Matt. 4; Luke 4-5 (Feb. 4- Feb. 10)

The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me

The object of this lesson is to show the children how they may overcome temptations by using Christ as their example. We learn about the importance of fasting. We also learn how we might become "fishers of men"

This week our ward will be participating in Stake Conference so we won't be teaching our class however, I decided to type up a lesson because we have been using it as a teaching aide for our family study. 

Invite Sharing:

Object Lesson:

Give Rylan a few marshmallows. Tell her she can choose to eat them all now or wait for 10 minutes and get even more. Have them just sit with her for the remainder of the lesson. At the end of the lesson, make a parallel on the marshmallows and when Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness.

Teach the Doctrine:

Brian and I are at an advantage this year that we are teaching children 7-8 year olds which means that we can really pick and choose activities from both the "younger children" and the "older children" sections.

Some Activities We Plan to Do:

Beforehand, gather together:

 1. Marshmallows or another finger treat (M&Ms, Skittles, chips, grapes etc.)
2. On the board draw a graph representing activity #1 found below (Jesus Christ/ Me)
3. A picture of Christ taped to one end of the classroom.
4. Ahead of time, write strips of paper needed for activity 3 & 5.
5. Bowl for activity 5.
6. Prepare matching game for activity 4 using the print out at the end of the lesson of the Come follow me book for primary children. Just print out 2 copies and cut the fish out to create the matching game.
7. Prepare "Fishers of Men" treat to take home. You can use either Swedish fish or gold fish and put them in baggies with a tag that says, "I can be a Fisher of Men."
8. If you choose to make the jello treat, you will need 1-2 cartons of blue jello, Swedish fish and clear Solo punch cups- make 1-2 days before you want to enjoy them. 

1. Overcoming temptations using Christ as an example.

Sometimes people feel guilty when they are tempted to sin, but even Christ was tempted. He faced them and overcame them and he can help us do it too. Read Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13. Throughout different parts of the story, ask the children, “What do you think Jesus should do?” or “What choice should Jesus make?” After you have read the entire passage ask, "What do you learn that can help you when you face temptations?"

Jesus Christ                                                                               Me

What did Satan tempt Christ to do?                                   What does Satan tempt me with?

Use his power to satisfy his hunger.             

Why was Christ prepared to resist                                     How can I resist temptations?

Temptation?

He fasted; He went to be with God;

He knew the scriptures.

2. I can choose the Right.

Display a picture of Jesus Christ at one end of the room. Have the children stand on the opposite side. Describe choices they could make. If it’s a good choice, have them take one step forward. If it’s a bad choice, have them take one step backwards.

Examples of choices:

You say a prayer for a friend.

You bring flowers to someone to make them happy.

You hit your brother.

You listen to your mom and dad.

You draw a picture for your grandma.

You go to church.

You listen during your family lesson.

You steal a candy from the store.

You say a mean word.

3. Jesus Christ is My Savior

What was Jesus sent down to the Earth to do? Teach, Comfort and Heal People.

How has he done this for: me, dad, you, Vance? Pretend to be confused, sad and sick. Ask the children to role play what they could do to help you. Show pictures of Jesus during his ministry and ask the children to describe what Jesus is doing. Write on strips of paper phrases that begin with, “Because of Jesus Christ.” Invite each child to pick a phrase and read it together.

Some examples:

Because of Jesus Christ… my family and I can be together forever.

… I can repent whenever I make a mistake.

… I can live with my Heavenly Father again.

… the atonement happened.

… I know someone always loves me.

… I can get help whenever I need it.

4. Jesus Christ invites us to be “fishers of men.”

Read Matthew 4:18-22. Help the children understand what the men had to give up in order to follow Jesus.

Play a matching game using the fish at the end of the lesson. (Print out/Color ahead of time).

We will also get clear Solo punch cups and make blue jello to fill the cups 3/4 of the way. Allow the jello to set in the fridge- when it's almost set but not quite we will poke a couple Swedish fish in there. Enjoy for a treat the next day!
**If using the above activity for a class, make the jello ahead of time**

5. Fasting can help me feel close to HF.

Before beginning his ministry, Jesus fasted and communed with God. Help the children see how fasting can give them spiritual “super powers” (strength) and help them feel close to HF. 

Explain what fasting means in a simple way. Explain what a fast offering is in a simple way. Put strips of paper in a bowl that say: How, When and Why? Have the children take them out one at a time and attempt to answer it in regards to fasting.

6. Review Questions:

Why does Satan try to tempt us?

How are we blessed when we follow Jesus?

How can we follow Christ’s example?

7. Treat

I put gold fish in baggies, but you could get the mini individual bags and attach a tag that reads:

I can be a Fisher of Men!

The image of the fish didn't show up, but I made a very simple tag with the above phrase and a black and white clipart fish I found on the internet. Rylan wanted to color them but usually I just leave them black and white.

I hope this has been helpful to you. See you next week!