Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, as described in the Gospels of 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…Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple…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…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
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 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.
Luke 4:1-13
What lesson do the stories where Jesus was tempted by the devil according to the Bible leave us?
These stories where Jesus faces off against the devil’s temptations, there’s a powerful lesson for all of us, especially if you’re walking the path with a deep respect and awe for God. It’s like a beacon, guiding us through our own wilderness, reminding us that challenges and temptations are part of our journey, too.
Imagine this: Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, is led into the wilderness. This isn’t just any stroll in the desert; it’s a 40-day marathon of fasting, prayer, and facing the devil head-on. No food, no comfort, just Him and the vast, empty wilderness. And then, when He’s at His weakest, physically drained, that’s when the devil pounces, tempting Him not once, but three times.
The first temptation hits right at a basic need – hunger. The devil says, «If you’re really the Son of God, turn these stones into bread.» But Jesus stands firm, replying, «Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.» It’s like He’s telling us, «Don’t just chase after what feeds your belly or what seems to satisfy you temporarily. Look deeper, live by the truths and promises God whispers into your life.»
Then, the devil takes Jesus to the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem, challenging Him to throw Himself down, saying, «If you’re really God’s Son, He’ll send His angels to catch you.» But again, Jesus doesn’t take the bait. He responds, «Don’t test the Lord your God.» It’s a clear signal to us that putting God to the test, trying to force His hand to prove His care or presence in our lives, isn’t the way to go. Trust, not tests, keeps us close to Him.
Finally, the devil shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, offering them in exchange for a moment of worship. It’s the ultimate bribe, promising power, glory, and control. Yet, Jesus rejects it outright, saying, «Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.» This moment teaches us about where our true allegiance should lie, not with the temporary crowns and achievements the world dangles before us, but with God, our eternal king and guide.
After these showdowns, the devil leaves, and angels come to take care of Jesus. It’s a vivid picture of what happens when we stand strong in our faith, facing down the temptations and trials with God’s word as our shield. There’s comfort, strength, and renewal waiting for us, just as there was for Jesus.
So, when you find yourself in your own wilderness, facing challenges that seem insurmountable, remember these moments from Jesus’ life. They’re not just ancient stories; they’re reminders of the strength, resilience, and faith we’re called to embody. Like Jesus, we’re equipped to face down our temptations, leaning not on our own understanding but on the timeless truths God has laid out for us.