The Way of Jesus. Week 5 - Matthew 4

Read: (Before reading tell group that the first question will be “What phrases or ideas stands out to you as we read these passages”. Ask them to keep this in mind as we read through the passages)

MATTHEW 4:1-11

4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[b]”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[c]”

7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[d]”

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’[e]”

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

DISCUSSION

1. What things stand out or strike you from the passage?

2. Does it surprise you that Jesus experienced suffering and temptation? Why or why not?

3. What does this passage reveal about Jesus’ humanity?

3. How would you summarise or categorise the temptations that Jesus is faced with. In what ways do we face similar temptations.

4. Each time Jesus is tempted, he responds with a a quote from God’s word:
In Threes. Think of a temptation that you face, How might you respond to that using a promise or truth from God’s word
(You don’t need to have an exact verse memorised word for word)

Share with the group.

Read Hebrews 4:15

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

5. Do you think of Jesus as being able to empathise with your weakness?

6. Why is it a comfort that Jesus has experienced what it is to be tempted?

Share and Pray in small groups

Are the any particular temptations you want prayer for in your efforts to fight them?
Thank God that we have a saviour who empathises with our weakness.