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Jesus' Baptism and Temptations: Matthew 3-4
Jesus came to John to be baptized. John questioned this, but Jesus told him that it would be fitting “to fulfill all righteousness” (i.e., to complete doing what is right, since baptism had come from God). So John baptized Jesus, after which the heavens opened, the Spirit descended on Jesus, and the Father spoke, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” This event inaugurated the public ministry of Jesus.
Jesus was then led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and nights first. Then the devil tempted Him. Three specific temptations are recorded: turn the stones in bread, jump from the pinnacle of the temple, and worship the devil to gain the world’s kingdoms. To each of these, Jesus responded with “it is written...”
A couple of observations are in order. First, notice that these temptations coincide with the avenues of temptation we all face: lust of the flesh (stones), lust of the eyes (kingdoms), and the boastful pride of life (jump; cf. 1 John 2:15-17). All temptation appeals to pride, but the devil was trying to get Jesus to falter in at least one area. Jesus did not fail. He was tempted in “every point” as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15), and He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted (Heb. 2:18).
Second, notice the use of Scripture in overcoming the temptations. God’s word is able to give us strength and hope as we face the various temptations of life. It is powerful and effective (Heb. 4:12). We must learn to trust God and His word. If we do not do so, we are sure to fail.
Praise God for our sinless Savior! Let’s seek to follow His example in all things (cf. 1 Pet. 2:21-25).
Discussion
1. If John’s baptism was for the remission of sins, and Jesus was sinless, why then was Jesus baptized?
2. What purposes did Jesus’ baptism serve? (cf. John 1:29-34)
3. Discuss the various avenues of temptation. In what ways was Jesus tempted? How did He overcome?
4. How important is it to us that Jesus was sinless? What does it mean for us now? How is He our example?