Jesus Tempted by the Devil

Right after his baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Join us in this fascinating study into the language of the wilderness temptation where it becomes clear why Jesus experienced this challenge.

Key Verse:

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)

Outline:

Introduction

• Popular view and review of some key principles we’ve learned from previous episodes
• Overview of the baptism of Jesus and the three temptations (Matt. 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13)
  • After a period of forty days and nights without food or water Jesus is tempted to turn stones into bread.
  • Taken to the “holy city” Jerusalem at the pinnacle of the temple tempted to throw himself down and be saved by the angels.
  • Taken to an “exceeding high mountain” where he sees the kingdoms of men “in a moment of time” (Luke 4:5) and tempted to become king immediately.

Why is he led or driving of the Spirit into the wilderness?

• Where else is this terminology used? (Ezek. 8:3; 37:1; 40:2; Rev. 17:3; 21:10)
• Is the temptation in the wilderness a vision? What is a vision?

The Satan of Zechariah

• The visions of Zechariah (Zech. 3:1-5)
• The historical background (Ezra 4:1-6; 5:1)

The Purpose of the Jesus’ Wilderness Vision

• When and how was Jesus tempted throughout his life?
  • Matt. 16:1 – Seeking a sign
  • John 6:15 – make bread and become king
  • Luke 4:29 – attempt to throw him off a cliff
  • Luke 11:53-54 – catch him in his words to accuse him
• The wilderness temptation was foreshadowing the temptations to come (Luke 22:28).
• Who then does the Satan represent in the vision?

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