Matthew 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Matthew 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil after fasting for forty days and forty nights. The devil challenged him three times, asking Jesus to turn stones into bread, to throw himself down from the temple, and to worship him in exchange for worldly kingdoms. Each time, Jesus responded with scripture, affirming his dependence on God.

Key verse

“But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4 (WEB)

Outline

Matthew 4:1–11 Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness
Matthew 4:12–17 Beginning of Jesus' Ministry
Matthew 4:18–22 Calling of the First Disciples
Matthew 4:23–25 Teaching and Healing in Galilee

Discussion questions

In v1, who leads Jesus into the wilderness for temptation?
What does Jesus quote in v4 to counter the devil's temptation?
The devil's offer in vv. 8-9: what does it suggest about the nature of temptation?
In v12, why does Jesus withdraw into Galilee after hearing about John's imprisonment?
When have you felt called to follow someone or something like the disciples did in v20?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Matthew 4: Luke 4, Deuteronomy 8, Mark 1.

Before next time: read Matthew 5.