“Jesus Baptism & Temptation” (Matt. 3,4; Mark 2, Luke 3,4)

Published 29 Dec. 2025

Scroll down for “Lessons Learned…”

Designed for Personal Bible Study or for Bible Teaching

1️⃣ It is possible to hear the truth about Jesus and still refuse to respond in faith (Jn 1:10–11).
2️⃣ Repentance is not optional preparation—sin leaves people unready for a holy Messiah (Lk 3:3–6).
3️⃣ Spiritual testing often follows spiritual confirmation; do not be surprised by warfare after blessing (Lk 4:1–2).
4️⃣ Temptation targets mission—Satan’s aim is to turn people from God’s calling (Matt 4:1–3).
5️⃣ If Scripture is absent from our minds, we are spiritually vulnerable in the moment of pressure (Ps 119:11).

1️⃣ Many were drawn to John’s message yet still needed God’s declaration to truly recognize Jesus (Matt 3:16–17).
2️⃣ People often confuse outward religion with inward readiness for Messiah (Lk 3:7–9).
3️⃣ Israel’s long wait for Messiah did not guarantee recognition when He arrived (Jn 1:10–11).
4️⃣ Satan’s strategy is to exploit hunger, weakness, and isolation to derail obedience (Lk 4:2–3).
5️⃣ Many believers fail by answering temptation with feelings instead of God’s Word (Matt 4:4).

1️⃣ Refusing repentance while expecting God’s blessings is spiritual hypocrisy (Lk 3:8).
2️⃣ Doubting God’s Word and replacing it with self-rule is the root of temptation’s power (Gen 3:1–6).
3️⃣ Worshiping anything besides God—even comfort, control, or success—is idolatry (Matt 4:10).
4️⃣ Testing God to demand proof, instead of trusting Him, is sin (Matt 4:7).
5️⃣ Treating Jesus as merely a moral teacher rather than the Son of God is unbelief (Matt 3:17).

1️⃣ John faithfully prepared the way by calling people to repentance and readiness (Lk 3:3–6).
2️⃣ John publicly testified to Jesus as God’s chosen One (Jn 1:29–34).
3️⃣ Jesus submitted to baptism to fulfill God’s purpose and receive God’s public declaration (Matt 3:15–17).
4️⃣ The Father and Spirit unmistakably affirmed Jesus’ identity and mission (Lk 3:21–22).
5️⃣ Jesus defeated Satan by standing on Scripture alone (Matt 4:1–11).

1️⃣ The Holy Spirit’s leading may include solitude, fasting, and prayer for clarity of mission (Lk 4:1–2).
2️⃣ Filling our minds with Scripture is a primary defense against spiritual attack (Ps 119:105).
3️⃣ God’s Word exposes lies and strengthens obedience under pressure (Heb 4:12).
4️⃣ True spiritual maturity is proven in temptation, not merely in public moments (Jas 1:12).
5️⃣ Preparation for a new year should include time alone with God in His Word (Josh 1:8).

1️⃣ Godly leaders call people to repentance before celebration, because holiness matters (Lk 3:7–8).
2️⃣ Leaders must clearly identify Jesus as Savior, not merely a helpful religious figure (Jn 1:29).
3️⃣ Wise leadership prepares people for testing after spiritual milestones (1 Pet 5:8–9).
4️⃣ Leaders teach believers to fight with Scripture, not emotions or willpower alone (Eph 6:17).
5️⃣ Strong leaders help people close the year with spiritual readiness and dependence on the Holy Spirit (Lk 4:1).