First Sunday in Lent
for Legionary Nathan and his Friends

O LORD, you did not eat for forty days and nights for our sake; Give to us the same power to keep from all those things that hurt us, and offend you; and with the help of your Spirit may we always obey you and do what is right and good, to your honour and glory, who lives and rules with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'


BIBLE STORY
**** Matthew 4:1 ****


Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting 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: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Ease 85%, Level 5.5


LESSON
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and Peace be with you Christ's Soldier!

Today we hear the story of Jesus in the wilderness. He went out into the desert place after he was baptized. He was led there by God. He was to make himself ready for his preaching and healing. It took 40 days. During that time he did not eat any food, but prayed. In the church we remember that time. We call it the fast of Lent. For forty days the people give up something they normally eat. They have special prayers.

When Jesus had finished his fast he was very hungry. The devil came to tempt him to do something wrong. That is just like the devil. He will try to trick you when you are feeling bad. Jesus knew about the devils tricks. Every time the Devil tried to use the Bible to get Jesus to turn against his Father, Jesus told him the real Bible truth. Jesus is stronger than the Devil. If we remain in Jesus, he will give us a way out of every temptation. He will preserve us from the Devil and his tricks. He will help us to be good just as our prayer asks.

If you would like to give up something to remember Jesus in the desert, ask your mom. She can help you to choose how to keep Lent. One thing you can do is to pray and to remember how much Jesus loved us. Remember how he lived in the desert without food. Remember how he promised us life forever.

Farewell, and may God, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Ghost bless you, your family, and your friends!

Granddaddy
Ease 87%, Level 3.7


LESSON EXERCISES


* Can you name the people in this story, and tell about them?

* In you own words, what do you think this story is about?

* Draw a picture that tells the Gospel story. (You may copy or trace the one on the lesson if you wish.)

* Make up a story (parable) or share a true story that is like our lesson today.

* Sing a song about today's story THE FAST, AS TAUGHT BY HOLY LORE


Songs for Children




Notice: This is an open letter to my Grandson Nathan. It is under copyright protection: The Rev. Mark Carroll, MMVI

Tidy