Temptation of Jesus

Video Workshop

Summary of Lesson Activities:
Children will watch scenes 5-10 of the DVD “Jesus Son of God” from Nest Videos. Afterwards they will use the Additional Features option for an Adventure Quiz that covers the content learned in the movie.

Outcome Objectives

1. Children can locate the Temptation Story in Both Matthew and Luke.
2. Children can name the three temptations.
3. Children understand that different gospels tell the story differently.
4. Children are able to answer most of the questions about the story correctly.

Movie Summary:
Navigating the DVD
You will have to select the English Version to get to the main menu page.

To watch the Video, from the Main Menu select:
Chapter Access
5-6
5. The Light from Heaven

To get to the interactive quiz, from the main menu select:
Additional Features
Adventure Quiz
Select Quiz Level 1 (first) and 3 later (Quiz 2 deals with scenes 1-4 of the movie)
Select New International Version of the Bible
During the Quiz, a student can ask you to select either Review Scripture or Review Video to give a hint for the answer. Looking things up affects your score, but less than a wrong answer does. The optional final question is self-promotion of other NEST videos – skip it unless you have lots of time.

Time Management
You are only running about 15 minutes of a 30 minute DVD. However, with discussion before and after each section, the time needed to go through the main lesson is close to 30 minutes.

Contents
This video covers the Temptation story from the Gospel of Matthew. We are focusing in the other lessons on the Gospel of Luke version of the story. This is an opportunity to look at some differences between the gospels.

I generally really like this series of videos. They do a good job at researching the historical situation surrounding the story, and educating kids to the background behind the story. I really like the first part (which we’re not watching in this lesson) but am less than thrilled with the temptation narrative. Here’s why:

• I don’t like the 40 days in the wilderness section. It shows Jesus walking all over the place and getting weaker. Very little praying and meditating. From what we know of wilderness communities such as Quumran, people going on a long term fast would find an isolated cave or overhang and stay in that one place for prayer and meditation. Jesus at the end of 40 days also doesn’t look much the worse for wear.
• I don’t like how the devil is portrayed as utterly evil, scary, and unappealing – something between the Emperor in the Star Wars series and the Ghost of Christmas Future. You don’t have to be the Messiah to know you don’t want anything to do with this guy – any normal person wouldn’t trust him at all. The devil disguised as someone you could trust, and whose arguments make logical sense, and who you might go along with, makes a lot bigger impact. Jesus not being fooled; a Jesus who knows what a likeable tempter is up to, would make a much stronger statement about the power of Jesus.
• The temptation of gaining all the kingdoms of the world includes an exchange not in scripture (it is not yours to give) that detracts rather than adds to the significance of the temptation. The devil shows wealth, military power, etc. to try and tempt Jesus. I would not think that any of those things would tempt any honest person. If I were writing the movie script I would say something like “think of how much better things could be run with you in charge.” That would be a temptation that would be hard for Jesus to resist.

On the other hand, the temptation for Jesus to throw himself off the pinnacle of the temple explains things well. (These are the people you are coming to save, but first they must believe… I have a plan) These words are not in scripture, but it explains the significance of this temptation; this would be a bit of showmanship in a very public place. It would get Jesus noticed.

When you preview this video, read the scripture and Bible background first and form an opinion for yourself what this story is about. Then critique the movie for yourself.

Supplies List:

• Bibles
• Two colors of paper cut into scripts for bookmarks – I said white and blue for the lesson, but you can substitute any color you want.
• DVD
• Popcorn supplies
• Ice water and cups

Advance Preparation:

• Read the scripture and Bible Background notes.
• Preview the DVD, noticing where to stop and start.
• Take quizzes 1-3 yourself and make sure you know the answers.

Presentation

Opening-Welcome and Lesson Introduction:
Play a quick game of “telephone.” Have children line up. If there is a large group, ask about six children to volunteer for this activity. Whisper a silly saying such as “My very elegant mother just sat upon nine porcupines” to the first person. They are to whisper the saying to the next person and so on down the line. One repeat is allowed, but then the story must be passed on. Have the last child repeat what was said. Then tell them the original saying.

Ask: What happened?

Explain that in the days of Jesus things were not often written down. Not many people could read and even fewer could write. Stories were passed by word of mouth.
Ask: If I told you a story, could you tell the story to someone else later? (Probably if it was a good story)

• Do you think you could remember every word exactly as I told it? (Probably not)
• Do you think I would even tell it exactly the same way? (Probably not)

Explain that this is what happened in the gospels.

Have children find Matthew 4 in their Bibles and mark it with the white bookmark
And Luke 4 and mark it with the blue.

Dig-Main Content and Reflection:

Discussion Before Scene 5
[NOTE: If you are concerned about time – i.e. opening time ran long – you can skip Scene 5 completely]
Say: We know Jesus was born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph. We know about shepherds and the magi and some other things that happened when he was a baby. We have one story about Jesus when he was a boy of 12 and went with his parents to the temple. Other than that, we don’t know anything about what his life was like when he was growing up or what he did before he was 30 years old and baptized by John.

• Ask: I wonder, what do you think Jesus was like as a boy? I wonder what Jesus was like as a young man?

Explain that this first section shows imagined scenes of what Jesus was like.

Play Scene 5 “Light from Heaven”
STOP when dove descends after Jesus’ baptism and the light from heaven reappears
Discussion about what your just viewed in Scene 5

• What was happening in that last scene? (Jesus baptized by John in the Jordan River)

Discussion Before Scene 6
Explain fasting. It consisted of eating no food for the period of the fast. Water is allowed during fasting. Some fasts allow for one simple meal after sundown (it was a very small amount and you would still be hungry, but are less likely to have serious medical problems.) Some are complete fasts with no food.

Compare the scriptures: Have half the children look at the first verse in each color. What does it say about Jesus’ fast? [White (Matthew) Jesus fasted 40 days and nights (that meant no food) Blue (Luke) 40 days. (it could mean no food, or it could mean he ate a small amount at sundown – we don’t know)]

Explain that this time without food was a time to pray and meditate about God, usually asking God for guidance for some decision that needed to be made.
Play Scene 6 “Jesus Fasts for 40 Days”
STOP when Jesus sits down by some rocks (just before devil’s hand appears)
Discussion about what your just viewed in Scene 6

• Ask: How do you think Jesus was feeling after 40 of fasting?
• Ask: After 40 days of praying, do you think he felt closer to God?
• Ask: Do you think you would want to spend 40 days fasting and praying?

Explain that the season of Lent is a time that Christians set aside to fast and pray. We don’t usually stop eating all food, but we might stop eating sweets, or coffee, or fast food. When we feel a craving for those things, we are supposed to use it as a cue to turn toward God and pray. What do you think, would that work?

Discussion Before Scene 7

• Ask: If you hadn’t eaten anything for 40 days, what is the first thing you would want to do when your fast was over?

Play Scene 7 “Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone”
STOP when Jesus is on the ground beside a tree
Discussion about what your just viewed in Scene 7

• What was the first temptation? (turn stones into bread)
• Why would Jesus want this? (he was hungry)
• What did Jesus say to the tempter? (Man does not live by bread alone)
• What does that mean? (physical things, like food, are not as important as spiritual things)

Discussion Before Scene 8

• Ask: Do you remember any miracles or healing stories that Jesus performed?
• Was Jesus against doing miracles? (No)

Explain that this next temptation is about a miracle. Ask the children to think about how this miracle would be different than the other miracles Jesus performed.

Play Scene 8 “Thou Shalt Not Tempt the Lord Your God”
STOP when Jesus sits on the stone blocks and the blocks begin to fade
Discussion about what your just viewed in Scene 8

• How would this miracle have been different from the other miracles Jesus performed? (One difference is that other miracles were done to help other people – this would have been to “show off” and make himself look good)

Discussion Before Scene 9
Have half the children look up the white (Matthew) bookmark and half look up the blue (Luke) bookmark.

• In Matthew, what is the second temptation? (pinnacle of the temple)
• In Luke, what is the second temptation? (worship Satan, kingdoms of the world)
• In Matthew (white) what is the third temptation? (worship Satan, kingdoms of the world)
• In Luke (blue) what is the third temptation? (pinnacle of the temple)
• Why do you think they got their stories in different orders? (remember telephone game)

Play Scene 9 “Worship Only the Lord”
STOP when the devil departs and Jesus puts his head in his hand
Discussion about what your just viewed in Scene 9

• What did the devil offer Jesus in this temptation?
• What would you do if you were king or queen of all the world?
• What kind of king or queen would you be?
• What kind of king do you think Jesus would have been if he’d said “yes” to this temptation?
• Why did he say “no?” (he is a different kind of king – it’s not about power or riches; he wouldn’t worship Satan to get power – his power comes from God.)

Discussion Before Scene 10
[NOTE: If time is running short, you can skip this section entirely or simply play scene 10 without discussion]
Compare the ending of the temptation story in Matthew and Luke
Matthew has the angels waiting on Jesus. Luke does not.

Play Scene 10
STOP when Closing Credits begin

Closing:

Life Application:
More detailed instructions are above under the Movie Summary.
From the Main Menu, go to the Quiz on the Features Menu.
Answer questions first from Quiz 1, then Quiz 3 (skip quiz 2 as it is about the first part of the video) Use helps as needed.

To take home/If you have extra time
A companion book came with this DVD and has reproducible games and handouts. Make copies of a couple of these pages to be used after class to reinforce the story. (Most of these are more fun than content based.)

Look up Mark’s version of the temptation (it is only a sentence!) John says nothing about this story.

A lesson originally posted by member Lisa Martin from:Trinity UCC

Pottstown, PA 

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.

Jesus’ Temptation – Alone in the Desert

Video Workshop

Summary of Lesson Activities:

Uses the videos “Temptations In The Desert.” (Jesus: A Kingdom without Frontiers video series), “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (Wolper Pictures, 1971) and scenes from the CBS television mini-series “Jesus” (tape one).

Scripture Reference:

Matthew 4:1-11

Memory Verse:

“It is written: Worship the Lord your God. He is the only one you should serve.” Luke 4:8

Preparation and Room Set Up:

• Review the background information sheets and lesson materials.
• Preview the video clips for each age group.
• Grades 1-2 and 3-4 will first view the temptation scenes from the video “Temptations In The Desert.” (Jesus: A Kingdom without Frontiers video series). After discussion of this video, they will watch a short clip from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (Wolper Pictures, 1971) and discuss modern day temptations.
• Grades 5-6 will view the temptation scenes from the CBS television mini-series “Jesus” (tape one).
• Prepare popcorn before children arrive and have it bagged and ready to distribute so your attention can be given to the children.

Start on time!

Presentation

Opening-Welcome and Introductions:

Gather the children together at the tables with their Bibles. Make sure you are wearing your nametag and the children have picked up their nametags. Welcome the children and introduce yourself. Begin the class with introductions. Remember that workshop leaders rotate often and the children may not know you.

Tell the children, today, we will learn that Jesus also faced temptations. Jesus decided to obey God rather than take the easy way out. We will also discuss ways for us to resist temptation.

Opening Prayer: Pray something like this: “Dear Father in heaven, thank you for all the people who are here to hear about Jesus. Guide us when we have temptations in our lives to be obedient to you, to make the right decisions and resist the temptations as Jesus would have. AMEN”

Dig-Main Content and Reflection:

Bible Passage: Each workshop begins with the Bible passage! One of our primary is to improve the children’s Bible literacy!

Always tell the children where in the Bible the story is found. Have them locate the story in their Bibles. (refer to the teaching handout on How to Help Children Learn to Use Their Bibles) Shepherds can help with this. If children do not have their own Bibles, use the extras in the room. Encourage the children to bring their Bibles each week!

For Younger children: Read the story “Jesus is Tempted in the Desert,” on pages 295-296 of The Little Kids’ Adventure Bible. Be sure to read the Did You Know and Let’s Live It notes on those pages and discuss with the children. Make sure children understand the meaning of the words: fast and temptation.

For Older children: Tell the children that this Bible story is found in three places (Matthew, Mark and Luke). Choose either the Matthew or Luke version to read, but older children can practice locating both stories. Have the children locate the scripture and follow along as you read, or let the children take turns reading aloud. After reading the text, find the Let’s Live It note in Matthew 4:1-11 and the Did You Know note in Luke 4:4. Read these together and discuss briefly.

NOTE: Teacher, as the rotation progresses, and the children become more familiar with the Bible story, modify the way you lead this part of the lesson (allow the children to tell the story, fill in with details, add more details, and in-depth discussion depending on age group).

Discussion: Use the Background information and suggested questions for discussion to briefly discuss the Bible reading with the children. Make sure children understand the meaning of the words: fast and temptation.

Memory Verse: Have children locate the memory verse in their Bibles. (p. 296 in Little Kids’ Adventure Bible) Review the memory verse with the children. Our goal is for the children to memorize one memory verse each rotation.

“It is written: Worship the Lord your God. He is the only one you should serve.” Luke 4:8

Video – Grades 1-2, 3-4

Jesus: Kingdom without Frontiers video —Temptations In The Desert clip is about 13 minutes long.
Begin with the roaring lion and stop when Jesus says, “It is time to return to Galilee.”

Feel free to pause the video and discuss what they are watching. After the video discuss some of the following with the children:

• How much time did Jesus spend in the desert? (40 days)
• What happened to Jesus there? (fasted, prayed, tempted by devil)
• What were the three temptations told in this story? (food/physical desires, power/bowing down to Satan, miracles/testing God)
• Why did Satan tempt Jesus to turn stones into bread? (he was hungry from the fast)
• What did Jesus mean when he said, “man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God?” (physical things are not as important as spiritual, we need to depend on God, not try to do everything on our own)
• What did Satan show Jesus he could be in charge of? (all the kingdoms of the world)
• What would Jesus have had to do to have that power? (worship Satan)
• Jesus knew that only God should be worshiped and put first in his life. What types of things do we “worship” today by giving them priority in our lives and making them more important than God? (toys, TVs, money, game boys, video games, computers, etc.)
• What are you most tempted to worship?

Say: Now we’re going to watch another short video clip about temptation that may be more familiar to us.

The Willy Wonka clip is just under 3 minutes. Five children have won the much coveted prize of a personally guided tour of the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory. But here’s the catch-- before entering, they must sign a contract agreeing not to eat anything. Talk about temptation! They are surrounded with candy on all sides! Will they be able to resist the mouth-watering temptations? One by one, each child succumbs. Augustus gives in first, but as he kneels to drink from the milk chocolate river, he falls in! Willy Wonka seems more concerned about contamination of the river than about Augustus’ safety. Being a large boy, Augustus gets stuck in a pipe, but enough pressure builds to send him rocketing into the fudge room.

Start at 1:10:02 with “This stuff is terrific.” Stop at 1:12:54 with “Like the Oompah-Lumpah doopidie do. Doopidie do.

(source: Videos that Teach by Doug Fields and Eddie James, Zondervan Publishing)

After this clip discuss some of the following with the children:

• How much time did Jesus spend in the desert? (40 days)
• What happened to Jesus there? (fasted, prayed, tempted by devil)
• What were temptations told in this story?
• What did Jesus mean when he said, “man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God?” (physical things are not as important as spiritual, we need to depend on God, not try to do everything on our own)
• In the first video, what did Satan show Jesus he could be in charge of? (all the kingdoms of the world)
• What would Jesus have had to do to have that power? (worship Satan)
• In the second video what did the children put first?
• Jesus knew that only God should be worshiped and put first in his life. What types of things do we “worship” today by giving them priority in our lives and making them more important than God? (toys, TVs, money, gameboys, video games, computers, etc.)
• What are you most tempted to worship? What makes it so hard to resist?
• Do you see any similarities between Willy Wonka and Satan – the way they work, how they tempt, their attitudes?
• What happens when we are greedy and selfish?
• Why do you think so many people are not content with what they have?
• Sometimes too much of a good thing can be bad. Give examples.
• Think about the first video and our Bible reading. How did Jesus respond to the temptations? (resisted them, quoted scripture, let the Holy Spirit strengthen him)
• Who strengthened Jesus in the desert? (Holy Spirit within Jesus)
• What else helped Jesus resist temptation? (his knowledge of the scriptures)
• Why do you think God allowed Satan to tempt Jesus? (to test his human nature, to strengthen him and prepare him for his ministry, to give us an example to follow)
• How can temptation be a positive or good thing? (strengthens our faith, helps us lean on God, shows us where we need to grow, helps us become better disciples)
• What can you do to resist temptation?
• Jesus decided to obey God rather than take the easy way out. Why do you think even Jesus had to obey God? (to fulfill his plan, to prepare for his ministry, to live a sinless life)
• Whom should you obey? (parents, teachers, Bible, God) 

Grades 5-6 - Video

The “Jesus” (CBS mini-series) video clip is about 10 minutes long.

Begin with John the Baptist baptizing Jesus and end after the temptations with Jesus on his knees in the desert.

Discussion:
Discuss some of the following questions with the children:

• (from last rotation) Who came down to Jesus when he was baptized? (Holy Spirit like a dove)
• Who is the Holy Spirit? (God’s presence with us)
• Where did Jesus go after being baptized by John in the River Jordan? (wilderness, desert)
• Describe the wilderness where Jesus went. (hot, desolate, barren, rocky, hilly, located east of Jerusalem)
• How much time did Jesus spend in the desert? (40days)
• What happened to Jesus there? (fasted, prayed, tempted by devil)
• What were the three temptations told in this story? (food/physical desires, power/bowing down to Satan, miracles/testing God)
• Why did Satan tempt Jesus to turn stones into bread? (he was hungry from the fast)
• What did Jesus mean when he said, “man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God?” (physical things are not as important as spiritual, we need to depend on God, not try to do everything on our own)
• What did Satan show Jesus he could be in charge of? (all the kingdoms of the world)
• What would Jesus have had to do to have that power? (worship Satan)
• Jesus knew that only God should be worshiped and put first in his life. What types of things do we “worship” today by giving them priority in our lives and making them more important than God? (toys, TVs, money, game boys, video games, computers, etc.)
• What are you most tempted to worship?
• What did Satan do to try to get Jesus to jump off the pinnacle of the Temple? (quoted scripture to tell him he wouldn’t be harmed)
• Does Satan know the Bible? (Yes, he quoted scripture, but twisted its meaning)
• Why did Satan tempt Jesus? (tried to stop God’s plan for Jesus’ ministry)
• How did Jesus respond to the temptations? (resisted them, quoted scripture, let the Holy Spirit strengthen him)
• Which Old Testament book did Jesus quote scripture from when resisting the devil? (Deuteronomy)
• Which temptation do you think was the most difficult for Jesus to resist? (no right answer, just explore their answers)
• Who strengthened Jesus in the desert? (Holy Spirit within Jesus)
• What else helped Jesus resist temptation? (his knowledge of the scriptures)
• Why do you think God allowed Satan to tempt Jesus? (to test his human nature, to strengthen him and prepare him for his ministry, to give us an example to follow)
• How can temptation be a positive or good thing? (strengthens our faith, helps us lean on God, shows us where we need to grow, helps us become better disciples)
• What kind of temptations do you face?
• What can you do to resist temptation?
• Jesus decided to obey God rather than take the easy way out. Why do you think even Jesus had to obey God? (to fulfill his plan, to prepare for his ministry, to live a sinless life)
• Whom should you obey? (parents, teachers, Bible, God)
• Activities: Temptations of Today Scrapbook – Grades 5-6

Grades 5 and 6 will put together a “Temptations of Today” scrapbook, focusing on temptations we face today. Each child will illustrate one page for the scrapbook. This scrapbook will be on display in the Holy Word Theatre for the younger children to view. Each page should contain a temptation we face today and what one might do to resist that temptation.

Materials: Most or all materials can be found be in the supply closet or Raiders of the Lost Art Room (scissors, pens, markers, glue, paper, etc.). You can use a three ring binder or pronged portfolio to secure the scrapbook pages. Some children may want to use illustrations from old magazines. Please supply some magazines to recycle for our scrapbook. Each individual will have his/her own ideas to give each page a special uniqueness.

Reflection and Journal Time: The last 10 minutes should be reserved for Journal Reflection time. This is an opportunity for processing and reflection about what the children have learned. Ask the shepherds to pass out the journals and pencils/pens and the journal question sticker for the day. Workshop leaders and shepherds should sit down with children in small groups to facilitate discussion and writing in Faith Journals. Adults should write in journals as well. Memory verse stickers are also included for each lesson. Children may also copy the memory verse and illustrate.

Journal Questions:
Grades 1-2: Draw a picture of Jesus being tempted.
Grades 3-6: Which temptation do you think was the hardest for Jesus to resist? Why?

Memory Verse Review Sheets: If you have extra time, use the attached activities to review the rotation memory verse.

Closing:

Encourage the children to come back next week for another workshop, and to invite their friends. Remind them to bring their Bibles. Ask for prayer requests and pray together.

Clean-up: Have children throw away their popcorn bags and cups. Clean out popcorn machine and sweep up any stray kernels. Put away Bibles, paper, pencils, videos, etc.

Release children only to parents, older siblings, or by prior permission of parents. Make sure children are signed out on the classroom clipboards.

A lesson posted by Jaymie Derden from: State Street UMC

A representative of Rotation.org reformatted this post to improve readability.