The Life of Christ Lesson 3 The Ministry of John the Baptist The baptism of Jesus by john Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness John the Baptist’S Testimony of Jesus

Jesus’ Temptations In The Wilderness – Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13 1st Temptation – “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” (Matthew 4:3) Note Jesus’ response. What shall man “live on”? The fleshly or the spiritual? What type of life? (John 4:10 (7:38); 6:51; Luke 10:28). “Live” defined - “to enjoy real life, i.e. to have true life and worthy of the name – active, blessed, endless in the kingdom of God” (Thayer's Greek Lexicon) The real temptation to walk according to the flesh and not the Spirit. Romans 8:4-13; Galatians 5:16-17; 6:7-8 What is Satan hoping to accuse Jesus of? Heb 4:14-16 Therefore, since 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 cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 2:14-18 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. 16 For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. 17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

Jesus’ Temptations In The Wilderness – Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13 1st Temptation – “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” (Matthew 4:3) First, note Jesus’ reply began with, “It is written.” Some obvious points here. In moments of temptation, it’s too late to ask “what does God’s word say?” We need to be able to call scripture to mind. 2 Peter 1:12-15; Psalms 119:11 To be able to “call these things to mind” takes work – and time. 2 Timothy 2:15 Ignorance kills – Hosea 4:6 Heb 4:14-16 Therefore, since 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 cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 2:14-18 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. 16 For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. 17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

Jesus’ Temptations In The Wilderness – Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13 1st Temptation – “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” (Matthew 4:3) “It is written.” Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy 8:3 – “And He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.” What is the context here? The Israelites and their need to learn to trust and depend on God as evidenced by their faith and obedience. God knows what we need to sustain us physically… do we trust Him? (Matthew 6:8, 32). Heb 4:14-16 Therefore, since 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 cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 2:14-18 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. 16 For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. 17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

Jesus’ Temptations In The Wilderness – Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13 2nd Temptation – “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down …” (Matthew 4:5) Again, what is the temptation? Anyone ever tempted to jump from a cliff? Why? Again, “if You are the Son of God” – prove who You are? (Matthew 27:40-42) Is God really with you? If it was Jesus’ destiny to die on the cross and then be raised from the dead, wouldn’t it be better to find out now if God was indeed with you? Why wait to find out? Satan once again seeking to thwart the very purpose and mission of Jesus right from the start.