The Present Word, 215B/C
Call to Discipleship
Calling the Lost

Wired Word, Annex
Looking at a current event from a Biblical viewpoint

Studying the Scriptures, 215A
Book of John

Can you think of scriptural promises which claim to help us overcome the evil one? Read John 8:44. How does Jesus describe the devil?

Parents: how does His description help us fight back when we recognize that we are going through a major temptation?

Children: share a temptation you might be facing this week.

Read James 5:7. Notice two instructions James gives to us. This is a daily practice for us to follow. Take time to pray those two instructions today and tomorrow, then share results with family members on Sunday. Do you truly believe the promise James gives to us at the end of verse 7? Why do you believe this promise?

Read I Peter 5:7. How does Peter describe our adversary, the devil? Children, how does this description help you become more alert to his attacks?

Read Ephesians 6:11-18. How do we become strong in the Lord? Notice how Paul tells us in verse 11 that we need protection.

Parents: what kind of struggles are you facing each day against the forces of wickedness? Read verse 12. How do we stand firm when these attacks come our way? Read verses 13-17. Read verse 18. What should we pray for other Christians?

If you are not a daily reader of Scripture or a prayer warrior, then today make it your goal to read through the gospel of John during Lent. Create a scripture list that helps you find promises that you can cling to as the devil attacks your spiritual life. List some promises found in John that might help you know Jesus better and to trust in His amazing love.

In the third temptation, Jesus was taken to the pinnacle (top) of the Temple.

Have you ever been to Colorado or another place with high mountains? If you have climbed up a mountain or hill, and looked over a magnificent view, what was your initial response? In verse 9, the devil wanted Jesus to perform a stunt or miracle for others to behold. He even used Scripture (Psalm 91:11) to remind Jesus that the angels would protect Him from injury.

Children: have you ever performed a stunt to impress your friends? What happened?

Parents: have you ever been tempted by Satan to show off to others? What happened? In verse 12, notice the response of Jesus to the devil.

Family: what do you learn from Jesus about how you might respond to a similar temptation. Notice in verse 13 that the devil did not give up on Jesus. He was searching for another opportune moment to bring another temptation. How can we battle the devil when we realize that his attacks are mounting?

Parents: share anything which you have attempted to do as temptations seem to grow.

In the second temptation, Satan shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. He promises to give them all over to Jesus.

Parents: has anyone you know ever offered you great power and control if you would follow their rules? Share how your responded to this invitation. Notice how in verse 7 the temptation is clearly shown to Jesus. What was it that Satan demanded of Him?

Children: what else might you worship besides God? Why did Jesus respond the way He did in verse 8?

Talk about the answer Jesus gave and how it might help when you are tempted to do something for the wrong reasons.

Go back to Luke 4. Notice that Jesus ate nothing during those 40 days in the wilderness. Then Satan put Jesus through His first temptation.

Have you ever gone a whole day without eating food? Describe what your attitude was like that day. Were you hungry even before lunch time? Notice how the devil tempted Jesus in verse 3.

Children: how do you know when the devil is actually tempting you? Notice the response of Jesus in verse 4.

Parents: how can this verse help when you sometimes feel tired and hungry?

Family: when your energy level is low, how are you tempted to respond to your friend and family who love you? Think of a helpful prayer that you can pray now and share it with someone you know who might be facing a similar temptation.

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, draw us closer to You as we focus on Your life and ministry.”

Read: Luke 4:1-13. Focus on the three temptations that Jesus faced in this story; recognizing that He went through similar things that you and I may face today.

Take time to observe what God allowed His Son, Jesus, to go through in these trials. He allowed the devil to tempt Jesus. Why would God let Jesus faces these hard temptations? What are the temptations that you face at school, work or even at home? Share with your family.

Parents: share why you forgive your children even when they sin or do not behave in the way they were told to act.

Children: share with parents how you forgive them when they get angry with you.

Read: Hebrews 4:15. It is a wonderful passage that might help us understand how Jesus faced the same temptations we face in life.

Children: do you think you face the same temptations as your parents?

Explain your answer to the family.

The Present Word, 215B/C
Call to Discipleship
A Costly Call

Wired Word, Annex
Looking at a current event from a Biblical viewpoint

Studying the Scriptures, 215A
Book of John