The Book of Luke: The Temptation in the Wilderness

The Temptation in the Wilderness: LUKE 4:1-13

Luke 4:1-13 describes Jesus' temptation in the wilderness:

_Luke 4:1-13_

1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.

2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread."

4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone.'"

5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.

6 "I will give you all their authority and splendor," he said. "It has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to."

7 "If you worship me, it will all be yours."

8 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"

9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here."

10 "For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a rock.'"

11 Jesus answered, "It is said: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

12 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

13 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through all the surrounding country.

_Key Points:_

1. Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness.

2. Jesus resisted Satan's temptations, relying on Scripture.

3. Jesus affirmed his commitment to worship and serve God alone.

_Reflection Questions:_

1. How does Jesus' wilderness experience relate to his mission?

2. What strategies did Jesus use to resist temptation?

3. How can you apply Jesus' example in facing temptations?

_Additional Verses:_

- Matthew 4:1-11

- Mark 1:12-13

- Deuteronomy 8:3, 6:13, 6:16

_Study Resources:_

- The Bible Project: Luke (video)

- N.T. Wright's Luke for Everyone (commentary)

- The Lutheran Study Bible (study notes)

Would you like:

- More commentary on Luke 4

- Study questions or discussion topics

- Historical context and background

- Comparative analysis with other Gospels

- Devotional or reflection materials

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