Choosing God's Way

For 40 days Jesus was tested by the devil, and during that time he went without eating. When it was all over, he was hungry.

Luke 4:2 (CEV)

Do you ever want something so badly you would do anything for it? Maybe you want a new toy, a bicycle, or a baby sister? Sometimes, though, God says no or that we must wait for things. But maybe you just want it . . . now!

Did you know even Jesus was tempted, which means to make someone want to have or do something? The devil himself showed Jesus all the things he thought Jesus wanted—even good things like food. But the devil told Jesus to worship him first. Jesus had to choose: follow the devil and get the good things now, or follow God and wait for the best things later.

Jesus knew if he followed the devil, he would be punished. Even though it was hard, Jesus chose to obey God. In the end, God gave him a better reward than anything the devil could have.

Nothing is worth feeling bad over, or having God and others disappointed in you. God reminds us there is punishment for doing the wrong thing. God’s way is always best in the end. You can ask God for help to do the right things when you pray to him.

HERO TRAINING

God gives us ways to get away from temptation. Priya wants a cookie, but her mom said not now. What do you think she should do to stay away from the temptation to take it?

GOD'S WONDERFUL WORLD

If a monkey sees a treat inside a jar, he will reach in and grab it. If the opening is too small for the monkey to take out his paw while holding the treat, he will get stuck. He won’t let go of the treat to get his paw back! Monkeys know how hard it is to wait, too!

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help expand your children's Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Proverbs 28:10

Lamentations 3:40

1 Corinthians 10:13

Hebrews 2:18