After the longest of introductions to the person of Jesus, Luke now shows us the start of Jesus’ ministry. But before even ministering publicly Jesus faces a test: being tempted by the devil himself. This story is meant to echo two scenes from the Old Testament. First, Jesus’ temptation here is similar to the temptation Adam faced in the Garden of Eve. Where Adam failed Jesus’ succeeds. Second, Jesus’ temptation occurs in the wilderness and is similar to the temptations God’s people faced in the wilderness after their escape from Egypt. Where God’s people grumbled and sinned, Jesus succeeds. At last, we have a hero in the Bible’s story that can prevail where so many fell short. This passage both calls us to see unique Jesus is as well as to learn how to face temptation ourselves. 

Luke 4:1-13

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.' " And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, "To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours." And Jesus answered him, "It is written, " 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.' " And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, " 'He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,' and " 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.' " And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.' " And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. — Lk 4:1-13

Discussion Questions (Luke 4:1-13)

1. What are the three temptations the devil uses here? Why would those be tempting? 

2. How does Jesus respond to each temptation here? What does he use in all three responses and what is different about each response? 

3. Why is it good news that Jesus was tempted and yet without sin? (see Heb 4:15)

4. What can you learn from this story that can help you the next time you face temptation?