1) Gathering for Soul Reports (5 minutes)
a. Have the kids gather in a circle begin by singing “Sanctuary”
(this was the original plan, but I am not sure how often it actually happens)
b. Let everyone share the joys and concerns in their lives, and ask for a volunteer to end the time of sharing with prayer.
2) Introduce the Theme
Take the kids outside and let them look at the playground, but tell them they can’t play, that this is part of understanding what the lesson is about today. Ask them if they can think of the word that describes them wanting to play, but knowing you told them not to. If they get the word temptation, have them define it for you.
3) Scripture: Luke 4:1-13 (10-15 minutes)
a. Read the scripture together once as a group without stopping for questions or explanations.
b. After everyone has heard it once, talk through each temptation. Make sure to ask the kids why Jesus would have been tempted to do each thing, and what might have happened if he did.
c. Act the story out – this helps the kids remember and better understand what is going on in the story
4) Application: What tempts you? (10 minutes)
a. Let the kids share what is a temptation for them. (Things they want or want to do that they know they shouldn’t)
Make sure each of them explains why it is tempting and why they shouldn’t do it.
b. Use wood tiles to have the kids each write 3 temptations in their lives, with the reason not to on the back. If they can think of a scripture as a group or with your help, write that down on the back (As a reminder that Jesus refuted the devil not with logic, but with scripture)
c. If extra time: Have them use their temptations and the bible story as a basis for writing a modern day role play of the temptation of Jesus.
5) Communion
a. Communion is the time where the group gathers around the table. I often ask if they know why it is important (Which they should it was last week’s lesson) and what we are doing when we take communion.
b. Instead of just one “rip and dip” I think the kids should have the opportunity to sit and eat the bread and drink the juice as long as the conversation is faith or church related. That was how the early church shared the Lord’s Supper and I think Worship bunch is a great place to return to the Early Church.
c. Close in prayer.
