Finding Resilience, Joy and Our Identity in Jesus Christ Lesson Three

Lesson Three: Jesus Is Tested

Scripture: Luke 4:1–13

Jesus died almost 2,000 years ago and everybody cared, Right?

Jesus was crucified almost 2,000 years ago and this devastated everyone, right? Not exactly. While so many of us adore Jesus Christ our Savior and know him as God‘s beloved child, there were some then who wanted him dead. And, they succeeded, right? Well . . . not exactly.

Jesus was crucified and placed in the tomb, but he surprised everyone when he rose from the grave on Easter. He even amazed his followers, even though he had told them in advance of the resurrection.

I wonder if you were there, would you have trusted in Jesus’ divinity and his predicted resurrection? People, and even demons, in the Bible seem to know who Jesus is, even so, his identity is questioned by some throughout his ministry and at his crucifixion and trial.

In Luke 22:67, Jesus is brought before the council, and they said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us.” In Luke 23:37, soldiers at his crucifixion mock him saying, “‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’” And, Matthew 27:40 reads, “‘If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.’”

And, you will read in Lesson 3 of the Bible study that when Jesus was in the wilderness, even the devil questioned Jesus’ identity (Luke 4:3). When Jesus was tested, the devil began by saying, “‘If you are the Son of God . . .‘“ The devil intentionally questioned Jesus’ identity as God’s child. A person’s integrity is an integral part of their identity and when your name and identity are attacked, it is very painful. But, Jesus had no need to prove to the devil what he and the devil already knew—that he was God’s child.

Imagine that you were there when Jesus was alive, what camp do you think you would have been in? Would you be like some of the religious leaders who were unhappy that Jesus didn’t follow their rules, choosing to practice ministry in a different way? Would you be like those who were nervous, as so many people were listening to Jesus and following him that it seemed threatening? Even if you believe that you would have been a loyal follower of Christ, do you think your faith would have been tested when he was crucified, dead and buried? There were those who doubted Jesus, those who did not trust his word, and some who plotted his death.

So it seems prudent to remember that to some, Jesus was a rabble-rouser, a system-shaker, and a dangerous person in an uncertain time. If you think about it, though, some of the best leaders have been accused of the same things. Their authority has been questioned, because their vision and leadership is different.

What Jesus did was force the church to put people above policy, to seek justice, and to care for marginalized people, including women, whom Jesus healed, talked with, shared meals, taught, and showed great grace and love.

Jesus answered a longing that people had to be seen, to be cared for, to be loved, to live abundantly, and to be fed, sometimes literally, but more often with the bread of life!

2,000 years ago, Jesus was crucified, and some thought that took care of him. But, Jesus overcame even his own death. Christ is alive! Jesus Christ lives and reigns forever.

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This blog is the third in a series of nine blogs.

Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ is the Presbyterian Women in the PC(USA), Inc. Bible study for 2025–2026. Go to presbyterianwomen.org/bible-study/resilience to find more resources and copies for you and your group to study along with us. Call 800/533-4371 or order online.