The first recorded instance of someone questioning Jesus occurred right after His baptism, when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness. Satan challenged Jesus three times, questioning His identity and attempting to lead Him astray. Jesus responded each time with scripture, emphasizing spiritual nourishment over physical needs, faith without testing God, and worshiping God alone. This encounter demonstrates Jesus’ deep knowledge of scripture and His unwavering commitment to God’s will.
Following the temptation, religious leaders like the Pharisees and teachers of the law also questioned Jesus, often trying to trap Him. One of the first confrontations occurred when they criticized Jesus’ disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath, but Jesus responded by teaching that mercy is more important than sacrifice and asserting His authority over the Sabbath. John the Baptist also sent disciples to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah, to which Jesus pointed to His works as proof of His divine mission. These early encounters highlight Jesus’ wisdom, authority, and validation of His messianic role, offering valuable lessons in how to respond to challenges with faith and integrity. Keep reading to discover more about the power of Jesus’ responses and what we can learn from them today.
In the fascinating narrative of Jesus’ life and ministry, many encounters stand out, especially those where He was questioned or confronted. Understanding who questioned Jesus first gives us a glimpse into the early challenges He faced and the profound wisdom He exhibited. Let’s dive into this topic and explore the interactions and the lessons they bring.
The Temptation in the Wilderness
The first recorded instance of someone questioning Jesus takes place right after His baptism. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Here, Satan himself questions Jesus.
The Tempter’s Challenge
In Matthew 4:1-11, we see the devil’s threefold challenge:
- Turn Stones into Bread: After fasting for forty days and forty nights, Jesus was hungry. Satan said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread” (Matthew 4:3, NIV).
- Throw Yourself Down: Satan then took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and said, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you…’” (Matthew 4:6, NIV).
- Worship Me for the World’s Kingdoms: Finally, Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor, saying, “All this I will give you if you will bow down and worship me” (Matthew 4:9, NIV).
Jesus’ Responses
Each time, Jesus countered Satan’s questions and temptations with scripture.
- “Man shall not live on bread alone…” (Matthew 4:4, NIV): Jesus emphasizes spiritual nourishment over physical needs.
- “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Matthew 4:7, NIV): He underscores faith and trust in God without demanding proof.
- “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” (Matthew 4:10, NIV): Jesus affirms that worship and allegiance are due to God alone.
This interaction shows Jesus’ deep-rooted knowledge of scripture and His unwavering commitment to God’s will.
The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law
After the devil’s temptation, the next significant group to question Jesus were the Pharisees and teachers of the law. These religious leaders were often skeptical and confrontational, trying to trap Jesus with their questions.
The First Confrontation
One notable encounter is in Matthew 12:1-14. Jesus and His disciples were walking through grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them.
The Pharisees saw this and questioned Jesus: “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:2, NIV). They accused Jesus of breaking Sabbath laws.
Jesus’ Teaching
In response, Jesus cited examples from the scriptures where human need took precedence over ceremonial law, including David eating the consecrated bread (1 Samuel 21:1-6). He concluded with, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8, NIV), asserting His authority over religious traditions and emphasizing the importance of mercy over sacrifice.
John the Baptist
Interestingly, before the confrontations with the Pharisees, there’s another significant figure who questioned Jesus—John the Baptist. Although John baptized Jesus, he later sent his disciples to ask a crucial question.
John’s Inquiry
In Matthew 11:2-3, while John was in prison, he heard about Jesus’ deeds and sent his disciples to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus’ Assurance
Jesus responded by pointing to His works: “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor” (Matthew 11:4-5, NIV). Jesus’ answer affirmed His messianic role and reassured John through evidence of His ministry.
The First Recorded Public Question
The first public questioning of Jesus’ authority in a larger setting came when He began teaching in the synagogues.
Teaching in Capernaum
In Mark 1:21-28, Jesus taught in the synagogue at Capernaum. People were amazed at His teaching because He taught with authority, unlike the teachers of the law. During this, a man possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” (Mark 1:24, NIV).
Jesus’ Command
Jesus commanded the spirit, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” (Mark 1:25, NIV). The spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. This act amazed the people and spread His fame throughout the region.
Lessons from the Questions
These early instances of Jesus being questioned teach us several vital lessons:
- Scriptural Wisdom: Jesus always responded with wisdom rooted in scripture, showing us the power and authority of God’s word.
- Authority Over Tradition: Jesus challenged established religious traditions, emphasizing compassion, mercy, and the spirit of the law over rigid adherence to rules.
- Messianic Evidence: Jesus’ works validated His identity and mission, providing proof of His divine authority and purpose.
Conclusion
The first to question Jesus was Satan, immediately testing His identity and mission. This was followed by challenges from religious leaders and even a confirming question from John the Baptist. Each encounter highlights Jesus’ profound wisdom, authority, and the powerful validation of His role as the Messiah.
As you reflect on these interactions, consider how Jesus’ responses can guide you in facing your challenges and questions with faith, wisdom, and integrity.
FAQs: Who Questioned Jesus First?
1. Who was the first to question Jesus according to the Bible?
The first to question Jesus was Satan during the temptation in the wilderness. This event is detailed in Matthew 4:1-11, where Satan challenges Jesus with three temptations.
2. What were the three questions or challenges Satan posed to Jesus?
- Turn stones into bread: “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread” (Matthew 4:3, NIV).
- Throw yourself down: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you…’” (Matthew 4:6, NIV).
- Worship me for the world’s kingdoms: “All this I will give you if you will bow down and worship me” (Matthew 4:9, NIV).
3. How did Jesus respond to Satan’s temptations?
Jesus responded to each temptation by quoting scripture:
- To turning stones into bread: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, NIV).
- To throwing Himself down: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matthew 4:7, NIV).
- To worshiping Satan: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Matthew 4:10, NIV).
4. Who were the Pharisees and how did they question Jesus?
The Pharisees were a group of Jewish religious leaders. They often questioned Jesus to challenge His authority or to trap Him into saying something they could use against Him. For instance, they questioned Him about His disciples picking grain on the Sabbath in Matthew 12:2.
5. Did John the Baptist question Jesus?
Yes, John the Baptist, while in prison, sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3, NIV). Jesus reassured him by pointing to the miraculous works He was performing.
6. What significance did Jesus’ responses to the Pharisees hold?
Jesus’ responses to the Pharisees often highlighted the deeper spiritual truths behind the law. He emphasized mercy, compassion, and the intent behind the commandments rather than strict adherence to the rules alone.
7. When did Jesus first encounter public questioning of His authority?
One of the first public instances was in the synagogue at Capernaum, where a man with an impure spirit recognized Him and questioned His purpose. Jesus commanded the spirit to come out of the man, demonstrating His authority (Mark 1:21-28).
8. What lessons can we learn from how Jesus handled being questioned?
- Use of Scripture: Jesus consistently used scripture to respond, showing its power and relevance.
- Focus on Compassion: He prioritized mercy and understanding over rigid rule-following.
- Affirmation of Identity: His actions and responses always affirmed His divine mission and authority.
9. Why is it important to understand who questioned Jesus first?
Understanding who questioned Jesus first and how He responded provides insight into His character, the nature of His ministry, and how He dealt with challenges. It also offers valuable lessons for us on handling our own spiritual and everyday challenges.
10. Where can I read more about these interactions in the Bible?
You can read about the temptation in the wilderness in Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus’ interactions with the Pharisees in Matthew 12:1-14, and the encounter with John the Baptist’s disciples in Matthew 11:2-6. Each Gospel offers unique perspectives on these events.
