Episode Details

Read: Luke 4:1-15; John 10:7-10

Riley rummaged through the tackle box until she found the shiny silver lure her dad wanted. “Is this the one?”

Dad took it from her hand. “Yep. That’s it.” He grinned. “As soon as Mr. Fish sees this, he’ll gobble it up.”

Riley beamed. “Then we’ll catch him and gobble him up, won’t we?”

Dad nodded. “We sure will.” After tying the lure to the fishing line, Dad cast it into the lake. “Want to reel this in and see if we can catch a fish?”

“Next time,” Riley said. “You catch one first.”

“Okay.” Dad turned the reel. “Hey! I think I’ve got a bite!”

“All right!” Riley clapped her hands as Dad reeled in a big fish. “Wow! Are we going to eat it tonight?” she asked as Dad reached for the flopping fish.

Dad grinned. “You know it!” He threw the line out again. “Do you know why that shiny thing you gave me is called a lure?”

Riley shook her head. “Not really.”

“To lure something means to attract it, and that thing attracts fish,” Dad explained. “It looks good to them and tricks them into thinking it’s good to eat, but when they grab it, they’re caught.” He handed Riley the fishing rod. “Did you know that Satan often uses lures to trick and trap people?”

Riley began reeling in the line. “He does?”

“Yep, but not the kind we use,” said Dad. “Satan often tricks people by making sin look attractive. He may get you to think it’s harmless—even fun. But don’t fall for it. Just like a fishing lure, in the end, sin only leads to death. That’s why Jesus had to die for us—to take the punishment for our sin so we could have eternal life with Him instead of being separated from God forever. When you’re tempted to sin, remember that Jesus resisted temptation and conquered Satan and death for you. He saved you and makes you able to see Satan’s lures for what they really are—lies—so you can turn to the true life you have in Him instead.”

Riley finished reeling in the line. “No fish this time,” she said. “I guess they resisted the lure.” She cast the line out again. “I’ll trust Jesus to help me do the same thing!”

–Richard S. Maffeo

How about you? Did you know that Satan uses lures to get people to sin? He’ll do his best to trick you into doing something wrong. Don’t fall for his lies. Even though he may make sin look attractive and fun, it only leads to destruction. If you know Jesus as your Savior, He has saved you from sin and given you eternal life. When you’re tempted to sin, trust Him for the strength to say no.

Today’s key verse: Humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (NLT)

Today’s key thought: Resist the lure of sin