Lesson 1: The Word

This passage of scripture records the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness. It may seem odd at first to think that Jesus was "tempted," but this just demonstrates the reality that though he was (and is) fully God, he was also fully human! The Bible tells us that he knows and sympathizes with our weaknesses, because he himself was tempted, although (unlike us) he remained without sin. Because of this, we can approach him with confidence, knowing we will "receive mercy and find grace in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16)

 

After an extended time of fasting in the desert, Satan was allowed to attack Jesus with temptations. Therein lies the first lesson, that there is a very real enemy! Satan, or "the devil" is an ancient evil spirit, who wishes to destroy God's people. God has not left us defenseless, however. This passage demonstrates the very powerful weapons that Jesus used to defeat the devil in this time of temptation, weapons that are for us, as well.

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This passage is challenging, and there is much that can be learned. For example, the temptations themselves are complex and multi-layered. For this first lesson, we are going to focus on how Jesus responded to each temptation, and what we can learn from his responses.

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Temptation 1

Jesus was hungry. Having fasted for a period of forty days, he was literally starving. Satan approached him and challenged him to use his power to command the stones to become bread. Wouldn't that be amazing? Not only could he satisfy his own hunger, but imagine how much good he could do, feeding the poor and the hungry! But this is not what he came for. His purpose was far greater.

How did Jesus respond to this temptation?

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Temptation 2

In the second temptation, the devil tempts Jesus to do something spectacular. By being ushered into the temple by actual angels, all would know he was the Son of God, and they would follow him. He would be able to bypass the pain and suffering that he knew was coming, and lead people to worship God in righteousness and in truth, right? But he knew that God's plan was different. He knew what he came for. Did you notice that this temptation (and the previous one) was also an attack on his identity (If you are the son of God...)?

How did Jesus respond to this second temptation?

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Temptation 3

In the third and final of these temptations, Satan offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus knew that all those kingdoms were his, but that he would have to suffer greatly. This simple compromise would make the whole process much simpler. Again, Jesus knew that this was not God's plan, and he would not compromise.

How did Jesus respond to this third temptation?

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Did you notice a common theme in the way that Jesus responded to these attacks by the enemy? Jesus responded to all three temptations with the powerful Word of God. The scriptures are described as the "sword of the Spirit," and as "alive and powerful." When he was tempted to turn stones into bread, he responded with a fascinating scripture that speaks of trusting God despite the circumstances. In the second temptation Satan also used scripture, but he twisted it in a deceptive way. Jesus destroyed the entire premise of his argument by rightly applying the Word of God. In the third encounter, Jesus used the Word to defeat the enemy and drive him away.

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The most powerful tool we have to follow Jesus along the path that he calls us is the Bible. I chose this passage to show that in times of difficulty, in times of stress, and in times of temptation, even Jesus relied on the powerful Word of God to overcome the enemy. The Word engages us in a few different ways. First, it engages us intellectually, teaching us the right way to think, and showing us the right path to walk. More than a simple "how-to" manual though, the Word engages our Spirit. We encounter the Spirit of Christ himself in the scriptures, and as we "behold" him in the scripture, we find that we are being changed, molded into the sons and daughters of God that we were created to be (2 Corinthians 3:18).

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Main Point: The Bible contains the powerful Word of God. It is true and right, and will show us the way. It is the primary way that we can learn, grow, and become. Begin to regularly engage with the Word of God, and this is one of the key ways we will grow in Christ!

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Always conclude a time of study with prayer, asking the Lord to water the seeds that have been planted.