Long ago, Jesus went into a quiet place called the desert. The sun was warm, and the sand was soft like sugar. He was there all alone for forty days and forty nights. That is a long time!
Jesus was not there just to rest. He was getting ready for something very important. He prayed to God, talked to Him in his heart, and thought about how to be strong and good. It was like when you get ready for a big day at school or a special party.
During those days, Jesus did not eat any food. He was hungry, but He knew God was with Him. It was a little like when you wait patiently for a yummy meal after a long day. Jesus showed us how to trust God even when things are hard.
While Jesus was in the desert, a sneaky voice tried to trick Him. It was the devil, who wanted Jesus to forget God’s love. The devil said, “If you are God’s Son, make these stones into bread.” But Jesus said no! He said, “No! People don’t live only by bread, but by every word that comes from God.”
The devil tried again. He took Jesus to a high place and said, “Jump off! God will catch you.” But Jesus said, “No! Don’t test God like that.”
Then the devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms in the world and said, “I will give you all this if you bow down to me.” Jesus said, “No! Only God should be worshiped.”
After Jesus said no to the devil, angels came and helped Him. They brought Him food and made Him feel safe and loved. Jesus was happy because He knew God was always with Him, helping Him be strong.
Jesus’ time in the desert teaches us something very special. Sometimes, we have to wait and be patient, just like Jesus. Sometimes, we have to say no to wrong things, even if they seem easy or fun. And we can always talk to God and ask Him to help us.
This time of waiting and getting ready is called Lent. Lent lasts for forty days, just like Jesus’ time in the desert. It is a special time to think about God, pray, and be kind. It helps us get ready in our hearts for Easter, when we celebrate Jesus coming back to life!
Isn’t it wonderful to know Jesus understands when we feel hungry, tired, or tempted? He shows us how to be brave and trust God’s love every day.
“Can I be strong like Jesus?” you might ask. Yes, you can! God will help you, just like He helped Jesus.
So, during Lent, you can pray, be kind, and think about God’s love. It’s like getting your heart ready for a big happy party with Jesus!
Questions to think about
- What did Jesus do in the desert for forty days?
- Why did Jesus say no to the devil?
- How did Jesus feel when He was hungry and alone?
- What can you do during Lent to get ready for Easter?
- Who helps us be strong like Jesus?
Message of the story
God loves us and helps us be strong when we trust Him and say no to wrong things.
Bible passage
Matthew 4:1-11
Matthew 4:1-11 (ICB)
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
After Jesus had gone without food for forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.
The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written, ‘People do not live only by bread. They live by every word that comes
