As It Is Written

Key Question: If Jesus treated Scripture as the final authority, what makes us think we can do otherwise?

I. Jesus Quoted Scripture to Defeat Temptation

Text: Matthew 4:1–11

Jesus responded to Satan with “It is written…” three times.
He quoted from Deuteronomy—written approximately 1,400 years earlier.
He didn’t rely on personal strength, debate, or new revelation.
He stood on the written Word as His defense.
Reflection: When you’re tempted, what do you reach for—feelings or Scripture?

II. Jesus Quoted Scripture to Teach Truth

Text: Matthew 22:31–32

Jesus corrected the Sadducees’ false theology by quoting Exodus.
He emphasized the present-tense “I am” to affirm the resurrection.
He declared that God was still speaking through ancient Scripture.
Reflection: Do you treat God’s Word as past history—or as God still speaking today?

III. Jesus Quoted Scripture to Reveal Himself

Text: Luke 24:27

On the road to Emmaus, Jesus used Moses and the Prophets to reveal Himself.
He didn’t use new miracles—He used old Scripture.
He showed that the Old Testament points directly to Him.
Reflection: Are you looking for Jesus in emotional moments, or in the written Word?

IV. Jesus Quoted Scripture to Confront Error

Text: Mark 7:6–13

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for replacing God’s commands with man-made traditions.
He quoted Isaiah, written over 700 years earlier, as present truth.
He exposed how tradition can cancel truth when Scripture is no longer the standard.
Reflection: Are your beliefs shaped more by tradition, preference, or Scripture?

V. The Scriptures Are Still the Authority Today

Texts: John 10:35, Matthew 24:35

Jesus said, “The Scripture cannot be broken.”
He also declared, “My words will never pass away.”
His Word is eternal, unchanging, and still binding.
Reflection: Are you submitting to the Word—or just using the parts you like?

Final Challenge