Children’s Sermon

Matthew 4:1-11

Passing the Test

OBJECTS SUGGESTED:

A blackboard and chalk or poster board and markers. Print the word TEST on the board.

What comes to your mind when you hear the word TEST? We are tested in many ways. Some schools require that children know how to tie their shoes before they begin kindergarten. Later, students take spelling tests and math tests. Adults must take a driving test, showing they have the skills necessary to drive a car. Pilots take tests to be able to fly a plane. Can you think of other types of tests? Why are tests necessary? Yes, to find out if you have the skills or knowledge necessary to go to the next step.

There is one type of test that is to be avoided. Have you ever had anyone say to you, “I dare you?” When a person says that, they are usually asking you to do something that is dangerous or improper.

Even Jesus was put to the test and was dared to do dangerous things while he lived among us. He refused to accept the dare. He said, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God'” (4:7).

It is important to remember that advice and not do things that dare or test God. As we learn more about God, through prayer and by studying the Bible, we will begin to build an attitude of trust. The feeling we may have inside, that need to test God, will develop into trust.

If we change the letters inside of TEST we find we have TRUST. (Remove the ES from the word TEST, which has been written on the board prior to the lesson, and insert RUS to form TRUST.)

Trust God and trust yourself to make good choices.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible