bible: Matthew 4:1-11
God’s Word gives us strength to say no to temptation.
After reading, use these questions to help your child remember and apply the story.
After Jesus was baptized, God's Spirit led him into the desert. It was a very big place, full of sand and rocks, and very quiet.
Jesus stayed there for forty days and forty nights, talking with God, his Father. During all that time, he didn't eat anything, and by the end, he was very hungry.
That's when the tempter came to bother Jesus. Seeing that He was hungry, the enemy pointed to some stones on the ground.
But Jesus knew that obeying God was more important than any food. He answered that people don't live on bread alone, but on every word that God speaks.
The Tempter: If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread!
Next, the tempter took Jesus to the holy city and put him on the highest part of the temple. It was very, very high! From up there, everything looked tiny.
He tried to trick Jesus again, telling Him to jump, because angels would catch Him. But Jesus answered wisely, saying that we shouldn't test God.
Finally, the enemy took Jesus to a very high mountain. From there, he showed Him all the beautiful and shining kingdoms of the world and made a deceptive promise.
He wanted Jesus to disobey God the Father and worship him in exchange for all that power. But Jesus' heart belonged only to God.
The Tempter: I will give you all this if you bow down and worship me.
Jesus looked at him with authority and said, 'Go away!' And at that very moment, the tempter disappeared and left Jesus in peace.
Soon after, angels who were friends of God came from heaven. They took care of Jesus and brought Him everything He needed, showing the Father's great love.
Worship the Lord your God. Serve only him. — Matthew 4:10
