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 2nd Temptation – “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down …” (Matthew 4:6) 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 Him? Why wait to find out? Satan once again seeking to thwart the very purpose and mission of Jesus right from the start.

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 4:6) Satan uses scriptures too! “For it is written…” (Psalms 91:11-12). Anything can be proven from scriptures when taken out of context. The dangers of distorting scripture. What is the context of Psalms 91? An exhortation to put our faith and trust in God … not to test Him! Protection to the one who trusts in God. Written to encourage faith … not test it! Satan instead uses these verses to ask, “are you sure God is really with You?”

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 4:6) Is there a component of the pride of life in this temptation? If Jesus yielded, would it get noticed? Jesus’ reply: “Again (renewal or repetition of the action; Thayer) it is written, ‘you shall not put the Lord your God to the test’” (ESV) Deuteronomy 6:16; Exodus 17:2-7 (“… Is the Lord among us? …”); Psalms 95:8; Numbers 14:22 (10 times in the wilderness). Reminds me of the Jews during Jesus’ ministry who kept saying, show us a sign and we’ll believe (John 6:30; Matthew 12:38-39; 27:40-43); note Isaiah 7:1-13 (2 Kings 16:7-8) It’s our responsibility to prove ourselves to God! It’s not God’s responsibility to prove Himself to us!

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 4:6) The need to walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 The need to understand proper use and application of God’s word. 2 Timothy 2:15. Reconcile and compare scripture. Scripture is sufficient for all we need. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Colossians 3:16

Jesus’ Temptations In The Wilderness – Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13 3rd Temptation – “All these things I will give you, if You fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:9) What is the temptation? What “things”? The things of this world. Some question if Satan had the ability or authority to fulfill what he promised. Doesn’t matter – Satan doesn’t fulfill on what he promises us does he? Granted, Satan is the “god of this world” – 2 Corinthians 4:4; John 12:31