039 The Temptation of Jesus - A Bible Story for Children

Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13

After his baptism, Jesus went into the wilderness, for he wanted to be alone and to think about the work he would do in his lifetime.

There he fasted, eating no food for forty days and forty nights. At the end of that time, Satan, the devil, appeared to Jesus to test him.

Knowing how hungry Jesus was from fasting, Satan said to him, "If you are really the Son of God, tell those stones to become bread."

"Man does not live by bread alone," Jesus replied. "A man must also live by following the word of God."

Next Satan led Jesus up to the very top of the Temple in Jerusalem. "If you are the Son of God," the devil repeated, "throw yourself off this roof, for it is said that the angels of God will take care of you and catch you in their arms."

"It is also said that man should not test God's power," answered Jesus. "Man should have faith in God without seeing miracles."

Satan then led Jesus high up on a mountain and showed him the kingdoms of the world, spread below with their great buildings and rich palaces. "All this I will give you, if only you will worship me," the devil promised.

"Go away, Satan," Jesus commanded. "It is written that man should worship God alone."

So the devil went away, for Jesus had defeated him, and angels came to take care of Jesus.

Category: Children's Bible Stories