The Temptation of Jesus Luke 4:1-13

In this sermon we will look at the temptation of Jesus Christ by Satan. This event in the scripture is of great significance and we can learn much from the passage. Our goal will be to learn some facts regarding the temptation of Jesus as well as some specific reasons for why Jesus was tempted by the devil.

They were not just random temptations:

When we consider the temptations of Jesus Christ, they may at first seem like random temptations but they are not. When looked at from the viewpoint of the scriptures they will show a specific connection to something in the scripture.

Stones to Bread – Revelation 12:14

• God will once again feed Israel with mana in the wilderness during the Tribulation.
• There is an interesting connection between manna and Satan (Psalm 78:24-25 ; Psalm 74:14)

Kingdoms of the world – Revelation 11:15

• The kingdoms of this world will belong to Jesus Christ in the future, here he turned them down.
• It is interesting to note somethings about God appointing rulers (Romans 13:1 ; Jer 27:5-10 ; 2 Cor. 4:4)

Throw himself off the temple – Psalm 90:11-12

• Note how Satan stops short in quoting the passage from Psalm.

Why was Jesus Tempted?

1)  Because Adam had failed (Hebrews 2:17-18)

• Compare with 1 John 2:15-17 and Genesis 3:1-6.
• Since God cannot be tempted with Evil (James 1:13), Jesus had to come in the flesh as man to face temptation.

2)  Because Jesus must overcome temptation (Hebrews 2:9-15)

• Temptation preceded ministry and death (Colossians 2:14-15)
• Through death he could become our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)

3)  For our help and example (Hebrews 2:18)

• Comparing this with Hebrews 4:14-16 we understand why Jesus is a faithful and merciful high priest. There is nothing we can go through that he does not understand.