Lecture Notes: Gospel of Mark and Temptation of Jesus

Introduction

• Focus: Gospel of Mark proving Jesus is God
• Key Points:
  • Jesus is both God and man
  • Lived in Nazareth, began ministry post-baptism
  • Mark's aim: Believe in Jesus as God for salvation

Evidence of Jesus' Divinity

• John the Baptist: Prepared the way for Jesus
• Baptism of Jesus:
  • Spirit descended
  • Heavens torn open
  • Father spoke from heaven
• Significance: Fulfillment of prophecies, confirming Jesus as "God with us"

Early Life of Jesus

• Lived 30 years in obscurity as a carpenter’s son
• Baptism marked the start of his public ministry
• Baptism event witnessed by approximately 300,000 people

Beginning of Ministry

• Post-Baptism:
  • Inauguration of Jesus’ messianic ministry
  • Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Temptation of Jesus (Mark 1:12-13)

• Spirit's Role: Immediately drove Jesus into the wilderness
• Duration: 40 days and nights
• Challenges: Tempted by Satan, amidst wild animals, ministered by angels

Purpose of Temptation Narrative

1. Majesty of Jesus:
   • Sinless nature, perfection, both God and man
2. Learning from Jesus:
   • Overcoming temptation, obedience to the Father

Details of the Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11)

• Temptation #1: Turn stones to bread
  • Response: "Man shall not live by bread alone..."
• Temptation #2: Jump from the temple
  • Response: "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test."
• Temptation #3: Worship Satan for worldly kingdoms
  • Response: "You shall worship the Lord your God..."

Lessons from Jesus’ Temptation

• Use of Scripture: Jesus countered temptations with God's word
• Satan’s Tactics: Attacks when weakest, questions identity
• Victory Over Temptation:
  • Filled and led by the Holy Spirit
  • Stripped of earthly strength to fully rely on God

Application for Believers

• Filled with the Holy Spirit: Essential for overcoming temptation
• Knowing and Using Scripture: Memorize and utilize in times of trial
• Practical Steps:
  • Identify personal vulnerabilities
  • Memorize relevant scripture
  • Resist the devil actively

Conclusion

• Faithfulness of Jesus: Proves divinity through victory over sin
• Call to Action: Rely on God's word and spirit, resist temptation

Closing Prayer

• Seeking God’s help in understanding and strength to resist temptation

• Quotes & References:
  • Adrien Rogers on blessings and trials
  • Artent Hughes on temptations and triumphs
  • Isaiah 42:1 prophecy about Jesus

Music and final prayer conclude the session.