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The Medo-Persian Empire conquered the Babylonian Empire. Darius was the new ruler of Babylon. When he saw that Daniel had served Babylon well, he appointed him a government official for Medo-Persia. Soon, he considered putting Daniel in charge of the whole government. Other jealous officials plotted against Daniel and put Darius in a position where he was forced to have Daniel thrown to the lions. God saved Daniel from the lions and caused Darius to show respect toward the Lord.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Daniel 6
• Colossians 3:23

Outline:

1. The king’s officials are jealous of Daniel and trick the king into making a law to trap him. (Daniel 6:1-9)
2. The king reluctantly has Daniel thrown into the lion’s den. (Daniel 6:10-18)
3. God protects Daniel’s life and the king punishes those who tricked him. (Daniel 6:10-18)

Tips for teaching children:

• Help the children make a craft depicting lions.
• Sing the song “Good Old Daniel”
• Discuss Daniel’s work ethic and how he was a good official for the king because he worked as if he were working for God. Talk about Colossians 3:23 and what our work ethic will be.

Tips for teaching adults:

• This is a story that should be read during class.  Since there is quite a bit of dialogue, I would suggest dividing up the reading into parts.  Choose someone to read the narration, and other class members to read the parts of Darius, the other advisors, and Daniel.
• If you know the song “Rescue Me” (by Keith Lancaster), I recommend singing it during class time.  The theme of the song fits the lesson today.  It even has lyrics about “lions."
• Praise & Harmony Singers "Rescue Me"
• Rescue Me by Tim Parish (with musical notes)
• Use these questions for discussion: 1) Why could Daniel continue his regular devotion to God in the face of this threat? 2) What can we learn about Daniel’s character from this story?  What character or actions of Daniel do you need to imitate?
• Daniel’s courage didn’t begin in the lions’ den—it was formed long before.  What spiritual discipline(s) can you practice regularly that will help shape your faith so that you can respond faithfully in times of crisis?
• End with a prayer asking God to help us rise to the challenge of practising our faith consistently and faithfully, so we can respond to times of crisis and threat as Daniel did.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Daniel and the Lions

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock),  Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com 

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