This story is the first in a collection of Bible stories for kids about Lent: Take Up Your Cross: Lenten Bible Stories.
The Temptation of Jesus
Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-12
The season of Lent lasts for forty days and forty nights, the same amount of time Jesus spent in the desert after his Baptism. One of the reasons we give something up during Lent is to train ourselves to resist temptation like Jesus did in this story.
As you read this story, pay attention to what Jesus says in response to the devil’s temptations.
After Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led him into a desert for forty days and forty nights. He fasted, which means he ate very little food. After the forty days were over, he was very hungry.
Then Satan came to tempt Jesus three times. Satan knew Jesus was hungry. “If you are the Son of God, turn stones into bread,” he said.
Jesus resisted the temptation. He replied with a verse from Scripture, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Then the devil took him to the top of the Temple in Jerusalem. “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from this temple and God will command his angels to save you,” said the devil.
Jesus resisted the temptation. Again he quoted Scripture saying, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Finally, the devil took him to a very high mountain where they could see all the kingdoms of the world. “All these I will give to you if you bow down and worship me,” he said.
Jesus resisted this final temptation, too. “Away with you, Satan! Worship the Lord your God and serve only him,” he said quoting Scripture once more.
Satan left him and the angels did come to Jesus to serve him after all.
Reflection Questions
- What does Jesus rely on in his defense against Satan?
- When and where can you read more of the Bible during Lent?
- Jesus was calm and strong against temptation even when he was hungry. How can you make yourself more patient and peaceful even when your stomach feels hungry?
More Lenten Bible Stories for Kids
Get your copy of the entire collection of short Bible stories for you and your family to read at dinner, before bed, or any time you can find to break open the Word of God:
