Temptations by Satan

After being baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus was personally tempted by Satan, but He resisted Satan's temptations with statements from God's Word in the Old Testament.

Long ago, Lucifer, that most beautiful of angels, became proud and wanted to be like God. God cast him out of Heaven, and he became known as Satan (adversary) and the Devil (accuser).

In the garden, he took the form of a serpent and tempted Eve to disobey. God judged him and promised to send one who would defeat him once and for all. Adam and Eve and many of their descendants have waited for that one to come.

Meanwhile, Satan continued to be powerful and had the freedom to tempt and accuse people through the centuries. He went before God, trying to get his way, even challenging God. He tempted Job (a famous patriarch), King David, and others. Even though God allowed these circumstances, He rebuked Satan and protected His people from him. Satan knew Jesus was God’s special Promised One, so he determined to disqualify him by tempting him to sin.

Jesus had come down from Nazareth in Galilee to the Jordan River, where he was baptized by John. As soon as Jesus came out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart! Out came the Spirit and a voice. The Spirit looked like a dove descending on Jesus. The voice said: “I am pleased with you, my dearly loved Son.”

That’s when it began. The Spirit, controlling Jesus, led Him into the desert to be tempted by Satan for 40 days. Jesus fasted the entire time. At the end of 40 days, he was hungry. Satan saw an opportunity. He would tempt Jesus at a moment of weakness.

“You must be hungry. Since you’re God’s Son, make bread out of these stones.” Jesus is God’s Son, God had said so at his baptism. Satan was tempting Jesus to work outside the purpose of his service: to use His power for self, acting independently of God’s plan.

Jesus answered, “God’s Word says, ‘It takes more than mere bread to sustain man’s life.’”

Satan took Jesus and gave Him a glimpse of all the kingdoms of the world at once. He said, “I will give you authority over all this and the glory that goes with it. It is at my disposal to give to whomever I wish. Just worship me, and all this can be yours.” God had said He was pleased with His Son. Satan was attempting to disqualify Jesus so He would be “displeased.”

But Jesus answered, “God’s Word says, ‘Worship and serve the Lord God alone.’”

Finally, Satan took Jesus to the top of the temple in Jerusalem and said, “If you are God’s Son, jump! The Bible says that God will protect His own with angels, even keep him from stubbing his toe.”

Jesus had had enough. “God’s Word says, ‘Do not test the Lord your God.’”

Satan was finished. Since he had no more with which to tempt Jesus, he left him until another opportunity arose.

Jesus was victorious. Where Adam and Eve, their children, and Israel failed in similar temptations, Jesus passed the test, always responding with God’s Word. God showed Satan (and us) that Jesus couldn’t fall; he wouldn’t fail. He is God’s Son, the one sent to defeat Satan. Satan was defeated!