Matthew 4:1-11

JESUS OVERCOMES TEMPTATION’S POWER

Keywords 4:4

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

 

1. Jesus’ fasting and first temptation (1-4)

At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus had to face severe temptation by the devil. The devil tried to tempt him first with hunger, knowing that Jesus had been fasting for 40 days. Jesus refused the temptation to turn stones into bread by Scripture, “Man shall not live on bread alone” (Deut 8:3). Jesus held on to the truth that our life is spiritual and not just physical.

 

2. Jesus resists temptations of earthly glory (5-11)

Next, the devil tempted Jesus to prove his divine identity by jumping off the temple’s highest point. Then he promised Jesus all the world’s wealth in exchange for worship. Jesus answered both temptations with Scripture as well. The devil tempted Jesus with all types of temptations: physical desires, pride, and greed. Jesus succeeded against temptation and showed that he is qualified to save us from the devil.

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, thank you for the victory you won over sin for us. Help me learn from Jesus’ example how to overcome many kinds of temptations.

One Word Temptation can be overcome in Jesus