What a temptation
Children's sermon
Object:
a candy bar and a piece of fruit
Good morning, boys and girls. Does anyone know what a
temptation is? (Let them answer.) Here's a temptation. Imagine
that you're finished eating dinner. But you haven't had dessert.
Your parents offer you some fruit for dessert. Instead, you want
a piece of candy. (Hold up the candy and the fruit.) You are
tempted to have the candy, but you know that the fruit is better
for you. The candy is a real temptation, isn't it? Have any of
you ever had that temptation? (Let them answer.) This candy
temptation reminds me of today's Bible story about Jesus. Jesus
went into the wilderness. There he faced many temptations. He was
able to make the right decision in each temptation. He was
tempted to turn away from God and worship Satan but he did not do
it. We all face temptations, just like Jesus. Some of them are
very difficult temptations. Here are some temptations that each
of you might face. Have you ever broken anything at home and you
were tempted not to admit that you broke it? Have you ever wanted
to interrupt someone from talking even though you knew you should
wait until the person finished? Have you ever been tempted not to
share your toys with a friend? Have you ever been tempted to
watch television longer than you said that you would? These are
all things that we are tempted with. Temptations will always be
with us. When you are tempted to do something that you don't feel
right about, think about Jesus. Think about doing what you think
is the right thing. It may be difficult to do. It may be sharing
a toy when you don't want to. It may be telling the truth when it
is difficult. It may be helping pick up your toys when you would
rather play. Remember, Jesus was tempted by Satan to stop
worshiping God. It was a difficult temptation. Our temptations
are difficult, too. This week, and during Lent, think about
things that tempt you. Try to remember Jesus' temptation. Try to
make the correct decision.
