The three temptations of Christ
Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
After Jesus Christ was baptized, the Spirit led Him to be tempted by the devil. These temptations are the same ones the devil uses against believers today. We will look at each temptation and learn how Christ overcame them and how we can overcome them in our daily lives as we journey towards heaven.
I. The Temptation to Turn Stones into Bread (Matthew 4:3-4)
"The tempter came to Him and said, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.' Jesus answered, 'It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Understanding the Temptation:
After 40 days and nights of fasting, Jesus was hungry. Satan took advantage of His physical weakness, suggesting He use His divine power to satisfy His hunger. This temptation targets our basic need for food, pushing us to prioritize physical needs over spiritual obedience.
Jesus' Response:
Jesus counters with Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, emphasizing that true life is sustained not just by physical food but by the Word of God. This teaches us to trust in God's provision and prioritize spiritual nourishment over immediate physical gratification.
Life Application:
We are often tempted to focus on our material needs and desires at the expense of our spiritual well-being. Let us remember to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all our needs will be met according to His will.
II. The Temptation to Test God (Matthew 4:5-7)
"Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. 'If you are the Son of God,' he said, 'throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command His angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' Jesus answered him, 'It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Understanding the Temptation:
Satan challenges Jesus to demonstrate His divine sonship by performing a spectacular act, using Scripture to support his challenge. This temptation seeks to undermine faith by demanding proof of God's protection and presence.
Jesus' Response:
Jesus again responds with Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, rejecting the notion of testing God. He emphasizes faith and trust in God’s word without requiring miraculous signs.
Life Application:
We may face situations where we are tempted to test God’s faithfulness, demanding signs or miracles to validate our faith. Instead, let us hold fast to our trust in God’s promises, knowing that He is always with us, even when we don’t see immediate evidence.
III. The Temptation to Worship Worldly Power (Matthew 4:8-10)
"Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 'All this I will give you,' he said, 'if you will bow down and worship me.' Jesus said to him, 'Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.'"
Understanding the Temptation:
Satan offers Jesus worldly power and glory in exchange for worship. This temptation is to gain the world at the cost of forsaking God. It’s a lure towards idolatry and placing anything above our devotion to God.
Jesus' Response:
Jesus commands Satan to leave, quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, affirming that worship and service belong to God alone. This rejection of Satan’s offer underscores Jesus’ absolute commitment to God’s sovereignty.
Life Application:
We may be tempted to pursue success, power, or recognition by compromising our values and faith. Let us remain steadfast in our worship of God alone, serving Him above all else, and resisting the allure of worldly gains that conflict with our spiritual integrity.
In conclusion, the temptations Jesus faced were real and intense, yet He emerged victorious by standing firm on the Word of God. His example teaches us that:
1. We must rely on God’s Word to sustain us, even in times of physical need.
2. We should trust God’s promises without demanding signs and proofs.
3. Our worship and devotion belong solely to God, rejecting any offer that seeks to dethrone Him in our hearts.
As we face our own temptations, let us draw strength from the example of Jesus, using the Scriptures as our guide and trusting in God’s unwavering love and faithfulness. May we, like our Savior, stand firm in faith, overcoming the trials before us, and glorifying God in all that we do.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for thr blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name
2. Lord, grant me the grace to overcome every temptations of thr devil in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, as many who have fallen through the temptations of the devil, raise them up again and give them strength in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.