The Temptation of Christ Lesson Six – Tell me the Story of Jesus!

After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit sent Him out into the desert to be tempted by Satan. The phrase, “led by the Spirit” means Christ was directly and empowered by the Spirit. The Greek term rendered “tempted” can denote either “being put to the test” or “being enticed to sin”; the latter is the meaning here. As the representative for sinful humanity, Jesus had to endure real temptation and triumph over it.

The three particular temptations mentioned by Matthew apparently occurred at the end of Jesus’ forty day fast. Therefore, when the devil launched his final attacks, Jesus was at a disadvantage. As we know from our own experience, temptation, anxiety, and worry tend to threaten most powerfully during our moments of physical exhaustion.

As we study Jesus’ temptation, we should note that He countered each temptation with Scripture. The same technique can work for us when we are tempted.

Questions Have you ever withstood a period of temptation and then suddenly found the struggle was over? If so, please share your story.

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2. Reaction? “Jesus was God; therefore, He was incapable of sin and His temptations in the wilderness were not genuine.”

“And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry – Matthew 4:2

A Closer Look at the Text Tempter: The “devil” (Mt. 4:1; Luke 4:2) so called because in the Greek this word means, “accuser or slanderer.” He accuses man (Rev. 12:10-12) and God (Gen. 3:1-5). Also called Satan meaning adversary (Mk 1:13).

Timing: Immediately following his baptism and the Father’s acknowledgment of his divine sonship (Mt. 3:17-4:1).

Occasion: “Jesus was led up by the Spirit” (Mt. 4:1).

• The Lord’s temptation was in God’s plan. – Hebrews 2:17-18 • God does not tempt with evil. – James 1:13-14 • God allows us to be tried or proven. – Genesis 22:1

Suitability: He fasted forty days and nights and was hungry (Mt. 4:4; Luke 4:2). Mark and John view this time as part of the temptation (Mark 1:13; Luke. 4:2).

The Three Temptations (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-8)

Jesus’ First Temptation:

• Place: “the wilderness” (Mt 4:1; Luke 4:1-4). The first Adam was tempted in the beautiful garden; whereas, the second Adam was tempted in a barren, lonely wilderness.

• Temptation: Turn stones to bread (lust of the flesh). Desire is the basis of temptation (James 1:13-15); the stronger the desire, the stronger the temptation.

• Response: Man shall not live…mouth of God (Mt. 4:4). Quotes Deut. 8:3. Jesus appeals to the scriptures and to their authority and guidance. Used his powers to heal others but not himself (Mt. 14:15-21). Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:14-16 explains why.

Jesus’ third temptation • Place: “an exceedingly high mountain (Mt. 4:8). Many of the greatest events in the Lord’s

ministry took place on the top of a mountain (sermon on the mount; transfiguration; betrayal, crucifixion, ascension).

• Temptation: The offering of the kingdoms of the world with their glory and power in exchange for Jesus worshipping Satan (Mt. 4:8-9) was an appeal to the lust of the eyes. What a temptation, as relates to his fleshly nature, this must to have been to the humble carpenter; but, how repugnant to his divine nature.

• Response: “Away with you Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and His only you shall serve”’ (Mt. 4:10). This is a quotation from Deut. 6:13. Was not our Savior to afterward teach, “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul (Mt. 16:26)?

Jesus’ Second Temptation:

• Place: “the holy city” (Mt. 4:5), Jerusalem (Luke 4:9), on the pinnacle of the temple.” The holy city was not exempt from the tempter’s presence. Correspondingly, the church of our Lord, and membership therein, can be a place and occasion of some of our severest temptations.

• Temptation: Throw yourself down (pride of life) and an effort to tempt God to react in response to a capricious act. Satan quotes Psalm 91:11-12, which deals with providential protection, not an arbitrary challenge to God’s supernatural power.

• Response: “You shall not tempt the Lord your God (Mt. 4:7). This is a quotation from Deut. 6:16. When God speaks we must trust him.

After the Temptations

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• The devil left after Jesus successfully resisted him. – James 4:7.

• Angels ministered to him. The very angels, among which Satan was once numbered (2 Peter 2:4), came to the Lord’s care.

• There were more temptations to come; for, “he departed from him for a season” (Luke 4:13; Mt. 15:23; Luke 22:28).

Additional Gleanings 1. We are acquainted with our arch enemy;

Satan. He is our adversary in which we are at war (2 Cor. 10:4-5); Eph. 6:10-18).

2. We learn how to conquer Satan. We are not to court temptation (Mt. 4:1). We are to pray to not be led into it (Mt. 6:13). We are to flee (2 Tim. 2:22). We are to abstain from it (1 Peter 2:11). We are to abhor it (Romans 12:9). We are to fill our hearts with the word (Psalm 119:11; 1 John 3:9; Luke 8:11). We are to resist the devil (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7).

3. We learn our talents may be the occasion of great temptation (Mt. 3:17). Jesus has the power to turn the stones into bread; and, that power was used by the devil in the first temptation. Joseph was a handsome young man and it became the occasion of his temptation (Gen. 39:6, 7-20).

4. We learn that “if” has often been the devil’s word (Mt. 4:3,6,19). Beware of his,

“If God said that” (Gen. 3:1; Mt. 3:17; 4:3). “If that is the case” (1 Cor. 15:35). “If you are a Christian” (Mt. 27:39-43).

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5. We learn that the soul, as well as the body, needs nourishment. God’s word is that food (1 Peter 2:1,2; Mt. 5:6). It has mile and meat (Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Cor. 3:1-3). It is to be desired (Mt. 5:5; 1 Peter 2:1-2). It is to be consumed; that is, read daily (Mt. 6:11). It is to be assimilated (James 1:22-25). It is to be shared (Jn. 6:9-12; 2 Tim. 2:2).

6. We learn that the devil uses three avenues for temptation (1 John 2:15-17). They are the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, and the lust of the eyes. The works of the flesh must be avoided (1 Peter 5:5-6). The pride of life must be avoided

7. We learn how to be a better Bible student (Mt. 4:7). Any and every passage in the Bible must be explained and understood in the light of all the Bible has to say through understanding of the context.

Class Activity:

In each of His three temptations, Jesus used Scripture to defend against Satan. Several of the common temptations Christians may face and write corresponding verses that they feel would be beneficial in combating these sins.

John called for a change in conduct. He did not

hesitate to discuss the wrath of God and hell.