THE BAPTISM & TEMPTATION OF JESUS CHRIST Lesson Note

Biblical References: Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22; Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 1:12–13; Luke 4:1–13

Baptism is a Christian rite involving the use of water as a sign of cleansing from sin, identification with Christ and entry into the Christian faith.

Jesus' baptism was different from ordinary baptism because Jesus was sinless. He submitted to baptism to identify Himself with humanity, fulfil God's will and begin His public ministry.

THE BAPTISM OF JESUS (MATTHEW 3:13-17)

Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptised by John the Baptist. At first, John tried to prevent Him, saying that he needed to be baptised by Jesus instead.

Jesus replied that it was necessary to fulfil all righteousness. John then agreed and baptised Jesus.

Immediately after Jesus came out of the water:

*The heavens opened.

*The Spirit of God descended like a dove and rested upon Him.

*A voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Temptation means to persuade or entice a person to do something wrong or sinful.

Temptation itself is not a sin. Sin occurs when a person willingly gives in to temptation and does what is wrong.

THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS CHRIST

After His baptism, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, where He fasted for forty days and forty nights. He became hungry, and Satan came to tempt Him.

*First Temptation: Turning Stones into Bread

Satan said to Jesus:

"If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."

Jesus answered that human beings do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from God.

*Second Temptation: Jumping from the Temple

Satan took Jesus to the holy city and placed Him on the pinnacle of the temple. He asked Jesus to throw Himself down, quoting Scripture to suggest that angels would protect Him.

Jesus replied:

“You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”

*Third Temptation: Worshipping Satan

Satan took Jesus to a high mountain and showed Him the kingdoms of the world. He promised to give them to Jesus if He would bow down and worship him.

Jesus rejected him, saying that only God should be worshipped and served.

Satan then left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him. Reference: Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13

COMPARISON OF THE GOSPEL ACCOUNT

The account of the temptations of Jesus was recorded by the three synoptic gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, and luke. They all recorded that after baptism, Jesus was led into the wilderness where he fasted for 40 days. There he was tempted by the devil. However, Mark did not give a detailed account of the temptation. Matthew luke were more detailed in their accounts but sequence of the temptation, as they presented it, differs. However, Matthew’s account of the temptation is much more detailed that all the other synoptic gospels,

HOW JESUS OVERCOME TEMPTATION

Jesus overcame temptation by:

*Knowing and obeying God's Word.

*Refusing to satisfy selfish desires.

*Trusting God rather than testing Him.

*Worshipping God alone.

*Rejecting Satan's suggestions immediately.

*Remaining spiritually disciplined through fasting and prayer.

*Putting God's will above worldly power and pleasure.

THE REASON FOR THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS

The first temptation was aimed at making Jesus give more attention vto physical needs (food) rather than spiritual needs (the word of God)

TEMPTATION FACE BY YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY

*Young people may face many forms of temptation, including:

*Examination malpractice.

*Peer pressure.

*Drug and substance abuse.

*Sexual immorality.

*Stealing and fraud.

*Internet and social-media addiction.

*Pornography.

*Bullying.

*Disobedience to parents and authorities.

*Cultism and gang activities.

*Lying and cheating.

*Materialism and the desire for quick wealth.

MORAL LESSON

*Christians should resist temptation.

*God's Word helps believers overcome temptation.

*We should avoid situations that encourage sinful behaviour.

*Peer pressure should not determine our choices.

*We should worship and obey God alone.

*Prayer, self-control and faith help us overcome temptation.