COMPARATIVE ACCOUNT OF THE TEMPTATION IN THE SYNOPTIC  

WEEK TWO

TOPIC: COMPARATIVE ACCOUNT OF THE TEMPTATION IN THE SYNOPTIC    GOSPELS.  Mat 4: 1-11, Mark 1: 12-13. Luke 4: 1-13

CONTENT

• The temptation accounts
• The significance of the temptation

Jesus Christ fasted for forty days and forty nights and was tempted in the wilderness by the devil.

According to Mathew and Luke the devil told him if he was the Son of God he should command stone to become bread.  Jesus answered, it is written, and man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.

In the second and third temptation, there is a disparity in the way it is reported by the synoptists.  The second temptation in Mathew appears third in Luke while the third temptation in Luke appears second in Mathew.

According to Mathew, in the second temptation, the devil took him to the Holy city to the pinnacle of the temple and asked him to jump down, since the angels would take charge of him.  Jesus replied, “it is written, you shall not tempt the Lord you God:

Thirdly, the devil took him up to a high mountain and showed him all the glories and the riches thereof.  He asked Jesus to bow down and worship him and everything would be given to him.  Jesus replied, “begone Satan, for it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve”.  Both Mathew and Luke agree on the wordings of the three temptations.

Finally, at the end of the temptation, Mathew and Mark reported that the angels arrived at the scene of the event to serve Jesus and rejoice over his victory.  Luke says that at the end the devil departed until an opportune time.

EVALUATION

Narrate the temptation of Jesus according to Luke.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS’ TEMPTATION OR LESSONS TO LEARN

1. No one is above temptation.
2. It is possible to overcome temptation if we rely on and actively seek the help of God.
3. We should always be at alert especially at moments of our weakness. These are vulnerable period of life when Satan is most likely to strike.
4. We should always bear in mind that temptation is not a sin, sin comes only when we yield to temptation through the exercise of our wills. Hence every one must be held responsible for his actions.
5. We overcome temptation through the word of God prayer and fasting.
6. At the time we are closest to God, Satan will try to pull out from God.
7. We should try to discipline ourselves physically so as to be able to cut our passions and desires.

EVALUATION

1. What is temptation?
2. State four significance of the temptation of Jesus Christ

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. Narrate the temptation of Jesus according to Matthew.
2. Discuss God as the controller of the universe.
3. Describe the uniqueness of man among the creations of God.
4. Write short notes on (a) faith (b) Law
5. How can a Christian rightly become a child of God?

READING ASSIGNMENT

R.S.V Bible Read Matt. 4: 1-11, 1:12-13, Luke 4: 1-13

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Jesus Christ was led by the spirit into the ______.(a)Galilee (b)Wilderness (c)River Jordan (d) Jerusalem
2. Jesus Christ fasted for _________ days and ________ nights (a) three days and three nights   (b) seven days and seven nights  (c) forty days and forty nights (d) twenty days and twenty nights
3. Jesus’ reply to the second temptation according to Matthew is ______.(a) begone Satan (b) man shall not live by bread alone   (c) you shall not tempt your Lord your God   (d) I will comply
4. When Jesus was tempted he _______ (a) overcame the temptation   (b) fell into the temptation   (c) yielded to them (d) meditated on them
5. From the third temptation it is obvious that Jesus (a) had political ambition   (b) had no political ambition    (c) had partial political ambition     (d) all of the above

1. In modern-day Nigeria, temptation is a very serious problem, with people falling prey to it in many different ways. Some of the most common forms of temptation include corruption, materialism, greed, and sexual promiscuity. To overcome these temptations and live a life that is true to our values and morals, it is important to have
2. strong faith in God, cultivate a sense of discipline and self-restraint, and surround ourselves with supportive and like-minded people. Ultimately, the key to resisting temptation is understanding that it is not something we should be ashamed of or afraid of – after all, we are only human. The ability to overcome temptation ultimately lies within us, and is a testament to our strength and resilience as individuals.

THEORY

1. Discuss temptation in contemporary Nigeria.
2. Is temptation avoidable? Discuss.

REFERENCES

• Martins I. Amaechi – Comprehensive Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools for SS1, SS2 and SS3 page 242 – 245
• The Holy Bible R. S. V Text  4: 1-11, Mark 1: 12-13, Luke 4: 1-13