Read the Bible Story
You can read from a Children’s Bible, your Bible or use the following story.
Bible Story
Daniel 3
King Nebuchadnezzar's army had defeated the Israelites. Now he was their ruler. King Nebuchadnezzar had a huge statue made from gold. Then he made a bad law. It was, "As soon as you hear the sound of musical instruments such as the horn, flute, harp or pipe, you must bow down and worship the image of gold. Those who disobey will be thrown into the fiery furnace."
No one wanted to be thrown into the fiery furnace. So when the music began to play, the people fell down and worshiped the statue. But Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused. These men loved God, and there was not way they would worship the king's golden statue. "We only worship the true God," they said.
"You have one chance," the king warned them. "When the music plays, either you bow, or into the furnace you go. We'll see what your God does then." "Our God is able to save us from that furnace, but even if He doesn't, we will serve Him anyway," the men said. This made the king angry and ordered the furnace to be made seven times hotter!
The king's men tied up and threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fiery furnace. Yet, when the king looked into the furnace he couldn't believe his eyes. "Didn't you throw three men into the fire?" he asked. "Yes, your Majesty," his men answered. The king said, "I see four men in there, and none of them are harmed." Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, come out!" he shouted. "Your God has saved you! He sent an angel and saved you because you put your trust in Him."
They came out of the fire perfectly fine, it had not hurt them. They did not even smell like smoke and not even one hair on their heads was burned because God had sent His angel to be with them inside the fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego trusted in God. He saved them and protected them. God will save you and keep you safe.
Bible Story Questions & Answers
Talk about what the Bible story was about by asking the children questions. You can decide ahead of time how you want them to answer the questions. I like to have the children raise their hand to answer the question. If they are incorrect that is fine. You can say what the answer is or ask: “Does anyone else have a thought or answer to the question?”
Questions to ask if you like:
• What was the kings name? (Nebuchadnezzar)
• What did king Nebuchadnezzar make of gold? (A statue)
• What did he want everyone to do when music played? (Bow down and worship it)
• What happens if they choose not to bow down to the statue? (They would get thrown into the fiery furnace.)
• When the music played what were the names of the three men to refused to bow down? (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego)
• How did the king feel about this? Did it make him happy or angry? (Angry)
• What did king Nebuchadnezzar tell his men to do? (Throw them into the fiery furnace)
• Did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego believe God would save them? (Yes)
• Did God save them? (Yes)
• Who did God send into the fiery furnace to save them? (An angel)
Prayer
While sitting on the floor with criss cross legs, have the children repeat after you. You can have them fold their hands and close their eyes or just sit quietly and say after you. Following is a prayer written out that you can use, or you can make up your own.
Dear God (children repeat)
Thank you for this day. (children repeat)
Please help me to believe (children repeat)
that you will save me (children repeat)
and keep me safe. (children repeat)
Thank you (children repeat)
I love You (children repeat)
Amen (children repeat)
