A representation of sin/ satan: An introduction to an insecure warrior angel

Discussion Questions:

• Can you describe what’s happening in this story?

• Miyako was a highly celebrated Royal Guard, but did you notice he was struggling with something? What do you think it was?

• What range of emotions did you pick up on in Miyako?

• This series is exploring faith in Jesus. Who or what do you think Miyako might symbolise?

Say something like this:

“This week, our story introduces the problem of evil. Miyako, a once-celebrated guardian, begins to wrestle with jealousy and insecurity. In the Hikaru novel, he eventually becomes the villain—but we’re all capable of letting difficult emotions shape our actions. The turning point for Miyako was that he didn’t open up. If he’d shared his struggle with Hikaru, things could have been different. Instead, he let those emotions take control—even to the point of hurting others.”

Leader’s Note:
Satan is a complex and often misunderstood topic. This activity isn’t about delivering a lecture—it’s about listening to your young people. What do they already think? What questions do they have? Their ideas and insights will be the foundation for growth.

Instructions:

• On large paper, write: “Who is Satan? / What is sin?”

• Invite the young people to create a spider map or brainstorm around the words.

• Encourage them to write down anything they’ve heard, believe, or wonder about.

Say something like this:

“The Bible describes Satan as the ultimate enemy of all that is good and loving. So it makes sense that focusing too much on him only leads to confusion or fear. But understanding a little about his role helps us see the seriousness of sin—and our need for Jesus.”

The Temptation of Jesus
Read the passage aloud or invite someone in the group to read it.

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.

During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,

‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

‘He will order his angels to protect you.
And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,

‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”

Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.”

• Which words or phrases stood out to you?

• Was there anything in this passage you found hard to understand?

• Read it again: which parts make sense to you now?

• Based on this passage, what do you think sin is?

• Why is temptation dangerous?

• Do you think God plays a role in helping us resist temptation?

Say something like this:

“In this story, Satan tempts Jesus to prioritise His immediate needs and desires instead of relying on God. But Jesus resists.

That’s the heart of what sin is: me relying on me, rather than trusting God.

Jesus is God, and He never gave in to sin. That’s why He’s the one who can rescue us—even though our lives are already tangled up with sin.”

You might want to end this session by gently inviting your group to reflect:

• Are there places in my life where I’m relying on myself instead of trusting God?

• Is there a temptation I need to talk to someone about?

• Would I like to follow Jesus’ example by resisting temptation?

Encourage honesty, not perfection. This is a moment for grace.

As always, begin by asking if anyone has something they’d like prayer for. You might also invite the group to pray for one another. Feel free to use the points below as a guide:

• Thank God that Jesus overcame temptation and defeated the power of sin and Satan.

• Ask God to help us understand difficult topics like sin and Satan without fear or confusion.

• Pray that each young person would know Jesus is always ready to forgive and walk with them—no matter what.