NOVEMBER 20
WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?
Jesus showed us a new way to be human. We are not slaves to sin, addictions, feelings, or the past. In Christ, we are new creations. Because He passed the ultimate test, you and I can have true life!
Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own, and get together with your running partner, life group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. In Ephesians 6, we learn that there is a spiritual battle that is going on around us all the time. How much do you consider this reality in your daily life?
2. What stood out to you from the message?
3. Read Matthew 4:1-11.
◦ Make some observations about this passage (What does the text say):
▪ Who is talking?
▪ What is the circumstance?
▪ Any repeated phrases?
▪ What surprised you?
▪ What stood out to you?
◦ Make some interpretations (What does the passage mean)
▪ What questions do you have?
▪ Summarize the passage in 1-3 sentences – what are the main points?
▪ What do you learn about the nature and character of God as you read this?
▪ What do you learn about yourself and your choices?
◦ Now make some applications (what’s my response)
▪ How do you respond to what you are reading?
▪ How does this apply to your life?
▪ What is the central truth that you could put into practice from this?
▪ Who could you share this with for the sake of encouragement?
4. Verse one states plainly that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness in order that the enemy might tempt him.
◦ Why do you think this was necessary right before Jesus’ ministry began? What does this reveal to us about Jesus?
5. With each attempt, Jesus resists the temptation by quoting Deuteronomy (Read Deut. 8:3, 6:16, 13)
◦ The book of Deuteronomy contains a message from Moses to prepare God’s people to enter the promised land after wandering in the desert for 40 years. Watch this bible project video for background: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/torah-deuteronomy/
◦ What connections do you see between Israel and Jesus in these two stories?
◦ What does Jesus do that Israel failed to do?
6. Jesus understands the very human reality of temptation. We all face our own “wilderness” times where the enemy tempts us to doubt God’s presence, to doubt our identity in Him and to doubt His goodness.
◦ Can you think of a dry season in your life (or maybe you’re currently in one) where you were tempted in these ways? How did you respond?
◦ How would modeling how Jesus help you withstand similar temptation?
7. In what ways are you challenged or encouraged by what you’ve learned from Jesus in the wilderness?
KEY SCRIPTURE
Matthew 4:1-11 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “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.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
TAKE A NEXT STEP
1. For further study on this topic, check out the Bible Project’s Bible study on “The Test”: https://bibleproject.com/bible-studies/the-test/.
FOR THE PARENTS
Hey, families! Here’s a look at what we’re covering with your kids so you can help them continue to grow at home during the week.
THIS WEEK
This week, kids learn about why Mordecai asked Esther to help the people of Israel.
- THE BIBLE: God gives us support behind the scenes.
- THE BIG IDEA: Esther 3:8-4:17
ASK THIS
Because sometimes you and your kid need a conversation-starter that isn’t,
“So . . . how was church?”
- How has God given you support in the past? How do you know?
- What is one way you can support someone you know this week?
REMEMBER THIS
This month, your kids are memorizing the Bible verse
Philippians 2:13 (NIV), in case you want to work on them together.
EC: For it is God who works in you…Phil. 2:13
Elem: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.: Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
NEXT WEEK
Next week, kids will learn about the time Esther talked to the king about her people.