Main Text: Matthew 4:1-11
Memory Verse: …but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin – Hebrews 4:15 (b)
Introduction
The New Testament provides enough evidence of the humanity of Jesus Christ. Believing that Jesus was human is one of the foundational beliefs of our Christian faith (1 John 4:2; 2 John 7). Like all humans, Jesus was born (Luk 2:7), He grew (Luk 2:40, 52), became tired (John 4:6), got thirsty (John 19:28) and hungry
(Matt 4:2). He became physically weak (Matt 4:11; Luk 23:26). In the passage for our study, we will examine the humanity of Jesus Christ from the perspective of His temptations and how He handled them. This gives us a perfect example that even Jesus in His humanity faced all sorts of temptations and yet was without sin.
Questions For Discussion
- What shows that Jesus Christ was human? Verses 2-3
- Identify the kinds of temptations that came His way. Verses 3, 5-6, 8-9
- How did Jesus Christ deal with the temptations He faced? Verses 4, 7, 10
- Discuss the various temptations we face as Christians in contemporary times.
- How does the word of God help us in overcoming temptations?
Conclusion
The temptations of Jesus showed the depth of His human nature. Even though He was the Word made flesh, He had to depend on the strength of the Word to overcome His temptations. The devil’s intention was to lead Jesus to disobey God. In contemporary times, we are saddled with temptations on morality, money, fame, and pride among others. It is our continuous dependence on God’s word that would enable us to overcome. When the devil could not have his way, he left Christ and so shall it be for us if we stand on the word of God to resist him (James 4:7).