EXPLORE THE TEXT
We can rely on Scripture to find strength and resist temptation.
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Briefly highlight Jesus’s condition when the devil approached Him. Note that He had gone nearly six weeks without food. Affirm that Satan often strikes when we are weak and our defenses are more likely to be down.
Encourage adults to share the word or phrase they identified as they read the verses. Note that this temptation was not just a physical challenge. Emphasize that Satan was suggesting that Jesus use His power for His own satisfaction rather than trusting God to meet His needs.
Use this content from page 15 of the PSG to examine Jesus’s use of Scripture:
Jesus responded to Satan’s attack by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3. In essence, Jesus affirmed that our physical needs are not our most crucial needs. The Word of God and the will of God as revealed in His Word are the most important things in all of life. . . . Jesus would not be lured from His allegiance to God. He affirmed loyalty to God above physical satisfaction.
Facilitate a brief discussion about the merits of using Scripture when we face temptation. Share that Satan was not done with his temptations, and Jesus was not done relying on God’s Word.