December 17

Day 17 | Daniel

Scripture: Daniel 6

God wants to be the most important thing in our lives: more important than our family, more important than our things, more important than even our own lives. Daniel understood that; he worshiped God even when it might have cost him everything, even his own life.

It was against the law for Daniel to worship God, but Daniel knew that God is the only true God, and he would not stop worshiping God. Daniel was punished for breaking the law, and he was put in a pit with lions. God protected Daniel from becoming the lions’ dinner. People learned of God’s power because of Daniel, and many others worshiped God because Daniel had trusted and honored God.

Talk About:
• Who or what are some things you love after God?
• How does loving God most help us to love others better?

Prayer: Savior God, it is not always easy to love You more than anything else. Help us to trust and honor You each day.

Age-Focused Discussion

Preschool
• What did Daniel do when the new law said no one could pray to God?
• What happened to Daniel after he prayed anyway?
• How did God protect Daniel in the lion’s den? 

Elementary
• Why do you think Daniel kept praying even when it was dangerous?
• Have you ever had to make a choice to do what’s right even when others didn’t agree? 

Middle and High School
• How would you describe Daniel in one word and why?
• If you were Daniel, what would you have done when you heard about the king’s law?
• What’s something brave you can do this week to show your faith in God?

Gospel Conversation
Daniel’s story points us to Jesus. Like Daniel, Jesus was faithful and obedient to God, even when it led to suffering. Like Daniel, Jesus was falsely accused. Like Daniel, Jesus was placed in a sealed pit (a tomb). And just like God delivered Daniel from the lions, God delivered Jesus from death itself. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the God who saved Daniel from the lions, has the power to save us from our sin today.