Entering into the story of Israel, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness in Luke 4:1-13, where He is tested by the devil. His testing shows us what His way is really all about. His testing shows us how to endure the tests of the wilderness.
SERMON OUTLINE
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” (Luke 4:1-2)
From Baptism to the Wilderness (Luke 4:1-2)
The Testing of Jesus in the Wilderness (Luke 4:2-13)
Lessons Learned from the Wilderness
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What are special plans that you have with family or friends this Christmas season?
- We are in week 2 of this section of the Gospel of Luke, “Appearing.” This weekend we look at Luke 4:1-13, the passage focused on the temptations of Jesus. Begin your study by asking God to speak to you from His Word, and then read Luke 4:1-13 aloud.
- The baptism of Jesus was a beautiful moment. The heavens were opened, the Holy Spiridescended, and God spoke. It had to be one of those glorious moments that is beyond our ability to comprehend or describe. Why do you think that God leads Jesus from this “mountain top” experience straight into the wilderness?
- In verse 2, we see that Jesus is in the wilderness for 40 days with Satan being tempted. It wasn’t simply 3 tests. It was day after day after day of non-stop temptations and testing. What does that say about Jesus? What does that indicate about Satan?
- After 40 days of being tested, we see the final attacks come from Satan. What are the 3 temptations that Satan provides? How do these temptations allow Jesus to be able to relate to us today?
- It is in the wilderness where the preparation for ministry is completed for Jesus. There are so many places that provided training, why the wilderness? Why not the temple or a school or a class or a more safe place?
- Read verse 13. Were the temptations over for Jesus because he had victory after 40 days? Are temptations ever going to be absent in our lives? What lessons can be taken from the wilderness story that might be important for us to learn?
- What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone.