Part 1: The Baptism of Jesus

Matthew 3:13-17

Far from the city center, past the fields of huge olive trees, and in the wilderness of Judea, a man named John the Baptist preached to the people. He urged them to turn away from their wrongdoings and be baptized in the flowing Jordan River as a symbol of saying sorry. Crowds of people journeyed to hear his message and be baptized.

One day, Jesus, now a grown-up, arrived at the banks of the Jordan River, seeking baptism from John. The warm breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees as Jesus approached. John, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, hesitated, feeling unworthy. He said that he should be baptized by Jesus instead. Jesus replied gently, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." John agreed, took Jesus into the river and baptized Him.

As Jesus emerged from the cool water, the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God descended like a dove, resting upon Jesus. The sunlight shimmered on the water's surface, and a voice from heaven declared, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased."

Part 2: The Temptation of Jesus

Matthew 4:1-11

After his baptism, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the dry, rocky wilderness to be tempted by the devil. For forty days and forty nights, Jesus fasted, growing hungry and weak.

The devil approached Jesus and tested him with three temptations. First, he challenged Jesus to turn stones, which lay scattered across the sandy ground, into bread to satisfy his hunger. Jesus replied, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Next, the devil took Jesus to the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem, its stones warmed by the sun, and tempted him to jump, saying that the angels would save him. Jesus responded, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."

Finally, the devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, their cities stirring with people and markets filled with color and noise. He promised to give them all to Jesus if he would worship him. Jesus firmly declared, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

With each temptation, Jesus resisted the devil's tricks by standing firm in his faith and relying on God's Word. Defeated, the devil left Jesus, and angels came to attend to him, providing comfort and nourishment.

This story demonstrates Jesus’ perfect obedience to God's will, His unwavering faithfulness, and His power of over the sin and temptation.