Matthew, Mark, Luke

The Temptations and the Master


Introduction

Most believers are familiar with the story of the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness, following His baptism by John in the Jordan. Parallels may be drawn between that incident and the temptation of Adam and Eve, or it may be seen as illustrating the worldly appeals of flesh, eye and pride (I John 2:16).

The temptations of Jesus may be viewed from still another standpoint. That is, they may be studied in the context of the Gospels which record them. The event is described by Matthew (4:1-11), Mark (1:12,13) and Luke (4:1-13). We will examine the point of the temptations in each Gospel as a part of its whole story of Jesus. In other words, we will ask each Gospel writer, "What does this incident say about Jesus of Nazareth?" then seek an answer from that Gospel itself. At the end, we will see Jesus from three points of view - which is why God gave more than one Gospel record in the first place.

Body

I. BY THE TEMPTATIONS, JESUS QUALIFIED AS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE NEW ISRAEL: MATTHEW.

   A. Matthew's Gospel is written for the Jews, showing Jesus to be the true Son of David, Messiah-King and Fulfiller of the Old Testament.

   B. Matthew presents Chriet's story along the story-line of the Jews in the Old Testament.

        Jesus                                                            Israel

        1. Son of Abraham (1:1-17)                         Descendants of Abraham
        2. Called out of Egypt (2:15)                         Called out of Egypt
        3. Baptized (3:13-17)                                   Baptized in the Sea and cloud
        4. Tempted (4:1-11)                                      Tempted (Deuteronomy 8:2,3)
             a. Wilderness                                               Wilderness
             b. 40 days                                                    40 years
             c. hunger                                                       involved hunger
             d. to test obedience and reliance on God       to test obedience and reliance on God
        5. Victorious over Satan                                All that left Egypt fell in the wilderness

   C. Jesus proves Himself as a true "Son of Abraham" and qualifies to make a new covenant as representative of New Israel (see Matthew 26:28).

II. BY THE TEMPTATIONS, JESUS WAS FITTED FOR HIS PERSONAL MINISTRY AS SATAN'S TRIUMPHANT FOE: MARK.

   A. The context.

        1. The temptations follow the baptism of Jesus, at which time He received the Spirit and was owned publicly as Beloved Son.

        2. Immediately after the temptations, Jesus begins proclaiming the kingdom of God (God's reign has invaded Satan's territory in the person of Jesus, 1:14-15).

        3. His first reported teaching demonstrates divine authority (1:21-22).

        4. His first reported miracle is an attack on Satan (1:23-28).

        5. His following works carry the same significance (1:29-34; 1:39; 2:5-12; 3:7-15).

        6. Jesus expressly states His purpose in relation to Satan (3:22-27).

   B. The significance.

        Before Jesus spoils the goods of the strong man (Satan), He enters his house and binds him (see 3:22-27). This He did in the temptations of 1:12-13. He encountered Satan head-on, and proved Himself triumphant over the prince of darkness.

   C. The outcome.

        Jesus was personally triumphant over the power of darkness and the kingdom of Satan. He then begin His triumphant march through Satan's territory, releasing his captives and undoing his works. Mark's Gospel ends with the Christian gospel being preached throughout the world, accompanied by signs of power and victory over Satan (16:15-20).

III. BY THE TEMPTATIONS, JESUS QUALIFIED AS REPRESENTATIVE OF ALL MANKIND AND AS SECOND ADAM:LUKE.

   A. Luke's parallel.

        1. Adam was the son of God (3:38).

        2. Jesus descends from Adam, not merely from Abraham as in Matthew (3:23-38).

        3. Satan questions Jesus' identity as the Son of God (4:3).

        4. Whereas Adam fell to Satan's temptations, Jesus triumphs over them, making Himself an able representative of mankind in the place of Adam.

   B. The point in other passages (see Romans 5:12-21; I Corinthians 15:20-22; contrast Jesus in Philippians 2:5-9 with Adam's fall through pride).

   C. Because Jesus overcame Satan as a man we have encouragement in our temptations (Hebrews 2:18; 4:14-16).

Conclusion

Matthew shows Jesus, by overcoming temptation, to be a true descendant of Abraham, all that Old Testament Israel was not, and the "true Israel" (representatively) through a relationship with whom men find identity as God's Nation (rather than through an identity with fleshly Israel). Jesus makes a new covenant by His own blood, fulfills the Old Testament system and inaugurates the Kingdom of God (which is announced officially on Pentecost when the Spirit brings word of Christ's completed coronation at God's right hand in heaven).

Mark shows Jesus, by overcoming temptation, to be personally fitted to spoil the domain of Satan. This He proceeds to do immediately after His encounter with the devil, by casting out demons, healing the sick and teaching the kingdom of God with authority. The strong man was bound and his goods were taken by the stronger than-he.

Luke shows Jesus, by overcoming temptation, to be a fit representative of mankind, doing what Adam had not done - obeying God rather than falling through pride and ambition. Jesus is a descendant of Adam, one of us in the flesh, and the only man who can reconcile mankind to God. His temptations serve also as an encouraging example for our own, and give incentive for us to approach Him now as merciful high priest.

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