Matthew 4:1–11: The Temptation of Jesus
Introduction
The temptation is Jesus is far more significant than it may appear on the surface. This is not one more story in the life of Jesus, but a critical moment where our Lord confronts his enemy directly—and comes out victorious. The implications of this victory are multifaceted. So, before we work through the temptations themselves, we need to work through some sense of the scope of what Jesus accomplishes in this narrative—personally, publicly, and as a pattern for his people. In summary, the temptation of Jesus shows us that King Jesus came to fulfill all righteousness.
Discussion Questions
1. What is Satan really after when he tempts Jesus to turn the stones into bread? Why does Satan bring up Jesus’ sonship to the Father (“If you are the Son of God…”)? How might Jesus be tempted to believe that it would be good for him to turn the stones into bread? Where have you faced similar temptations to distrust God’s goodness for you? What part of God’s goodness are you quickest to doubt? How might the Bible address those doubts?
2. What is Satan really after when he tempts Jesus to jump off the pinnacle of the temple? Why does Satan again bring up Jesus’ sonship to the Father? How might Jesus be tempted to put his Father to the test in order to confirm his Father’s goodness to him? Where you have faced similar temptations to put God to the test to prove his goodness toward you? Where do you want to gain certainty and control over your life that goes beyond the promises of the Bible?
3. Why does Satan offer Jesus all the kingdoms of the world? To what degree does this temptation align with Jesus’ mission in coming to this earth? What would Jesus have to give up in order to gain Satan’s promises? Where are you tempted to seek good outside of God and God’s will? What do you have to give up in order to gain what the world, the flesh, and the devil offer to you? How does the Bible teach us to find good in God alone?
4. How does this story fit into the larger narrative of how Jesus came to fulfill all righteousness? In what way does this time of suffering through fasting and temptation prepare him personally for the difficult task ahead of him? How does the temptation of Jesus compare with the temptations that Adam and Eve experienced in the garden of Eden, or to Israel in the wilderness? What does Jesus accomplish through this temptation by binding the “strong man” of Satan (Matt. 12:29)?
