These small group studies of Matthew 4 contain outlines, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, verse by verse commentary, and applications. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.
Matthew 4:1-11 Inductive Bible Study – The Temptation of Jesus
Matthew 4:1-11 – The temptation of Jesus
Discussion Questions
- Why would the Spirit lead Jesus to be tempted? How does this fit with Jesus teaching the disciples to pray “Lead me not into temptation?”
- Why might Jesus fast 40 days and 40 nights? How can he fast for so long? What lessons can we learn from Jesus’ example here?
- Who is the tempter?
- What do you think is Satan’s chief goal in coming to tempt Jesus? What is the underlying theme of all of the temptations?
- Why does he tempt Jesus to turn the rocks into bread? Would that be sin to do? Why or why not?
- How did Jesus respond? Why might Jesus have been tempted to do so?
- What do we learn from Jesus’ response? What does the statement mean, “Man shall not live by bread alone…”
- Why does Satan use Scripture in his second temptation? What does this teach us about Satan?
- How does he use Scripture? What does this teach us about the proper way to use Scripture?
- What can we learn from Jesus’ response? Was Jesus saying that Satan should not put Him to the test or that He should not put God to the test? How might we sometimes put God to the test?
- How could Satan give the kingdoms of the world to Jesus? Aren’t they His already?
- What do we learn from this final exchange?
- What do we learn from the timing of the angel’s visit to minister to Jesus?
Cross-References
Hebrews 4:15, 1 John 2:16 – Jesus was tempted in all things as we are yet without sin.
Deuteronomy 9:9, 1 Kings 19:8 – Moses and Elijah fasted for 40 days and nights.
Deuteronomy 8:3 – Jesus’ first response is quoted from here.
Deuteronomy 6:16 – You should not put the Lord your God to test.
Mark 8:11-12 – We are to accept God’s Word in faith without demanding a sign.
Psalms 91:11-12 – The verse Satan quotes from, but he omits “in all your ways.”
James 1:13 – God does not tempt anyone.
Matthew 6:13 – Lead us not into temptation.
Ephesians 2:2 – Satan is the prince of the power of the air.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Verse 1 – The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. Whi