Jesus in the Wilderness (Temptation) Matthew 4:1-11
We want to help you teach kids about Lent. Download our coloring pages, lesson plans, and activities for Lent. Use them in your Sunday School or Children’s Church.
Theme: Walking with Jesus from the Desert to the Empty Tomb.
Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11
Key Lesson: Jesus stayed strong by using God’s Word. During Lent, we focus on listening to God more than our own wants.
- Craft ideas on the Temptation of Jesus
- Jesus is Tempted (Matthew 4:1-11) Sunday School Lesson
- Lent Lesson: Jesus in the Desert (Matthew 4:1-11)
- Making Lent a Meaningful Season
- Lent Coloring Pages for Children
Jesus went into the desert for 40 days. He was hungry and tired, but when the enemy tried to trick Him, Jesus answered with Scripture. He showed us that God’s Word is our greatest strength.
Activity: “Sword of the Spirit” Scripture Memory
- Supplies: Cardboard or cardstock cut into sword shapes, markers, silver foil.
- Task: Have children wrap their “swords” in foil and write Matthew 4:4 on them: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
- Discussion: Ask, “What are some ‘temptations’ kids face today (e.g., being mean to a sibling)? How can we use God’s Word to stay kind?”
Lent Challenge: The “Fast” Jar
Give each child a small jar. Encourage them to give up one small thing this week (like a favorite snack or a video game) and put a coin in the jar every time they choose God over that item. Donate the coins to a local food bank at Easter.
The Heart of Service (The Servant King)
Scripture: John 13:1-17 (Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet) Key Lesson: Jesus is the King, but He chose to be a servant. Lent is a time to serve others.
The Lesson
In Bible times, roads were dusty and feet got very dirty. Usually, the lowest servant washed feet. But at the Last Supper, Jesus—the Son of God—got down on His knees and washed His friends’ feet. He told us to follow His example.
Activity: The “Helping Hands” Tree
- Supplies: Large brown paper tree on the wall, colorful paper, scissors, tape.
- Task: Have children trace their hands on paper and cut them out. On each hand, write one way they can serve someone this week (e.g., “Helping Mom with dishes” or “Inviting a lonely kid to play”).
- Visual: Tape the hands onto the tree branches to show the “fruits” of service.
Object Lesson: The Dirty Sponge
Show a dirty sponge. When you squeeze it, dirty water comes out. Explain that Lent is a time to ask God to “squeeze out” our pride and fill us with His clean, servant heart.
Prayer in the Garden (Gethsemane)
Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46 Key Lesson: Jesus talked to His Father when He was afraid or sad. We can talk to God about anything.
The Lesson
Jesus went to a garden called Gethsemane. He knew something hard was coming, so He prayed. Even though His friends fell asleep, God was listening. Jesus said, “Thy will be done,” which means He trusted God’s plan more than His own comfort.
Activity: Prayer Pretzels
- Supplies: Soft pretzel dough (or refrigerated biscuit dough), salt.
- The Story: Explain that in the old days, monks made pretzels to look like arms crossed in prayer.
- Task: Have kids roll the dough into “ropes” and cross them into a pretzel shape. While they bake, practice different ways to pray (standing, kneeling, or with arms crossed).
Sensory Station: The Garden Scent
Bring in some soil and fresh herbs (like mint or rosemary). Let the kids smell them while you read the story of Gethsemane to help them feel like they are in the garden with Jesus.
The Path to Victory (Palm Sunday & The Cross)
Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11; 27:32-54 Key Lesson: Jesus is our King who gave everything for us.
The Lesson
The people cheered “Hosanna!” on Sunday, but by Friday, Jesus was on the cross. He stayed there because He loved us. He took the “weight” of our mistakes so we could be friends with God forever.
Activity: The “Stained Glass” Cross
- Supplies: Black construction paper (with a cross shape cut out of the center), colorful tissue paper, contact paper or glue.
- Task: Place the tissue paper bits inside the cross cutout. When held to the light, it glows beautifully.
- Meaning: Explain that even the “darkness” of the cross brings the beautiful light of God’s love into the world.
Reflection: The Heavy Stone
Have a large, heavy rock on a table. Let each child try to lift it. Explain that our sin is heavy like the rock, but Jesus rolled the stone away and lifted our burdens.
Lent “Countdown” Calendar Ideas
If you want a take-home project, create a 40-Day Lent Calendar with a small daily action:
- Day 1: Pray for a teacher.
- Day 2: Read Psalm 23.
- Day 3: Give a compliment to three people.
- Day 4: Draw a picture of the Jordan River.
- Day 5: Donate a toy you don’t use anymore.
Teacher’s Summary Table
| Week | Focus | Scripture | Key Action |
| 1 | Strength | Matthew 4 | Memorize Scripture |
| 2 | Humility | John 13 | Service Deeds |
| 3 | Prayer | Matthew 26 | Prayer Pretzels |
| 4 | Love | Matthew 27 | Stained Glass Art |
Lent Lessons and Activities for Children’s Church
Lent can be meaningful for kids too! Use these free printables about Lent for Kids church or Sunday School. These lessons are based on the parable stories, this study will help kids find their part in the Kingdom Work of Jesus. Each of the five Lent lessons addresses “walking his ways” with a different theme.
5 Part Lent Lesson Series “Walk in His Ways”
All 5 Lessons Combined Download PDF
Kids’ Devotional GuideDownload PDF
Explore Each Lent Lesson Plan
- Parable of Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)
- The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
- Parable of the Great Feast (Luke 14:12-24)
- Parable of Rich Man (Luke 12:16-21)
- Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)