Children’s Bible Game on Temptation: The Floor Is Lava

Use the classic children’s game, the Floor is Lava, to teach a Bible lesson about temptation.

I think we have all played “The Floor Is Lava” game at one time in our life. This game is simple. Walk and run around, but keep in mind that at any point in time… the floor can turn into hot lava!

Read Matthew 4:1-4.

Say: When Jesus was tempted, he said no immediately. Let’s see if we can be that quick about getting away from something bad.

Children’s Bible Game on Temptation: The Floor Is Lava

Say: Have you ever played “The Floor Is Lava?” When I say that, you have five seconds to get somewhere safe—that means no part of you is touching the floor. Typically, any individual can start the game just by shouting “The floor is lava!” Any player remaining on the floor in the next few seconds is “out” and can not rejoin the game for some period of time.

Play the game. Have kids walk or run around. If possible, take kids to different settings, such as outside or the church lobby, and see if they can find safe places then.

The Lesson

Ask:

What was it like trying to find a place away from the “lava”?

Say: The Bible tells us to run far away from things that tempt us.

Read 2 Timothy 2:22.

Ask:

What are some things that tempt kids your age?
In our game, what were some safe places to get away from the lava?

Say: That verse tells us where to go to get safe from temptation. It says to pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Those are like the chairs, tables, or wherever else we went to escape from the lava.

Ask: