ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

LENT REFLECTIONS WEEK 4

JESUS TEACHES ABOUT THE DEVIL

1. Read Luke 11:14-23.

2. Do you find it difficult to believe in the the existence of the devil? Why is this?

3. C S Lewis wrote this: "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight." Which error are you more likely to lean towards? Why?

4. Why should the followers of Jesus believe in the existence of the devil?

5. What do we learn about the devil from what happens here in Luke 11?

6. Read Luke 4:1-13.

7. We turn now to the struggles that Jesus had with temptation. Why do you think the Spirit deliberately led him into the desert to be tempted by the devil?

8. What strategies does the devil use in order to try and trip Jesus up? Are you aware of anything similar in your experience?

9. How does Jesus counter the devil's suggestions? What can we learn from his example?

David Stone
3 March 2005