1.

Verse 1 indicates that Jesus was fully under the influence of (or led by) the Holy Spirit. Yet, verse 2 says that Jesus was “tempted” by the devil. Why do you think the Lord God put Jesus through the devil’s temptations? (Hebrews 4:15)

2.

Compare the “desert” or “forty days” in verse 2 with the “desert” or “forty days” referred to in Numbers 14:32-34. What does this comparison indicate about the purpose of Jesus’ coming to the desert and meet the challenges from the devil? 

3.

Think about the devil’s temptation in verse 3 and Jesus’ answer in verse 4. What kind of temptation is this? How did Jesus overcome it? What can we learn from Jesus? 

4.

Compare what the devil said in verses 5-6 with Jesus’ answer in verse 8. Jesus did not dispute what the devil said in verse 6. Why? (cf. Revelation 11:15) 

5.

But Jesus rejected what the devil said in verse 7. What does this Jesus’ answer show us about the devil’s problem? What does the word “your” (in “your God”) tell us about the direction Jesus gave to the devil? Jesus’ answer in verse 8 came from Deuteronomy 6:13. Why do you think God commanded the Israelites to do this? (cf. James 1:17)

6.

Think about the devil’s temptation described in verses 8-11 with Jesus’ answer in verse 12. How does the truth in verse 12 contrast with the truth in verse 8?

7.

Consider the phrase “until an opportune time”. What does this teach us about the reality we are in? 

**

Write a Bible testimony on one thing you learned about the way Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations.