What were Jesus' desert temptations and what can we learn from them?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Jesus experienced three severe temptations in the wilderness from the Father of Lies (Satan), during a time He would have been physically weak after a brutal forty day fast. The first is when the Devil tempts Jesus to prove He is the Son of God by misusing His power, but Jesus uses Scripture as His offensive weapon, affirming His dependence on the Father (Matthew 4:4). Next, Satan challenges Jesus to prove His identity again, but this time he misuses Scripture, assuring Jesus that He can act out of His own authority and bring glory to Himself by doing so (Matthew 4:6). However, Jesus responds with Scripture again, exposing the issue of “testing” God (Matthew 4:7). The final temptation is when Satan takes Jesus to a “very high mountain” (Matthew 4:8) in which he offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the earth in exchange for worshiping him (Matthew 4:9), which was a legitimate offer since Satan is in fact the current ruler of the earth. This is arguably the most tempting offer because succumbing to it would have supposedly allowed Jesus to skip all the sacrifice and torture of the cross. However, Jesus sharply tells Satan to leave and affirms through Scripture that His loyalty remains with God alone (Matthew 4:10).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Satan quoted part of Psalm 91:11 when trying to convince Jesus to test God.
• In countering Satan’s temptations, Jesus quotes Scripture, which would be the Old Testament. For example, when Satan asks Him to throw Himself down because He knew God would save Him, Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16: “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah.” The Israelites had complained to Moses about lack of water rather than trusting that God would provide for them as He always had (Exodus 17:1-7).
• The first two commandments of what are known as the Ten Commandments indicate that worship belongs to God alone (Exodus 20:3-4). Deuteronomy 6:13-14 iterates that command, and Jesus quoted it when Satan asked for worship.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• After fasting for forty days, Jesus was clearly hungry. Satan chose to tempt Jesus by telling Him to turn stones into bread. Jesus responded by quoting from Deuteronomy, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
• Matthew then records that the Devil took Jesus to the top of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem and told Him to jump off. Satan quoted the Old Testament passage that stated, "On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone" (Matthew 4:6; see Psalm 91:11). The idea was that Jesus would miraculously be rescued in public, revealing His great power to those watching. Jesus quoted again from Deuteronomy, saying, "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test" (Matthew 4:7). He knew that this would be a misuse of power and in direct violation of the mission God the Father had given Him.
• In the third temptation, "Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory" (Matthew 4:8). The devil then said he would give Jesus authority over all of these kingdoms if Jesus would worship him. Jesus refused, telling the devil to "Be gone" (Matthew 4:10) and quoting Deuteronomy a third time: "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve." The devil then left Him and angels served Him (Matthew 4:11).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

When Satan tempted Jesus, Jesus responded with God’s Word. The truth of God’s Word gives us clarity for what is right and equips us to discern and reject the enemy’s lies. Knowing and holding onto God’s Word helps us stand firm in times of temptation, just as Jesus did. God’s Word reminds us of His promises, strengthens our faith, and directs our actions, providing a firm foundation that Satan cannot shake. When we rely on Scripture, we are not relying on our own strength but on the power of God to guide, protect, and sustain us through trials and spiritual battles.

When we face temptation, we can look to Jesus as our ultimate example. We can acknowledge our human struggles and weaknesses, and like Jesus, not give into sin. Feeling tempted is not a failure but an opportunity to rely on God. In times of trial, we can choose worship and obedience over shortcuts, pride, or selfish desires, trusting that God’s strength is greater than any temptation. Following His example, we can resist the enemy and live in a way that honors God even when circumstances are difficult.

UNDERSTAND

• Jesus’ temptations showed His humanity and deity.
• Jesus resisted all temptations by quoting Scripture.
• Jesus’ example teaches us to rely on God’s Word and His strength to overcome temptation.

REFLECT

• How can you use God’s Word as Jesus did to resist temptation in your own life?
• When you face weakness or stress, how might acknowledging your humanity help you rely more on God’s strength?
• Which areas of temptation in your life require you to choose obedience and worship over shortcuts or selfish desires?

ENGAGE

• How does Jesus’ response to Satan challenge our common ways of dealing with temptation?
• In what practical ways can we encourage each other to rely on Scripture during spiritual battles?
• How does understanding both Jesus’ humanity and deity shape the way we approach our own struggles with sin?