One Story | November 8, 2026

 

+ Read Scripture

Matthew 4

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, 

“ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, 
  but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, 

“ ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’

and 

“ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, 
  lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ”

7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, 

“ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God 
  and him only shall you serve.’ ”

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

Talk Sheet Question

  1. KQ: Who leads Jesus into the wilderness, and who tempts Him? What condition is Jesus in when the tempter approaches Him (vv. 1–3)?

  2. What does Satan ask Jesus to do in each of the three temptations? What does he offer or suggest Jesus could gain?

  3. Twice the devil says, “If you are the Son of God.” How is he tempting Jesus to use His identity and power? How does Jesus show what it means to be a faithful Son?

  4. How does Satan attempt to jeopardize the redemption part of the One Story?

  5. What promises of comfort, approval, success, or control tempt you to compromise your obedience to God?

  6. What can you apply from Jesus ’ approach to respond to Satan and temptations? How can you trust in Jesus ’ victory over your own strength?

(KQ is a Kid Question that could be used to invite children into discussion, but also works well for adults)

Prayer

Pray that we will trust God and his word.

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Scott Reavely