5 MINUTES

Introduction

When have you gotten lost?  Where were you and how did you find your way?

Leader note:  This should just be a fun and easy question.  If you have a couples group it may be fun to play off the stereotype of guys not stopping to ask directions and gals that do – how that has played out in their family vacations, etc.

 

15 MINUTES

Observation

Read Matthew 3:16-4:11
What do you learn about Jesus in the wilderness?

Leader note:  This is a long passage, so allow enough time to read the whole passage and to answer the questions. 

Commentary:

He went to the wilderness right after He was baptized, the Spirit descended upon Him, God called him Son, and said He loved and was pleased with Him (wasn’t punishment)

Jesus talks about his temptation (at least to Matthew who wrote this, possibly all the disciples)
Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness TO BE tempted  (Jesus was obedient)
He REALLY was tempted (human side)

He was tempted by the devil, the devil is real

There was a real battle between the kingdom of darkness (the devil) and the Kingdom of God (Jesus)

Jesus had fasted 40 days and 40 nights
Jesus quotes Scripture – in its complete form
The devil also quotes Scripture, but in incomplete form, thereby twisting its meaning completely

Jesus was tempted with what would be very compelling

            He was hungry – temps Him to turn stones into food (self-reliance vs. dependence)

            He may have seemed “alone” – Satan tempts Him to make God prove Himself (Control vs. surrender)

            Knew pain and suffering was in his future – Satan tempts Him to compromise and receive his kingdom, instead of the Kingdom of God. (humility vs. compromising)

Leader note:  Before you move on to the next question be sure you have observed most of the points above, it will help your discussion.

 

Read 4:12-24
What did Jesus’ time in the wilderness prepare him for?  How did it prepare Him?

 

Commentary:  In the 12 verses that capture the time following the wilderness, Jesus began his ministry: preaching the Kingdom of God is near, recruiting his first disciples, and healing the sick.

 

Commentary: Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights – he would have learned complete surrender and dependence on God during this time.  He learned surrender, dependence; He was led by the Holy Spirit so we know He was in tune with Him, He would have been strengthened each time He withstood the temptation, His resolute grew, He would have heard God clearly and known His call on His life as evidence from what He did next.

 

20 MINUTES

Understanding

How do people feel about “wilderness” times today?

Leader note:  People look at times of solitude or times of faith testing as punishment, as opposed to disciplining, drawing near to God, times of dependence and preparing you for the work God has for you in His Kingdom.  But that’s not the case according to this Scripture, God had just said, “This is my Son who I love and am well pleased” then sent Him to a time of fasting for 40 days and nights and the a time of temptation. 

 

20 MINUTES

Application

Where in your life is the Spirit leading you into the wilderness?  What would it mean to be obedient to His leading?  What might God be calling and preparing you for?

Leader note:  Remember that solitude is not bad, the wilderness experience is a place where God has led us to strengthen and empower us for whatever He has planned for us.  To be in solitude is not to be without, it is to be with God, depending on God. That doesn’t mean it is easy, fasting for 40 days and nights would certainly have been uncomfortable and challenging at times, and temptations were allowed during this time.  But resolve is strengthened, surrender is usually made complete, and dependence is the result.

 

Live it out

What would it look like to help non-believers in their wilderness experiences?  How can we use this time to direct them to God to find strength and resolve? 

Leader note:  And interesting discussion point would be to look at how a non-believers wilderness time may look different than yours.  Consider why that is.

 

Pray

Pray for those experience a time of wilderness, testing and preparation.  Pray to remember the goodness of solitude, express gratefulness for God’s presence and the Spirit’s leading and guiding.  Take comfort in the knowledge that in obedience to follow the Spirit’s leading God will also strengthen and empower for what lies ahead, no one is alone in their solitude.