Unit 19, Session 2: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Daniel 3
Christ Connection: Only God could rescue Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fire. Jesus is the only One who can save us from our sin. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross provided the way for us to be rescued and have eternal life.
Adult Connection Point: See Luke 2:14,20.
God asked Abraham to do something very difficult—to sacrifice his own son. Abraham was committed to obeying God. He had been obedient in leading his son up the mountain, building an altar, arranging the kindling, and binding Isaac’s hands. And now the time had come to raise the dagger above his head. Abraham was able to obey because, even in the heat of the moment, he believed what he had said to his son: “God will provide for himself” (Gen. 22:8).
But how? At this point in the story, there was no ram in sight. Abraham did not trust himself to obey; he trusted God to provide. That was the kind of faith that enabled his obedience. Just in time God provided a lamb for Abraham to sacrifice. Abraham praised God. Abraham wanted people to remember God’s goodness. He built an altar on the mountain so that anyone passing by would see that it was God’s grace, and not Abraham’s actions, that spared the life of Isaac.
God provided Jesus as the way to rescue us from our sin. When Jesus was born the heavenly host sang praises to God, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!” (Luke 2:14). The shepherds heard the message and then they shared it: “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told” (Luke 2:20).
Family Devotion:
Materials: firewood, matches (optional)
If possible, hold your family devotion near the fireplace or outside by a campfire. Using \materials in the house or outside, build the tallest “idol” you can, and then talk about the differences between an idol and God. Mention God is the Creator—idols are created. God is living—idols are not.
Choose one of your children to recall the Bible story. Ask, “What is something new or interesting you learned from the Bible story about God?”
Remind your kids that the men walked in the fire, yet came out untouched. The ropes burned, but the men did not have one flesh wound or even smell of smoke. (You might want to take a smell test to see who smells like smoke at this point!)
Read Daniel 3:16-18. Ask, “What does this passage say about the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?” Only a living God could save Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from this fiery furnace and only Jesus can rescue us from our sin. No piece of wood, metal or stone, no matter how tall, can save us! Remove or break down your created idol and bow down. Pray to the one true living God, thanking Him for sending Jesus to rescue you from your sins.
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