Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego

Main Points to Remember

Judah was taken into captivity for idolatry.
Story of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego not eating the King's food.

Applications

God will punish unfaithfulness.
God will protect the faithful even in the midst of persecution.

Lesson Text

Daniel 1-3

"A frightening clash came when Nebuchadnezzar set up a huge golden statue of his god in the plains of Dura for all to worship. When it was ready, He sent word for everyone to come bow down before the image..." Read the entire Lesson Text

Vocabulary Words
   Babylon: (show on map)
   Idolatry: worshipping something as if it were God
   Captivity: held prisoner, trapped.
   Nebuchadnezzar: King of Babylon, ruler when Daniel was a teen.

True/False

Daniel was a prisoner and had no choice about what he ate. F (he was a prisoner, but he could decide not to eat.)
Daniel was alone is his convictions. F (his three friends also obeyed God).
God caused Daniel and his friends to excel above all the others. T
Nebuchadnezzar was a proud man. T
God spared Daniel's friends. T

Memory Verse

Display and/or distribute the memory verse for the month.

Daniel 3:16-18 "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."
Read the verse aloud and discuss it with the students. Make sure they understand what it's about.: Use memory verse practice activities to help students remember.

Review Questions for gameboard

	linguistic questions
	Define captivity. What is idolatry? worshipping anything other than God What was the name of the king of Babylon? Nebuchadnezzar.
	activity questions
	Find Babylon on a map. Draw the statue of Nebuchadnezzar. Act out the men refusing to bow to the statue.
	emotion questions
	What did Daniel and his friends fear most: displeasing God or Nebuchadnezzar? Which word does not describe the young men: brave, faithful, disobedient. How did Nebuchadnezzar feel when the young men weren't burnt up? amazed, awed
	application questions
	What idols do men serve today? money, fame, power, other men and false gods (idols) When powerful people want us to do wrong, how should we react? What effect does our obedience have on others? we encourage each other and can convince unbelievers
	fact questions
	How long was Judah to remain in Babylon? 70 years What was wrong with bowing down to a piece of metal? God said not to, it was showing honor to men that belonged to God How many people did Nebuchadnezzar see standing in the fire? 4
	review questions
	Why was Judah taken captive by Babylon? idolatry and wickedness Why didn't Daniel and his friends eat the king's food? They felt it would defile them, and although they were no longer in Israel, they still served God. How did God bless Daniel and his friends for their loyalty? Health, wisdom, King's favor.