week of 3/26

Unit 19  Session 4

THE SAVIOR IS FAITHFUL

MATTHEW 4

In overcoming Satan's temptation, Jesus affirmed He is the greater Adam Who succeeded where the first Adam failed.

The wilderness provides the backdrop for a well-known interaction between Jesus and Satan. In essence, the wilderness is a backdrop to the story of the Old Testament. The Israelites spent decades wandering in the wilderness as a result of their sin. This was a place of judgment, a place of failure, a place of hopelessness and death. The wilderness was anchored in the Israelite mind as the foremost location where they experienced the implications of sin. The Messiah entered into His ministry through the wilderness, presenting Himself to the world as the One Who succeeded where Israel failed.

Points to consider:

✞   The Son of God trusts in the Father's provision.

     * What might we learn from the high point of 

        Jesus' baptism being followed by a difficult 

        time of challenge, such as facing Satan in the

        wilderness?

     * How should we react knowing Satan is real 

        and ready to tempt us at any time?

✞   The Son of God trusts in the Father's providence.

     * How does succumbing to temptation lead us 

        astray from God's mission for our lives?

     * Why did Jesus use Scripture to counter Satan's

        attacks?

✞   The Son of God trusts in the Father's plan.   

     * What are some occasions when we might be 

        tempted to use our power and position 

        pridefully?