The Temptation of Christ Lesson 2.3 The Temptation of Christ

Satan’s 3 Temptations

Satan’s 3 Temptations After being baptized in the Jordan, Jesus fulfilled Israel’s history again by being tempted for 40 days in the wilderness. The Bible only records 3 temptations, but Luke 4:2 teaches that Jesus was tempted for all 40 days. Satan directly repeated the same temptations with Jesus that he used in Genesis 3 on Adam and Eve. Temptation of Adam and Eve: “the fruit was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and desirable to make one wise” (Gen. 3:6)

Temptations of Genesis

Temptations of Genesis 1. The fruit was “good for food.” This appealed to Adam and Eve’s fleshly desires. Satan offered to fulfill their bodily appetites. 2. The fruit was “pleasant to the eyes.” This appealed to their sight. Satan offered to fulfill their desires with ease. He offered an “easier” path than God offered. 3. The fruit was “desirable to make one wise.” This appealed to their desire to achieve personal greatness. He offered “equality” with God.

Jesus’ Temptations Temptation #1: “Turn these stones to bread.” Jesus was hungry after fasting for 40 days. Satan was tempting him to forget about God’s provision and take care of himself. Temptation #2: “I will give you all the nations.” Satan offered Jesus authority over all nations IF Christ would worship him. He was offering all people to Jesus without having to go to the cross. Temptation #3: “Throw yourself from the top of the temple.” Satan was persuading Jesus to announce his “Godhood” to the people of Israel. Satan was asking Jesus to do things outside of God’s plan.

How Jesus Resisted In every temptation, Jesus quoted Scripture back at Satan. In this instance, he quoted Deuteronomy. Why? Jesus’ response to temptation: Temptation #1: He quoted Deut. 8:3. Lesson: Entrust your needs to God. Temptation #2: He quoted Deut. 6:13. Lesson: Don’t let what you see tempt you away from God. Temptation #3: He quoted Deut. 6:16 Lesson: Trust that God’s path to the goal is best.

Results of Jesus’ Temptation 3 key things happened in the aftermath of Jesus’ temptation: First, angels came and ministered to Christ (Matt. 4:11). God allows us to be tested, but He takes care of us too. Second, the devil left Jesus “until an opportune time.” Be aware that Satan is “roaming about like a lion seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8) Third, Jesus was released to begin his ministry (Luke 4:14). Testing is the prelude to power. Be encouraged when you are tempted b/c something big is on the other side.