In today's Gospel, we learn about how Jesus spend forty days in the desert, to prepare for his teaching ministry, and how Satan unsuccessfully tried to tempt him with worldly pleasures. We learn that we can fully trust in God's protection to resist temptations of the world.
Father in Heaven we praise and glorify you. We thank you for bringing us together today for this Children's Liturgy lesson. Please send us the Holy Spirit and open our hearts and minds so we can understand your message of how we can pray and call on You for protection in times of trial and temptation. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
After Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led Him into the quiet desert. There were no houses, no towns, and no people—just sand, rocks, and silence.
Jesus stayed there for forty days and forty nights, praying and getting ready for His mission. He didn’t eat during this time, so He became very hungry.
While Jesus was alone, the devil came and tried to trick Him three different times.
1. The First Temptation
The devil pointed to some stones and said:
“If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to turn into bread.”
Jesus was hungry, but He knew the devil was trying to distract Him.
Jesus answered with Scripture:
“People do not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes from God.”
Jesus chose to trust God instead of giving in.
2. The Second Temptation
Then the devil took Jesus to the highest point of the Temple in Jerusalem.
He said:
“If you are the Son of God, jump! God will send angels to catch you.”
But Jesus knew this was not what God wanted.
Jesus said:
“Do not test the Lord your God.”
Jesus chose obedience over showing off.
3. The Third Temptation
Next, the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world.
He said:
“I will give all of this to you… if you bow down and worship me.”
But Jesus knew we are to worship God alone.
So He said:
“Go away, Satan!
It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”
And just like that, the devil left.
Afterward
Then angels came to Jesus and took care of Him.
Jesus stayed strong and faithful, even when it was hard.
He showed us that we can trust God when we face temptations too.
Source: Saddleback Kids. (2015). Temptation of Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc-x4qKY6Wc&t=6s
RECALL
Q1: Where did Jesus go after He was baptized?
Sample answer:“He went into the desert.”
Q2: How long was Jesus in the desert?
Sample answer:“Forty days and forty nights.”
Q3: How many times did the devil try to tempt Jesus?
Sample answer:“Three times.”
RELATE
Q1: How would you feel if you were hungry and someone told you to do something wrong to get food?
Sample answer:“Tempted, but I would want to choose the right thing.”
Q2: How do you feel when someone tries to get you to do something you know isn’t right?
Sample answer:“It makes me uncomfortable or unsure.”
Q3: How does it feel knowing Jesus understands what temptation is like?
Sample answer:“It makes me feel understood and not alone.”
APPLY
Q1: Jesus chose God’s way every time. What is one way you can choose what’s right this week?
Sample answer:“I can tell the truth, even if it’s hard.”
Q2: When you’re tempted to do something wrong, what can you do to stay strong like Jesus?
Sample answer:“I can pray, ask for help, or walk away.”
Q3: Jesus used God’s words to help Him. What’s one way we can remember God’s words?
Sample answer:“By listening at church, praying, or reading the Bible with family.”
KEY TAKEAWAY
Jesus shows us that we can say no to temptation and choose God’s way, even when it’s hard.
Source: Copilot. (2026). Temptation of Jesus in the desert in the style of mexican folk art [large language model]
Father in heaven, for the sake of bringing others closer to you, we give you today, all that we think and do and say, and we join it with all that was done by Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen
