Sunday Spotlight is where we share our Calvary Kids Bible lesson topic each week for kids of all ages. Use this lesson for a Family Night devotion or a preview/review time to talk about what your children are learning at Calvary on Sundays. These lessons correspond to the take-home cards your child receives each week. We post a new lesson here every Wednesday.

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Sunday, March 8

Lesson Title: Daniel in the Lions’ Den

Bible Passage: Daniel 6

Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:31

Big Picture Question: How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.

Lesson Summary

As Daniel grew into an older man, God continued to show him favor as Daniel served under a new king—King Darius. Yet, Daniel’s place in the government of Babylon was a subject of jealousy. In an attempt to trap Daniel, royal officials petitioned Darius to enact a law forbidding anyone from praying to any god other than the king. Just as the officials suspected, Daniel continued praying to the one true God.  
  
The Bible points out that Daniel prayed as an act of defiance to the new law. When Daniel was faced with the possibility of death if he prayed, he made a courageous decision. Daniel 6:10 says, “When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” Instead of hiding his prayers, Daniel boldly walked in obedience, knowing his life would be put in danger. 
  
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced a similar decision with even greater consequences. Following the Last Supper, Jesus spent time with the Father in prayer. Jesus wrestled with His coming death as He asked the Father to take the cup from Him if possible. Luke describes the agony that Jesus went through in this decision by telling us Jesus’ sweat fell like blood due to the intensity of His time with God. Jesus surrendered to the will of the Father even though it led to death. God honored the obedience of both men. He delivered Daniel from the lion’s den, and He delivered Jesus—the only person to always obey God perfectly—from the grave in victory over death.  
  
One final detail of this story should challenge us in our walk with God: Darius was rooting for Daniel. Right before Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den, the king hoped out loud that Daniel’s God would deliver him from death. Eventually, after Daniel’s deliverance, the king declared all people must respect Daniel’s God. This week, encourage the kids in your class to live a life that honors God, even when others around them are making different choices. May we model lives that are so honorable to God that even people who disagree with us might want us to be right about God.

 
Christ Connection

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Daniel loved God, and God kept him safe. When we trust Jesus, He saves us and gives us life with God forever.
   
• Younger Preschool: Daniel trusted God, and God saved him from the lions. When we trust Jesus, He saves us and gives us life with God forever.
   
• Older Preschool: Daniel trusted God and was saved from the lions. When we trust in Jesus, He saves us from our sins and gives us life with God forever.
   
• Kids: Daniel continued to trust God even though it meant he might be thrown into the lions’ den. Jesus was faithful to follow God’s plan even through it meant He would die on the cross for sinners.

Big Picture Question & Answer

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

• All ages: How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.

Key Passage

1 Corinthians 10:31  This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

• Babies & Toddlers: Do everything for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
   
• Younger Preschool: Do everything for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
   
• Older Preschool: Do everything for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
   
• Kids: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Next week: Daniel’s Prophecies (Daniel 7-12)

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And check out our playlist on Spotify — these songs are featured in our Kid Zone and Zone 345 worship time on Sundays. Sing along at home or on the road!

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