First Sunday in Lent
Written by
Matthew 4:1-11 Bible Gateway New International Version
Mark
1:12-15 Bible Gateway New International Version
Gospel from Cycle C
Luke 4:1-13
New American Bible
Luke 4:1-13 Bible Gateway New International Versikon
(All three of the above scriptures were used in developing today’s skit.)
Characters:
Narrator
Devil
2
1 Snake
Crowd (the congregation)
Narrator
The Holy Spirit led Jesus from the River Jordan out into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing for 40 whole days and nights. Now he is very hungry.
Jesus
(Talking to himself)
Boy, I sure am hungry. It’s been 40 days and 40 nights since I have eaten.
Devil
If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.
Jesus
It is written, “One does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Devil
(Agitated, the Devil stomps up and down until he gets an idea.)
Narrator:
The Devil took Jesus by the hand and dragged him up on top of a mountain.
Devil:
(Devil snapping his fingers and then spreading arms out wide)
Out there you see all the kingdoms of the world. I will give to you all this power and glory. It has been given to me. I can give it to whoever I wish.
All this will be yours, if you get down on your knees and worship me.
Snake
I worship you. I worship you.
(Devil looks at the snake and he slithers off stage)
Jesus:
It is written: “You shall worship the Lord, your God and you shall serve him alone."
Devil:
(Very agitated, he stomps up and down until he gets another idea.)
Narrator:
(The Devil takes
Jesus by the hand and drags him to
If you are the Son of God, jump down from up here.
It is written: “God will command his angels to guard and protect you. With their hands they will hold you up, so you won’t hurt your foot against a stone."
Jesus:
It also says, 'You shall not put the Lord, your God, to a test.
(The devil is ticked
off so much, he stomps about 10 times.
Then he looks at
Jesus:
You shall not put the Lord, your God, to a test.
Devil:
(Devil stomps, throws his hands up in the air and walks away leaving Jesus alone. Turns around and says)
I’ll be back.
Narrator:
Then the angels came and ministered to him.
Angel 1
Drink this water.
Angel 2
Eat this bread.
Jesus
Thank you. Now I must go.
Angels together:
We’ll help you down.
(Angels help Jesus down from the temple.)
Narrator
Jesus went to
Jesus
(to the crowd)
This is the time of
fulfillment. The
Narrator:
At St. John Neumann Catholic Church children are discussing what happens when the devil tempts them.
Bob
When you choose to do good things, God smiles at you.
Bruce
If you choose to do bad things, then God says: “Stop. Repent. Tell me you are sorry. Make plans to choose to do good next time.”
Laura
God gives you everything you need, the brains, the power, the control, and the money to do his will.
Sadie
Not always. I get these awful temptations to hit my sister.
Bruce
What do you do?
Sadie
I hit her. Then I feel bad because she is hurt and bruised. What can I do when the devil tempts me?
Bruce
I open my front door and said, “Out devil, in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Bob
If that doesn’t work, I pray, “God, I am sorry. Please forgive me. Help me say, “No” to evil.
Sadie
Then what happens?
Bob
God says, “My child, go in peace. I forgive you. Because my Son died on the
cross, your sins are erased.”
Sadie
What about my sister? I really get mad with her.
Bob
It would be good if you could forgive her.
Sadie
It’s hard to forgive her. She keeps breaking my toys. I know hitting my
sister is not right but I keep on doing it.
I get very mad with myself, too.
Bruce
God forgives you, so forgive yourself.
Sadie
Knowing God forgives me makes me feel better.
Bob
What could you do when you get angry, instead of hitting your sister? You need a plan to help you choose God’s way next time. What’s your plan? What are you going to do next time?
Sadie
I will probably hit him.
Bruce
You really need help, don’t you?
Bob
(Asking children and adults in congregation)
What could Sadie plan to do when she gets angry, instead of hitting her sister?
(Ideas are written on poster board and brought forward)
Number #1
Say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Number #2
Pray for yourself and your sister.
Number #3
Take a walk.
Number #4
Read the Bible.
Number #5
Draw a picture.
Number #6
Clean out your closet and give 3 things to the needy.
Number #7
Save money to buy a new stuffed animal to give to a child who has been in a fire or car wreck.
Number #8
Take out the trash.
Number #9
Make up a new blessing and say it at supper.
Number #10
Talk with your sister. Ask her to forgive you. Forgive her for what she did that made you very angry.
Sadie
Those are great ideas. Now I have a plan. Now I see how I can forgive myself and my brother, too. Look out, devil, I am ready for you now.
Narrator
May all of us have the power and courage to say, “No” to the devil and “Yes” to you, God.
Copyright © 2006, 2008 Joan Y. Edwards. www.joanyedwards.com. All rights reserved.