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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In Remembrance (Part 2) – The Cup

During the last supper, Jesus gathered with his disciples and shared bread and wine with them in a very significant way. He declared that the bread represented his body and the cup of wine his blood. This meal was not just a one time event but something Jesus commanded his disciples to do often. Nick and Tim continue the study by looking closely at the symbology of the cup and the importance of the new covenant.

Study aids

Bread & Wine Parallel Records Handout

Bread & Wine Summary Handout

Key verse

“In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.””
1 Corinthians 11:25

Cup of Wine

Cup symbolizes ones portion or lot in life (Psalm 16:5; Psalm 11:6)

The word “wine” is never used… cup or fruit of the vine.

New Covenant

Christ said, this cup is the new covenant in my blood.

The book of the law was the book of the covenant (Ex 24)

But there was a problem, with the old covenant it could not save.  Gal 3:11,21

The new covenant was then established in Faith and could offer salvation. Heb 8:7-13

This cup of wine therefore spoke of this new covenant that could save and provide forgiveness of sins.

How was it possible?

Christ said, new covenant “in my blood”

Blood in scripture represents life Lev. 17:11-14. Could not eat blood under the law.

Christ lived a perfect life of obedience 1 Peter 2:21-24 cp. 1 Peter 1:19 “precious blood of Jesus Christ.”

Thereby we have forgiveness of sins 1 John 1:7 for it cleanses or purifies the conscience.

However not available to all

Must be in Christ Gal. 3:14

How? By baptism Gal. 3:27

Share in fellowship

1 Cor. 10:16

Fellowship with God Eph. 2:13

In Remembrance (Part 1) – The Bread

During the last supper, Jesus gathered with his disciples and shared bread and wine with them in a very significant way. He declared that the bread represented his body and the cup of wine his blood. This meal was not just a one time event but something Jesus commanded his disciples to do often. We welcome Nick to this episode to discuss his in-depth studies on the symbolism involved and what it means for our lives.

Study aids

Bread & Wine Parallel Records Handout

Bread & Wine Summary Handout

Key verse

“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.””
Luke 22:19

How did it begin?

Night before Jesus died, upper room Matt 26:26-30 (also recorded in Mark 14, and Luke 22)


Why the bread and wine?

Luke 22:19, 1 Cor 11:24,25 “Do this in remembrance of me” and 1 Cor. 11:26 “to proclaim the Lord’s death.”

Jesus was known for this (Luke 24:35)

The believers continued in this Acts 2:42, when and how often? Acts 20:7

What does it mean?

Bread in scripture is a symbol of food, and is seen as the fundamentals for life. As such it became a symbol of man’s labour to produce food.  Gen 3:19; John 6:26-27         

Christ took this bread, he broke it and said this my body which is given for you, this do in remembrance of me. He wanted the disciples to remember how he lived his life in giving himself for others.

Christ just demonstrated this literally as he washed their feet (still stuck in their minds John 13:15-17)

Symbol of body

Christ said “this is my body”

Represents a body of believers 1 Cor 10:16-17;  1 Cor 12 (beautiful analogy of a group of believers working together as one body) ends with v27

Taking of the bread we therefore examine ourselves (1 Cor. 11:28), how we are helping the body of Christ (1 Cor. 11:29)

Fellowship

Conclusion of self examination (1 Cor. 11:28) – we are all sinners

Thereby have fellowship as realizing the need to work together 1 Cor 10:16-17

You are gods

This is the second of a two part study on Jesus’ words in John 10:22-38. In response to the Jews accusing Jesus of making himself equal with God, Jesus quoted Psalm 82:6 “I said, you are gods.” What did Jesus mean by this and how did it help to answer his antagonists? Tim Young and Tom Colby find the answer in the context of Psalm 82. Follow this lead and you’ll see the wonder and beauty of Jesus’ response.

Episode Outline

  1. Introduction
    • Previous podcast, setting the scene (John 10:22-24)
    • Jesus’ answer is quoting from Psalm 82:6
  2. Understanding Psalm 82 and God Manifestation
    • Elohim = judges (Ex. 22:8-9; Deut. 1:16-17; 2 Chr. 19:5-7)
    • Using this to better understand Psa. 82:1,6. The judges were supposed to manifest God.
    • Relating this back to Jesus’ argument in John 10:34-36
  3. Conclusion
    • This is how Jesus and the Father are one (John 10:38)
    • We too must strive to manifest God (John 17:20-22)