Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, as described in Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13.
Matthew 4:1-11
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Matthew 4:1-11
Mark 1:12-13
And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
Mark 1:12-13
Luke 4:1-13
And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
Luke 4:1-13
What is the teaching from the stories where Jesus is tempted by Satan in the Bible?
The accounts of Jesus being tempted by Satan in the wilderness, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, are rich with theological and moral teachings. Here are some of the key lessons and themes derived from these narratives:
- The Human Experience of Temptation: Despite being divine, Jesus experienced temptation, showing his full participation in the human condition. This demonstrates that facing temptation is a normal part of human life and not inherently sinful; what matters is how one responds to it.
- Dependence on God and Scripture: In each instance of temptation, Jesus responds with quotations from Scripture, emphasizing the importance of relying on God’s Word for guidance and strength. This teaches the value of knowing and meditating on the Scriptures as a resource in times of moral testing.
- Spiritual Sustenance Over Physical Needs: When tempted to turn stones into bread, Jesus underscores that spiritual sustenance («every word that proceeds from the mouth of God») is more crucial than physical sustenance. This points to the priority of spiritual needs and a reliance on God for provision.
- Trust in God’s Plan and Timing: In refusing to throw himself down from the temple pinnacle, Jesus rejects the demand for miraculous proof of God’s care, emphasizing trust in God’s plan and timing. This teaches the importance of not testing God or demanding signs on our terms.
- The Primacy of Worshiping God Alone: In rejecting the offer of all the kingdoms of the world, Jesus affirms that worship and service belong to God alone, not to the temptations of power, wealth, or worldly glory. This highlights the call to resist idolatry in all forms.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Spirit, showing that this period of testing was part of God’s plan and that the Spirit was with him. This reminds believers of the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in their own trials.
- Angelic Ministry: In Matthew and Mark, angels come to minister to Jesus after the temptations, indicating God’s care and provision for those who endure testing faithfully. This offers comfort that God does not abandon his people in their trials.
- Jesus’ Victory as a Model for Resistance: Jesus’ victory over Satan’s temptations serves as an example for believers on how to resist temptation—through reliance on God, knowledge of Scripture, and steadfast faith.
- The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: These narratives reveal the reality of spiritual warfare and the personal nature of the struggle between good and evil. Believers are called to be vigilant and equipped for such battles.
Overall, the temptation narratives present a multifaceted teaching on the nature of temptation, the importance of reliance on God and Scripture, and the ultimate victory that can be achieved through faith and obedience.