I. Background Information
II. Look at the Text (Luke 4:1-13)
Luke 4:1 Jesus returned from the Jordan full of the Holy Spirit1 and was led by the Spirit into the desert, 2 where he was tempted by the Devil for forty days. In all that time he ate nothing, so that he was hungry when it was over. 3 The Devil said to him, “If you are God’s Son, order this stone to turn into bread.” 4 But Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Human beings cannot live on bread alone.’” 5 Then the Devil took him up and showed him in a second all the kingdoms of the world. 6 “I will give you all this power and all this wealth,” the Devil told him. “It has all been handed over to me, and I can give it to anyone I choose. 7 All this will be yours, then, if you worship me.” 8 Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!’” 9 Then the Devil took him to Jerusalem and set him on the highest point of the Temple, and said to him, “If you are God’s Son, throw yourself down from here. 10 For the scripture says, ‘God will order his angels to take good care of you.’ 11 It also says, ‘They will hold you up with their hands so that not even your feet will be hurt on the stones.’” 12 But Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 When the Devil finished tempting Jesus in every way, he left him for a while.
III. Label the Text
- Underline the first three words the Devil says in each temptation
- Circle the words that tell what the Devil wants Jesus to do in each temptation.
- Highlight Jesus’ responses to the Devil.
- Mark anything else that is interesting to you in the text.
IV. Reflect on the Text
Was this a friendly conversation? (No) How would you describe it?
This event happens at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry - before any preaching or healing...The beginning of a story is always important. What does this event make you think about as the story of Jesus' life begins?
Write at least two questions about this text.
1.
2.
V. Personal Application
We also fight a spiritual battle as we try to follow the Lord. In what areas does the Devil tempt you to disobey God? (in doing what you should not do -- or perhaps not doing what you should do) What is appealing about these temptations?
