Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn even Jesus was tempted by Satan.
- Students will learn that just like Jesus ignored Satan when he quoted from the Bible, we must learn some people use scripture out of context to tempt us to disobey God.
- Students will learn quoting scripture, praying and fleeing the temptation are ways we too can avoid sinning when tempted.
- Students will learn how to create persuasive advertisements.
Guiding Question: How can we avoid falling to temptations?
Materials: White construction paper, magazines, newspapers, decorating supplies (crayons, colored pencils, etc)
Procedure: Review the story of the Temptation of Jesus. Ask the students to share the ways that Jesus avoided falling to temptation (praying, quoting the Bible, worshipping God). Explain that whenever we are tempted to sin, we should use the resources God gives is to help us avoid falling to temptation. It is important to know our Bible and know where to look for godly advice for how to deal with different temptations. Praying to God and worshipping Him will keep Him as a priority and allow us to focus on what God would want us to do in the situation. It is also just as important to flee from sin (example: peer pressure to lie, steal, etc) and avoid situations where we know we would be tempted to sin. Remind students not to feel bad if they are tempted because even Jesus was tempted by Satan and understand how we feel. Explain that the sin occurs when we fall to temptation which is why it is so important to stay focused on God during times of temptation.
Introduce the activity. Have students read various magazine and newspaper ads and look for what words and phrases are used to try and tempt us to buy something. Once students have found several words/phrases, have students create their own ads for products using “tempting” descriptive, persuasive words and phrases. Students can share if time allows. Monitor and assist as needed. You may even want to make a running list of descriptive, persuasive words students find so they can refer back to them when making the advertisement.
Additional Questions: How can students help others to avoid temptations?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students write a letter using proper formatting to someone they know to encourage them to follow Jesus and avoid temptations. Have the students give godly advice and include scriptures as needed.