Lesson

Temptation of Jesus Sunday School Lesson for Kids

A free temptation of Jesus Sunday school lesson (Matthew 4:1–11) in four age levels, preschool to preteen, with a game, Bible story, memory verse and take-home.

Preschool–Grade 6

Temptation of Jesus Sunday School Lesson for Kids

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Free to print and copy for your church, classroom, VBS and home. Please don't resell or re-post our files; link to the page instead.

Ages: Preschool (3–5), Early Elementary (K–2), Upper Elementary (3–5), Preteen (5–6)
Time: 20–60 minutes (depends on the age level)
Scripture: Matthew 4:1–11
Bible story: Jesus Is Tempted

What you need

A Bible (mark Matthew 4:1, Matthew 4:4 and Psalm 119:11)
Bibles for the kids to look up verses (3rd grade and up)
A big paper heart, folded in half and taped on the sides to make a pocket, and 5 paper strips (memory verse game, kindergarten to 2nd grade)
Gray paper circles or crumpled gray paper balls to be "stones" (preschool)
Index cards and a marker (3rd grade and up)
A whiteboard or large paper and a marker (3rd grade and up)
Paper and pencils (3rd grade and up)
Printed take-home sheets, one per child
Printed temptation of Jesus word search and crayons for early finishers

This free temptation of Jesus Sunday school lesson teaches kids that God's Word helps us say no to sin. After Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights in the wilderness, the devil tempted Him three times, and each time Jesus answered, "It is written" (Matthew 4:1–10). Jesus "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). It comes in four age levels, each a separate printable teacher lesson, plus one take-home sheet for families. Pick the one that fits your class.

Choose your age level

Preschool (ages 3–5), 20–30 minutes, 2 pages: a stones-in-the-wilderness game, a short story with hand motions and "It is written!" repeat-after-me lines, three simple questions, a shortened memory verse ("Thy word have I hid in mine heart") with a motion, and a God's-Word-in-my-heart drawing.
Kindergarten to 2nd grade, 45 minutes, 3 pages: the Stand Firm game, the story in simple words with all three temptations, five recall questions with answers, and the Hide It in Your Heart memory verse game.
3rd to 5th grade, 45–60 minutes, 3 pages: a ready-answer memory game, kids look up verses in their own Bibles during a fuller story (where Jesus' answers are written, the devil misusing Psalm 91, Hebrews 4:15), five thinking questions and three recall questions, a verse scramble and a Bible look-up race.
Preteens (ages 11–12), 45–60 minutes, 3 pages: students read Matthew 4:1–11 out loud themselves, trace Jesus' three answers back to Deuteronomy, and discuss when temptation comes and what it offers. Six discussion questions, a journal page, and two memory verses (Psalm 119:11 and Hebrews 4:15).

Lesson at a glance

Bible passage: Matthew 4:1–11
Main point: God's Word helps us say no to sin. Every time Jesus was tempted, He answered, "It is written."
Memory verse: Psalm 119:11 (KJV), with Hebrews 4:15 added for preteens
Ages: preschool to preteen, in four versions

Lesson outline (the same in every version)

Opening game: a short game about standing firm, ready answers or shortcuts.
Bible story: the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness, He fasts forty days and forty nights, and the devil tempts Him three times: stones into bread, the pinnacle of the temple, and the kingdoms of the world. Each time Jesus answers, "It is written." The devil leaves, and angels come and minister unto Him. Every fact has its verse reference so you can check it.
Questions to ask: with answers, at the right level for each age.
Memory verse: a game or motion to help kids learn Psalm 119:11.
What this means for us: hiding God's Word in our hearts, the gospel (Acts 2:38), and a challenge for the week.
Activity: the temptation of Jesus word search, crossword, maze, worksheet, the temptation of Jesus craft, a Bible look-up race or a journal page, depending on the age.
Prayer.

Tips for teaching the temptation of Jesus

Read Matthew 4:4 straight from your Bible and let kids say "It is written!" with you each time it comes. It is the heart of the story.
Explain "tempted" plainly: something pulling you toward doing wrong. Being tempted is not a sin; Jesus was tempted, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
Keep the focus on Jesus and God's Word, not on the devil. The story ends with the devil leaving and angels ministering unto Jesus (Matthew 4:11), and every level has a short note for a child who is afraid.
Short on time? Do the story, three questions and the memory verse. That is a solid 25-minute lesson.

Frequently asked questions

How long does this temptation of Jesus lesson take?

It depends on the age level. The preschool lesson takes 20 to 30 minutes, the kindergarten to 2nd grade lesson about 45 minutes, and the 3rd to 5th grade and preteen lessons 45 to 60 minutes. For a short class, do the story, three questions and the memory verse.

How do you explain the temptation of Jesus to kids?

To be tempted means something is trying to get you to do wrong. After Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights, the devil tempted Him three times (Matthew 4:1–10). Each time Jesus answered, "It is written," and said what God's Word says. Jesus "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). God's Word helps us say no to sin too.

What were the three temptations of Jesus?

First, the tempter said, "command that these stones be made bread" (Matthew 4:3). Second, the devil set Jesus on a pinnacle of the temple and said, "cast thyself down" (4:5–6). Third, he showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and said he would give them to Him "if thou wilt fall down and worship me" (4:8–9). Jesus answered each one with Scripture (4:4, 4:7, 4:10).

Will this lesson scare young children?

No. The lessons keep the focus on Jesus and God's Word, not on the devil, and nothing in the story or the art pictures him. Every level shows that Jesus won: the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered unto Him (Matthew 4:11). Each level has a short teacher note on what to say if a child is afraid.

Is this Sunday school lesson really free?

Yes. Print as many copies as you need for your church, school or home. Please don't resell it.