1. 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

2. Jesus’ Temptations In The Wilderness – Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13
It can be overcome. Ephesians 6:13; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9. Resist – withstand, (successfully) oppose.
The significance of Jesus’ temptation – Hebrews 4:15; 2:18
The nature of sin and temptation: Compare to 1 John 2:15
God cannot be tempted … James 1:13
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.

3. 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)
What is the temptation?
Why is it wrong? Because Satan suggested it?
Probably want to turn the other direction Satan would have us to. But why?
We need to understand why something is wrong, sinful, or a bad choice.
Remember, Jesus had ended His fast (Luke 4:2) so it’s not a matter of compromising His conviction.
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.

4. 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)
What is the temptation?
In and of itself, is it wrong to turn stones into bread? It wasn’t immoral, it wasn’t strictly forbidden, and it was beneficial.
Many believe that if something isn’t immoral, isn’t strictly forbidden, and provides some type of benefit then it must not be sinful or wrong. (1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23).
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.

5. 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)
What is the temptation?
Prove who you (still) are! “If you are the Son of God …”
Not just challenging the lust of the flesh but the pride of life.
In the flesh, are You still God’s son and do You still have divine power?
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.

6. 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)
What is the temptation?
If Jesus had succumbed, He would have been using His divine power for His own selfish and personal benefit.
What were the purpose of miracles? Hebrews 2:3-4; Acts 14:3; John 5:36; John 10:25, 38
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.

7. 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)
What if Jesus used His divine power to alleviate all His fleshly needs and deliver Himself out of every difficult situation?
Again, consider Jesus’ command to “Follow Me” (Luke 9:23; John 21:19) – Could we?
If Jesus gave in to the temptation now to alleviate His hunger, how much more when He went to the cross?
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.

8. 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 Satan’s use of food (Caldwell, The Gospel According to Luke, page 252, comment on Verse 3):
Would Jesus be self-willed like Eve (Genesis 3:6)?
Would He be impatient like Esau (Genesis 25:29-34)?
Would He be dissatisfied like the Israelites in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:6-11)?
Temptations are focused often upon physical needs and/ or desires. Consider John 6:26-27.