Gospel of Mark Part 4: The Temptation of Jesus [Small Group Discussion]

Rev. Bruce A. Shields
Jan 26
3 min read

Small Group Discussions based on Sermons from the House of Faith Church by Rev. Bruce A. Shields

Title: The Temptation of Jesus – Victory Over the Enemy

Scripture Focus: Mark 1:12–13 – “And immediately the Spirit drove Him to go out into the wilderness. And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.”

OPENING QUESTION

When facing temptation, do you tend to rely more on your own willpower or on God’s Word? Why?

BACKGROUND

One of the greatest blessings of having Jesus as our Lord and Savior is knowing He understands our struggles because He Himself was tempted (Hebrews 2:18). He is sympathetic to our weaknesses and offers mercy and grace in our time of need if we turn to Him (Hebrews 4:14–16). The temptation of Jesus came immediately after His baptism and before the start of His public ministry, showing us that spiritual breakthroughs are often followed by spiritual battles. Studying this event teaches us how to overcome temptation and how to remain faithful in serving God despite Satan’s attacks.

KEY POINTS

1. The Setting of the Temptation

The Holy Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness (Mark 1:12), likely the desolate Judean wilderness.
God does not tempt us with evil (James 1:13–14), but He allows testing to prove our faith genuine (James 1:3–4).
Like Moses and Elijah, Jesus fasted for forty days—a number often associated with testing in Scripture (Matthew 4:2; Exodus 34:28; 1 Kings 19:8).
Satan tempts us through our strongest desires (“lusts”), offering what appeals most to us at a given moment.

2. The Three Temptations

Lust of the Flesh – Hunger: Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread (Matthew 4:1–4). Jesus responded: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Pride of Life – Testing God: Satan tempted Jesus to throw Himself from the temple to prove His identity (Matthew 4:5–7). Jesus replied: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
Lust of the Eyes – Earthly Glory: Satan offered all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship (Matthew 4:8–11). Jesus commanded: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.”

3. The End of the Temptation

Satan left, and angels ministered to Jesus (Matthew 4:11; Luke 4:13).
Jesus responded to every temptation with “It is written”—showing the power of God’s Word to defeat the enemy.
Knowing Scripture well is essential (2 Timothy 2:15), especially since Satan can twist Scripture for his purposes.

APPLICATION LESSONS

A. We Face the Same Adversary

The devil seeks to destroy believers (1 Peter 5:8–9; Revelation 12:17).
Our spiritual battle is real (Ephesians 6:12).

B. We Experience Similar Temptations

Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life (1 John 2:15–16).
To love the Father, we must overcome these.

C. We Have the Same Tools for Victory

Word of God – Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).
Faith – Shield to extinguish Satan’s attacks (Ephesians 6:16).
Prayer – Staying watchful and dependent on God (Matthew 26:41).

D. We Must Learn Key Spiritual Lessons

Physical needs alone cannot sustain us—we need the Word of God.
Trust God without putting Him to the test (Deuteronomy 6:16–17).
Even Satan quotes Scripture; we must handle it accurately (Hebrews 4:12–13; 2 Peter 3:15–16).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Why do you think God allowed Jesus to be tempted right after His baptism?
Which of the three temptations—lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, or pride of life—is the biggest struggle for most Christians today?
How can we train ourselves to respond to temptation the way Jesus did?
What practical steps can you take this week to strengthen your use of God’s Word in spiritual battles?
How does knowing Jesus was tempted encourage you when you are struggling?

MEMORY VERSE

Hebrews 4:15–16 – “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things like we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

PRAYER FOCUS

Thank God for giving us a Savior who understands our struggles. Ask for the wisdom to recognize Satan’s tactics, the discipline to know and use God’s Word, and the faith to trust God fully in the face of temptation.