Life Group Resources: Jesus in the Wilderness

Based on the Sermon: Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus in the Wilderness

Sermon Theme: Understanding how Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness and how we can navigate our own wilderness seasons by anchoring ourselves in Scripture and trusting God.

Opening Prayer (2-3 minutes)
Begin by inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion. Ask God to help group members be honest about their struggles and open to what God wants to teach them during this Lenten season.

Icebreaker (5-10 minutes)
Question: What is one thing you've given up or taken on for Lent this year? If you haven't participated in Lent before, what spiritual practice might you consider trying?

Key Takeaways from the Sermon
The Wilderness is Intentional - The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for a purpose. Our difficult seasons can also be places where God shapes and forms us.

Temptation Comes When We're Vulnerable - The devil approached Jesus when he was exhausted and hungry. We face our strongest temptations when we're at our weakest.

Jesus Responded with Scripture and Trust - Each time Jesus was tempted, he quoted Scripture and recommitted to trusting God completely.

The Wilderness is Temporary - Wilderness seasons are passages, not destinations. God sustains us through them and prepares us for what's next.

Choosing the Way of the Cross - When Jesus rejected the tempter's shortcuts, he embraced the way of the cross—God's way over the world's way.

Discussion Questions
Understanding the Text (10-15 minutes)
Read Matthew 4:1-11 together. What stands out to you most in this passage? What surprises you about how Jesus responded to temptation?
The sermon mentioned that the number 40 appears throughout Scripture (Noah's ark, Moses on Mount Sinai, Israelites wandering, Jesus in the wilderness). Why do you think this number is significant? What does it represent?
Jesus quoted Scripture from Deuteronomy—passages about God's people in the wilderness. How does knowing Scripture help us resist temptation?

Personal Reflection (15-20 minutes)
The sermon asked: "What voices are influencing or tempting me?" Take a moment to reflect silently, then share if you're comfortable: What voices, pressures, or influences are currently competing for your attention and loyalty?
The three temptations Jesus faced were:
Turn stones to bread (instant gratification/self-reliance)
Throw yourself down (testing God/demanding proof)
Bow down for kingdoms (power and control)
Which of these types of temptations do you find most challenging in your own life? Why?
The sermon described wilderness as "a hospital room at 2 a.m., a kitchen table covered in unpaid bills, a house that feels painfully quiet after a loss." What does wilderness look like in your life right now? Or when have you experienced a wilderness season in the past?

Going Deeper (15-20 minutes)
The pastor said: "We live in a culture of instant satisfaction... If we're lonely, we swipe on our phone. If we're anxious, we buy. If we're stressed, we numb it."
How do you see this playing out in your own life?
What are your "go-to" responses when you're struggling?
How might these responses be different from what God is calling you to?
Reframing the wilderness: Instead of asking "How do I escape this wilderness?" the sermon invited us to ask "How is God shaping me through this?"
How does this shift in perspective change the way you view your current challenges?
Can you identify a past wilderness experience where you now see how God was shaping you?
Jesus anchored himself in Scripture and trust in God. Practically speaking, what would it look like for you to do the same in your current season of life?
Practical Applications

This Week's Challenge
Choose one of the following practices to commit to during this Lenten season:

Option 1: Scripture Anchoring

Identify one verse that speaks to your current struggle or temptation
Write it on a notecard and place it where you'll see it daily
Memorize it and speak it aloud when you face temptation

Option 2: Wilderness Reflection
Journal through these questions:
Where am I experiencing wilderness right now?
What voices are tempting me away from God?
How might God be shaping me through this?
Where am I being invited to trust rather than control?

Option 3: Fast with Purpose
Choose something to fast from (social media, shopping, TV, complaining, etc.)
Each time you feel the urge to engage with what you're fasting from, pause and pray
Use that time to read Scripture or sit quietly with God

Option 4: Lenten Prayer Practice
Pray the Lord's Prayer daily, pausing especially on "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"
Ask God specifically: "What temptation do I need your help resisting today?"

Group Activity (10 minutes)
Scripture Search: Break into pairs or groups of three. Look up the passages Jesus quoted in response to temptation:

Deuteronomy 8:3 (man shall not live on bread alone)
Deuteronomy 6:16 (do not test the Lord)
Deuteronomy 6:13 (worship the Lord only)
Read the context around these verses. What was happening with God's people? What does this add to your understanding of Jesus' responses?

Share one insight with the larger group.

Closing Reflection Questions
What is one thing God is speaking to you about through this discussion?
How can this group support you during your wilderness season?
What is one specific way you will anchor yourself more deeply in Scripture and trust this week?

Closing Prayer (5 minutes)
Invite group members to share brief prayer requests, especially related to wilderness seasons or temptations they're facing.

Close by praying together:

"God, as we journey through these 40 days of Lent, lead us through our wilderness seasons. When we are tempted to take shortcuts, remind us of your way. When we are exhausted and vulnerable, be our strength. Help us anchor ourselves in your Word and place our trust completely in you. Shape us, use us, fill us, and prepare us for whatever comes next. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen."