Luke 4:1-13
Key Verse 4:12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
1. What happened to Jesus at the Jordan in verses 3:21-22? After leaving the Jordan, why did Jesus go into the wilderness? [The footnote says that “tempted” means tested.] Why did he have to be tested by the devil at the outset of his ministry? (cf. Romans 5:15,19)
2. Why would it be wrong for Jesus to use his power to make bread for himself when he was hungry? (3) How does this exemplify the temptation of instant gratification? (cf. Hebrews 12:16)
3. How does Jesus’ answer help us to overcome this temptation? (4) What do people need in addition to material things? (cf. Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 6:33)
4. How does the second temptation offer Jesus the short-cut to glory? (5-7) How can the devil make such an offer? (cf. 1 John 5:19, Revelation 11:15) How did Jesus answer the devil? (8; Deuteronomy 6:13)
5. How did the devil tempt Jesus to make himself known as the Messiah? (9) How did he misuse the Scripture? Why should we not put God to the test? (12)
6. What can we learn from Jesus about how to defeat the devil’s temptations? What is God’s promise to those who trust him? (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13)