LIFE GROUP OR PERSONAL STUDY | WEEK OF MARCH 9
Sunday, March 09, 2025
Context:
Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness follows His baptism, where He was publicly affirmed as the Son of God. Immediately, the Spirit leads Him into the wilderness for forty days, paralleling Israel’s forty years of wandering. Unlike Adam, who succumbed to temptation, and Israel, who failed in the wilderness, Jesus remains faithful. The devil challenges His identity and mission, offering Him shortcuts to power, provision, and glory. Yet, Jesus overcomes by relying on God’s Word.
Icebreaker:
What is one food, habit, or distraction that you find hard to resist? Why is it so tempting?
After the icebreaker, read Luke 4:1-13 aloud.
The devil tempts Jesus with three things:
- physical satisfaction (bread),
- power (authority over kingdoms), and
- spectacle (jumping from the temple).
Each time Jesus is tempted, He responds with Scripture. What does this teach us about the role of God’s Word in overcoming temptation? Have you ever experienced a time when recalling Scripture helped you resist a temptation or endure a trial?
These temptations offered Jesus a way to claim His kingship without the cross. Why is suffering often part of God’s plan for our growth? How can we shift our perspective to see trials and temptations as opportunities to grow in faith rather than obstacles? In what ways do we sometimes seek shortcuts to God's promises rather than trusting His timing and plan?
What small next steps do you need to take in combatting your temptation, knowing that God is on your side? How can your Life Group/other Christians help?
Close with prayer, inviting everyone to pray for strength in their areas of temptation, asking God to pour out His grace and help them remain faithful, just as Jesus was. Close our prayer time by remembering God’s promise from Deuteronomy 31:8 - “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”