Temptation of Christ

Luke 4:1-13    (Matthew 4:1-11)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=49&chapter=4&version=31

Notes

Mathew Henry’s Commentary on Matthew 4:1-11 (similar to Luke 4:1-13)

Concerning Christ's temptation, observe,

I. The time when it happened: … Immediately after the heavens were opened to him, and the Spirit descended on him, and he was declared to be the Son of God, and the Saviour of the world, the next news we hear of him is, he is tempted; for then he is best able to grapple with the temptation.

Note, 1. Great privileges, and special tokens of divine favour, will not secure us from being tempted.

Nay, 2. After great honours put upon us, we must expect something that is humbling; as Paul has a messenger of Satan sent to buffer him, after he had been in the third heavens.

3. God usually prepares his people for temptation before he calls them to it; he gives strength according to the day, and, before a sharp trial, gives more than ordinary comfort.

4. The assurance of our sonship is the best preparative for temptation. If the good Spirit witness to our adoption, that will furnish us with an answer to all the suggestions of the evil spirit, designed either to debauch or disquiet us.

... After we have been admitted into the communion of God, we must expect to be set upon by Satan. The enriched soul must double its guard. When thou has eaten and art full, then beware. …

http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc5.Matt.v.html

Deutronomy 8:3

"He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."

 

Jesus' point is that physical needs must be met God's way, not our own selfish, short-cut way. We're tempted, of course, to steal, to cheat, to fornicate, to lie, to provide a quick fix for our physical hungers. God is able to supply our needs, but we must wait on him and seek to do things his way. Just because we CAN work miracles doesn't mean we should in any given circumstance. Bread -- physical fulfillment -- is not more important than God's Word and way. (http://www.jesuswalk.com/lessons/4_1-13.htm)

Three temptations

1. The lust of the flesh – the temptation of hunger
2. The lust of the eyes – the temptation of power and wealth
3. The pride of life – the temptation of instant acclaim

The same temptations we face but Jesus, although tempted, did not sin.  This scripture highlights his flawless character.

Questions

1. When did this event take place in Jesus’ life?  What preceded it?
2. How was Jesus tempted?  How did he respond?
3. Why was Jesus susceptible to temptation?

"God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone" - James 1:13

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” - Philippians 2:7

4. Why was he tempted?
5. How are we tempted in ways that fall into these 3 categories?
6. How are we able to respond like Jesus did?

(Prayer, Fasting, God’s Word)   Ephesians 6:11-18