Notes on Matthew 4:1-11 The Temptation in the Wilderness.

         1.   Jesus faces three temptations which were of the same
    nature that Adam & Eve faced, with the exception that Jesus was
    victorious.  The three temptations were 1) the lust of the flesh
    2) the pride of life & 3) the lust of the eyes.  1 John 2:15-16
    describes how the three temptations above are from the world
    system and are not from God.

         2.   The Apostle Paul shows in the fifth chapter of Romans
    that Jesus is a type of Adam and the Jesus' victory in the
    wilderness reconciles man with God which relationship was broken
    in the Garden of Eden.

         3.   Hebrews 2:14-18 shows that the defeat of Satan at
    Calvary delivers the believer from slavery to sin.  Since Jesus is
    the propitiation for the sins of the believer and has suffered all
    possible temptations, He is able to comfort those who are being
    tempted.  Hebrews 4:15-16 reiterates this doctrine and gives
    reassurance to the Christian in need.

         4.   That verse 4:1 says that Jesus was led into the desert
    by the Spirit indicates that this was a test God intended for
    Jesus to experience.  NIV Study Bible points out that Jesus was to
    be tested as Israel was in the desert (1446).  It also says that
    God tests faith, but Satan tempts to evil.

         5.   NIV Study Bible also points out the significance of 40
    days in the desert verses 40 years of Israel's testing (1446).  It
    might also be pointed out that Moses, a type of Christ as the
    intercessor / priest / deliverer was 40 when he was called, spent
    40 years being readied to lead the people out of slavery and had a
    ministry that spanned another 40 years after leading Israel out of
    Egypt.

         6.   NIV Study Bible affirms that Satan knew the Deity of
    Jesus but tempted Him to use His powers contrary to the
    commandments of God the Father.


                                  Works Cited

              Bible (New American Standard).  Nashville, Tennessee:
    Holman Bible Publishers, 1977.
              The NIV Study Bible (New International Version). Grand
    Rapids, Michigan:  Zondervan Bible Publishers, 1985.