The Temptation of Jesus: Sunday School Lesson
Matthew 4:1–11
Print this page straight from your browser — the story, memory verse, discussion questions and craft all fit on one sheet.
Big Idea
Scripture known by heart is how the Lord Himself answered temptation.
Story Summary
Led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights. Satan tempted Him three times — stones into bread, a leap from the temple, and the kingdoms of the world. Each time Jesus answered 'It is written', and the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered unto Him.
Memory Verse (KJV)
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:4
Discussion Questions
- What three things did Satan tempt Jesus to do?
- What did Jesus use to answer every temptation?
- Satan quoted Scripture too. Why does that mean we must know the Bible well?
- What verse could you learn this week to use when you are tempted?
Craft Idea: Sword-of-the-Spirit Verse Card
Supplies
- Card stock
- Silver foil or grey paper
- Scissors
- Markers
Steps
- Cut a small sword shape from card and cover the blade with foil.
- Write Matthew 4:4 along the blade.
- Write one personal temptation on the handle.
- Keep it in a Bible or pencil case as a reminder.
Printable Worksheet
Print the lesson page for the verse card and discussion questions.
Lesson flow (45 minutes)
- Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
- Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Matthew 4:1–11.
- Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
- Craft (15 min): Make the sword-of-the-spirit verse card.
- Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.
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Matthew 13:1–23
The Parable of the Sower
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John 10 · Luke 15:3–7
The Good Shepherd
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John 4:1–42
The Woman at the Well
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John 11
The Raising of Lazarus
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Luke 17:11–19
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Ages 5–11 · ~35 min
Mark 12:41–44
The Widow's Mite
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Matthew 21:1–11
The Triumphal Entry
Ages 4–10 · ~40 min
Where to go next
Teaching The Temptation of Jesus? Here is what to grab next for your class.