Tempted

ByJim Stephens

Scripture:  Matthew 4:1-11 (Click the link for the scripture in Bible Gateway)

1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.’” 8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” 10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.’” 11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. (Matthew 4:1-11 NLT)

The very first thing that happened after Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit was that the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil! Jesus fasted alone in the wilderness and was (appropriately) very hungry. The devil came to him and, taking advantage of Jesus’ physical hunger and weakness, tempted him to use the Holy Spirit’s power to satisfy his own needs. Jesus refused him.

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem and tempted him to jump from the peak of the Temple to prove he had supernatural power (and also to create a spectacle that would draw attention to himself). Jesus refused him again. Finally the devil (perhaps in a vision) took him to a place where he could see all the world’s kingdoms and wealth and offered it to him if he would worship the devil. (This must have been a legitimate offer or it wouldn’t qualify as a temptation!). Jesus refused him yet again, and the devil gave up and angels came and took care of Jesus.

Jesus had his Father’s full approval and acceptance. He was doing the right things. He was filled with the Holy Spirit. But he still faced all the temptations the devil could throw at him. Jesus overcame the temptations for us:

  • So he could completely understand what we face: This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15 NLT).
  • And so he could show us the way through: The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)

Is there a particular temptation you struggle with? Being tempted to sin does not mean that your faith is defective or that God doesn’t approve of you! And this story helps us know that Jesus understands and will help you if you ask. Jesus used God’s truth to battle Satan’s temptations. Also, find a truly trusted friend you can honestly share your struggle with. Ask them to pray with you and to hold you accountable.

Prayer: 

Father, Please help my friends and me to overcome the temptations that would hurt us and others. Help us to draw on the strength you provide and not to struggle alone. We want to live as you want us to live and fulfill the purpose you have for our lives. Amen!