In the Gospel for this first Sunday in Lent, Jesus spends forty days in the desert preparing for His public ministry.
In many ways, Lent is our time in the desert in which we prepare to receive the salvation Christ won for us on the Cross. In this lesson, students will reflect on their own daily spiritual journey using an examen.
The Temptation of Jesus – First Sunday of Lent | Year A
Lesson Overview
Upper Elementary Lesson Materials
Download all PDFsGospel Reflection
- Have students read the Gospel passage, or read it aloud to your students, and then answer the focus questions. You may have students answer them on their own or you may discuss them together as a class.
- Review and discuss the correct answers when finished.
Activity
Go over the Handout B: Examen Journal explanation with your students. Then, lead them in the examen journal exercise. You may have your students write in their own journals, or photocopy the Teacher Resource: Examen Journal Template for your students to use. Consider beginning religion class every day during Lent (or every other day, or once a week) with a few minutes of reflection using the Examen Journal as a guide.
Answer Key
Handout A: Gospel Reading
- He was led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights.
- The devil told Him if He is the Son of God, turn stones into bread. Jesus answered “One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”
- The devil took Jesus to a holy city and made Him stand on a parapet (a high point) and tempted Him to throw Himself down and command His angels to save Him. Jesus responded by saying “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
- The devil took Jesus to a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. The devil told Jesus that he would give them all to Him if He bowed and worshipped him. Jesus responded by saying “The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.”
- Angels came and ministered to Him.
Lower Elementary Lesson Materials
Download all PDFsGospel Reflection
- Read the Gospel passage aloud to your students as they follow along. Then discuss the focus and reflection questions with them as a class.
- Review and discuss the correct answers when finished.
Activity
Lead your students in a reflection on the sacred art image Christ in the Desert by Ivan Kramskoi. Use Teacher Resource: Christ in the Desert Discussion Guide to help guide the activity. Then, have students color Handout B: Christ in the Desert Coloring Page. On each of the blank lines provided, have your students write one thing that they want to pray to Jesus for during Lent.
Answer Key
Handout A: Gospel Reading for March 26th, 2023
- The desert. For forty days.
- He was tempted by the devil.
- Jesus was tempted three times.
