Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness

Reference:        Matthew 4:1-11

Golden Verse:

· “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."  Matthew 4:4

· “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."  James 4:7&8

Lesson Goals:

We are tempted and tried by Satan almost every day.  Pick a few examples of temptations that the students of the class can relate to.  Use Jesus' temptation as an example of how we can pass the temptations ourselves.

Lesson Notes:

1. Why did God allow Satan to tempt Him?

To show us that we can conquer the devil, and to show us how to do it

2. Why does God allow and permit us to be tempted (or tried)?

o To strengthen us against the devil; when we succeed, he shows us that we are stronger than Satan

o To teach us to be humble

o To show the devil that we are not going to leave God and follow him

o Sometimes, as a punishment for our sins, to remind us that we are moving away from God

3. Why was God tempted after He had fasted?

To show us the need to fast to conquer the devil

Student Exercise: Click to view