Kernan Community Groups
Sermon Discussion Guide
March 8, 2026
Matthew: Duel in the Desert
Matthew 4
What are some of your favorite duels from movies or history? What makes them so iconic and fascinating?
Today we’re going to look at the greatest duel of all time in Matthew 4. What makes this duel different from the ones we just talked about?
Matthew 4:1
[1] Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Before the duel even begins, we have something important to ask. Why would the Holy Spirit lead Jesus to the wilderness to be tempted by the devil?
A ‘temptation’ is an enticement to get a person to go contrary to God’s will. A ‘test’ tries to get a person to prove himself or herself faithful to God’s will, with the good intention that the person passes the test.” ~ Michael Wilkins
Matthew 4:2-4
[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.’”
When and how does Satan tempt Jesus?
What is Satan really trying to get Jesus to do through this temptation?
Matthew 4:5-11
[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.
1. The Cosmic Battle: Who Rules the World?
1 Peter 5:8
[8] Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
What protected Jesus from the devil's temptations?
2. The Inner Battle: Who Rules My Heart
1 Corinthians 10:13
[13] No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Hebrews 2:18
[18] For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
How do these verses, and knowing Jesus was also tempted, encourage you?
Hebrews 4:14-16
[14] Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
3. The Outer Battle: Who do I represent?
1 Peter 1:6-7
[6] In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, [7] so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
It may seem cruel for God to intentionally put us in situations that test us, but why is this a good thing that we should rejoice in?
