Daniel 3 and 6 • The furnace. The lions’ den. The Lord.
But If Not Lab
Hear what three friends said to a king, follow them into the furnace, find a gospel truth in the story of Daniel and the lions, and shape a private journal page.
We can show our faith in Jesus Christ by trusting in Him, whatever the outcome. Begin with the answer in Daniel 3:16–18.
Hear their answer
What does each phrase of their answer show?
The king gave Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego one more chance to worship his golden image, or be cast into the furnace. Read Daniel 3:13–18. For each phrase of their answer, decide what it shows.
“our God whom we serve is able to deliver us”
“he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king”
“But if not”
“we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image”
Decide what each phrase shows. You can change any answer.
Into the furnace
What happened next?
Read Daniel 3:19–28. Find what the verses say.
What did the king do when he heard their answer? (Daniel 3:19)
Whom did the flame slay? (Daniel 3:22)
What did the king see in the fire? (Daniel 3:24–25)
What had the fire done to them? (Daniel 3:27)
First complete activity 1, then follow them into the furnace.
Find a truth in Daniel 6
What does this story teach, and whom does it point to?
Scripture stories teach gospel truths. Choose one part of Daniel 6 and read it in your scriptures first. Then decide which truth those verses show most directly.
My verses:
My verses:
Daniel is set first over the kingdom “because an excellent spirit was in him”. The other rulers look for a fault and “could find none”, so they decide to use “the law of his God” against him. Read Daniel 6:1–5
The king signs a decree: for thirty days no one may pray to anyone but him. Daniel knows, and still kneels “three times a day … as he did aforetime”. He is cast into the den of lions. Read Daniel 6:6–16
A stone seals the den. Very early in the morning the king finds Daniel alive: “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths”. Darius then writes to all people that Daniel’s God “is the living God”. Read Daniel 6:16–28
Which truth do these verses show most directly?
Daniel’s story can also remind us of Jesus Christ. Match each moment with one from the Saviour’s life: John 18:38, Mark 15:46, John 20:1, 11–17.
The rulers “could find none occasion nor fault” in Daniel (Daniel 6:4). Which moment in the Saviour’s life is like this?
“A stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den” and sealed (Daniel 6:17). Which moment is like this?
“Very early in the morning” the king came to the den, and Daniel was alive (Daniel 6:19–23). Which moment is like this?
First complete activity 2, then choose a part of Daniel 6.
Take it to the journal
What helps you trust Him?
Lesson 144 invites you to write what helps you want to trust Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ regardless of the outcome. Choose one from each row to shape a page for your own journal.
I will write:
A phrase from Daniel 3 to think with:
Complete activities 1 to 3, then choose one option from each row.
