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GUIDED BIBLE MEDITATION
Explain that you are going to read a story about Jesus, but you want to spend a moment using our senses to imagine the situation beforehand. Invite them to get comfortable and close their eyes, then lead the group in the following reflection:
Imagine a desert. What does it look like? What colours are there around you? Imagine the ground, what can you see there? What kind of desert are you imagining: sandy, stony or perhaps made up of dry mud? Can you see any plants growing? Imagine looking up, what does the sky look like? Can you see the sun?
What can you hear in the desert? Are there sounds from nearby or far away? What kinds of noises are there? Are there any animals making noises, either hidden or seen? Imagine that you walk a few steps; what do your foot steps sound like on the ground?
Open your mouth and breath in. Can you imagine a taste of the desert? What would it taste like to inhale the dusty and warm air? Does the air taste salty, sweet, fresh or stale? Now, inhale through your nose. Can you imagine the smell of the desert? Does the smell remind you of anything? Are their nice fragrances, or are there less pleasant smells?
Finally, what does the desert feel like on your skin? Can you feel the wind or is it still? What kind of temperature is it? Can you feel the sun on your skin? Imagine bending over and touching the ground; what does it feel like on your fingers?
Now, imagine that you look up and you see a solitary figure walking nearby. It is Jesus. He has been led out to the desert by the Holy Spirit. Keep your sense of the desert and these images in your mind as we hear Matthew 4.
Read Matthew 4:1-11 slowly to the group. Explain that you will read the passage through again, and this time you want everyone, as they listen, to think of one or two words that describe Jesus in this text. Next, in small groups or as a whole, share the words that describe Jesus. Do this as an act of worship, either taking the form of a prayer of thanks, or simply speaking the words out with space for reflection.
You may want to allow the young people some time to share at this point, as the reflection and reading may have brought up thoughts and feelings which they want to share. If so, do it in smaller groups and make sure each person has a chance to share without interruption.
FASTING DISCUSSION
Explain that Christians have traditionally fasted in Lent, taking their inspiration from Jesus’ time in the wilderness. Have a group discussion about fasting. You could start by asking why they think Jesus fasted. This could then move on to whether they think fasting is relevant to them today; see if the young people might come to their own conclusions about the benefits of fasting. Some people may have had an experience of ‘giving something up for Lent’, or other times when they have intentionally gone without food, and want to share their experiences.
Try to guide the conversation towards fasting being about trusting God more than things we can rely on, even good things. You could discuss whether fasting might create time for prayer, being with God, or to allow space to serve or be with others. You can also raise the question about whether fasting things like Facebook, TV or make-up might have any benefits, and whether they think ‘partial’ fasts (such as no social media after 8pm, or giving up meat for a day) could be useful.
You may wish to close this section by inviting the young people to try fasting from something this week. Be clear that this is not about showing off how spiritual we are (in your discussion it might be helpful to read Matthew 6:16-17 together, when Jesus talked about this). You may also need to be sensitive to people who may struggle with eating disorders in your group; in that context it may be better to focus on other forms of fasting, such as from social media.
CONFESSION
Explain that the final part of the time will be reflecting on the temptations of Jesus, and how we are tempted today. Give out a piece of paper and encourage people to find some space. You could put some background music on. Ask them to cast their minds back to the story of Jesus being tempted. What had jumped out to them when they heard it read?
Get them to think about what wrong things they are tempted to do, things which are against God’s best for them. Invite them to write them down, but explain that nobody is going to look at their papers. Give time for them to reflect on this.
Ask them how they respond to temptation. Are there times when they are able to say ‘no’ to temptation? Are there times when they fail? Again, invite them to write as much or little as they like.
After another period of reflection, remind them that Jesus himself was tempted in the wilderness, and throughout his life. Share that in the book of Hebrews it says that Jesus ‘has been tempted in every way, just as we are’ (Hebrews 4:15). How does that make them feel? What would it mean if the God of the universe knows how it feels to be tempted, just as they are?
Invite them to write the words ‘Jesus knows’ on their paper, perhaps over the top of what they’ve written. Encourage them to pray, handing these things over to God, saying sorry where they think they need to, or asking for strength and help to say no to temptation.
Finally, remind them that the Bible says that if they confess their sin, God is faithful to forgive their sin, and make them whole again (1 John 1:9). You may then want to do something symbolic with the papers they have written on, such as put them through a shredder, burn them in a metal can outside, or at least throw them away. You could close the session with a song thanking God for his forgiveness.
Sam and Sara will be leading the Engage Worship Day, 21st Feb 2015 in Luton. The theme is ‘Slow down’, and will focus on simplicity, reflection and getting back to the heart of worship ministry. See all the details and workshops on engageworship.org/events/Luton2015
