The Sword for the Quest

Big Idea: The Bible is our sword for the quest of life.

Bible Verses: Ephesians 6:17, Matthew 4:1–11

What You Need

• 8–10 red cups
• 2 blow-up swords
• Permanent markers

Welcome

Do: Gather kids together.

Say:

“Hey knights! We are on a kingdom quest and today's all about the ONE weapon we actually fight with — God's Word.”

Teaching

Do: Read Ephesians 6:17 aloud.

“And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

Say:

“Isn't that so cool! God gives us a sword! …But how do we use the sword? Let's see how Jesus uses the sword.”

Do: Read Matthew 4:1–11.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness 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 shall 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.

Say:

“In Matthew 4, the devil tried to tempt Jesus three times in the desert. Every time, Jesus fought back not with His own words, but by quoting Scripture He already knew by heart. That's the key — He used the Sword.”

Discussion Questions

1. What did Jesus use to fight the devil's lies?
   (God's Word — the Bible.)
2. What's one lie you've heard that isn't true?
3. What's one true thing God says instead?
   • God loves you.
   • God made you special.
   • God is always with you.
4. When could you use your sword (God's Word) this week?
   • When you're scared.
   • When someone's mean.
   • When you feel left out.

Response Activity

Take the red cups and pass them to the kids. Each kid should write a "lie" (something they believed about themselves that is not from God) on a cup. Pray over the cups and over the kids together as a group.

Game: Knock Down the Lies Relay Race

1. Separate the group into two teams.
2. Set the cups with the written lies on one side of the room.
3. Line both teams up on the opposite side of the room.
4. On "Go," one player from each team runs over and knocks down one lie cup using the sword.
5. They run back and hand the sword to the next teammate.
6. The first team to knock down all of the cups wins the round.

Memory Verse

Matthew 6:33
“Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Actions:

1. "But seek first"
   • Raise one hand to your forehead like a visor.
   • Turn your head side to side as if searching for treasure.
2. "His kingdom"
   • Bring both hands above your head.
   • Curve your fingers together to form a crown.
3. "And His righteousness"
   • Cross both arms over your chest.
   • Hold the position like you're hugging your heart.
4. "Will be given to you as well"
   • Open both arms wide.
   • Turn your palms upward like you're receiving a gift.

Close in Prayer

“God, life can be hard sometimes, but thank You that You give us a sword for our life, Your Word. Help us to know Your Word in our hearts so we can be prepared for the quest of life. Thank You that we get to be sons and daughters in Your kingdom. Amen!”

Optional: Knight each kid in your small group and say, “Welcome to the Kingdom Quest.”

Resources