The Temptations of Jesus

The Temptations of Jesus

Introduction
The temptations of Jesus recorded in Matthew 4:1–11 are among the most significant events in His earthly ministry. They reveal that our Savior faced real struggles with Satan, not as an untouchable divine being immune to human weakness, but as the Son of God who felt hunger, fatigue, and pressure. Hebrews 4:15 assures us that Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin. His victory brings us hope, not just by example, but by offering us the power to overcome. By examining how Jesus responded, we learn how to resist the devil, trust in God’s Word, and remain faithful when trials arise.

The Reality of Temptation
The temptations Jesus endured were real. Satan is no fairy tale; he is a living adversary. Matthew tells us the devil came to Jesus, spoke to Him, and then departed (Matthew 4:3, 11). Peter warns in 1 Peter 5:8 that our adversary prowls like a roaring lion seeking to devour us. Jesus’ humanity was also real. After forty days of fasting, He was hungry and physically weak (Matthew 4:2). This vulnerability made Satan’s attacks more dangerous. Just as predators attack the weakest of the herd, Satan seeks us when we are weary. The appeals were also real. First John 2:16 identifies the three main areas of temptation: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life. In this single encounter, Satan used all three against Jesus.

The Three Temptations
First, the lust of the flesh. Satan urged Jesus to turn stones into bread (Matthew 4:3). After forty days without food, this temptation was powerful. Yet Jesus resisted by quoting Scripture: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3). He refused to use divine power for selfish ends.

Second, the pride of life. Twice Satan challenged Him with the words, “If You are the Son of God” (Matthew 4:3, 6). He urged Jesus to cast Himself from the pinnacle of the temple to prove His divine identity. This was an appeal to pride, to show off His power and force God’s hand. Jesus again resisted with Scripture: “You shall not tempt the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 6:16).

Third, the lust of the eyes. Satan showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world and promised them if Jesus would only bow once before him (Matthew 4:8–9). It was a shortcut to kingship, bypassing the suffering of the cross. But Jesus rejected it, saying, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve” (Deuteronomy 6:13). With that, Satan departed, though Luke 4:13 notes he would return at a more convenient time.

Why the Temptation of Jesus Was Necessary
Jesus’ victory brings blessings to us. His example shows us how to resist: by trusting the written Word. Psalm 119:9–11 teaches us to hide God’s Word in our hearts to keep from sin. Jesus proved that even when a temptation seems to answer a need, God’s will must come first. His experience also qualifies Him to help us. Hebrews 2:18 tells us He suffered when tempted, so He can aid those who are tempted. He knows our struggles because He endured them Himself. Jesus was also qualified through His sinlessness to be our perfect sacrifice. Second Corinthians 5:21 and 1 Peter 1:18–19 remind us that He, being without sin, could bear ours on the cross. Finally, His triumph regained what Adam lost. Adam yielded in a garden and was cast into a wilderness. Jesus triumphed in the wilderness and opened the way for us to return to paradise.

Conclusion
We are not always successful in resisting temptation. At times we are weak and fail to lean on God’s Word. But Jesus never failed. He defeated Satan, and through Him we can find victory. Just as earthly wealth is only useful if shared, Jesus’ triumph is meaningful because He shares the blessings of His victory with us. The closing story of the race reminds us that falling is not final if we rise again. In life’s race, we may stumble often, but the Lord calls us to get up and keep running. True victory is found not in never falling, but in rising each time we do.

The Temptations of Jesus Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: Jesus tempted as we are (Hebrews 4:15; Matthew 4:1–11).

• The Reality of Temptation: Satan real (1 Peter 5:8); Jesus vulnerable (Matthew 4:2); Temptations real (1 John 2:16).

• The Three Temptations:

  • Lust of the flesh – Stones to bread (Matthew 4:3; Deuteronomy 8:3).

  • Pride of life – Pinnacle of the temple (Matthew 4:5–6; Deuteronomy 6:16).

  • Lust of the eyes – Kingdoms of the world (Matthew 4:8–9; Deuteronomy 6:13).

• Why the Temptation Was Necessary:

  • Shows us how to resist (Psalm 119:9–11).

  • Qualifies Jesus to help us (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15).

  • Confirms Him as perfect sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:18–19).

  • Reverses Adam’s failure (Romans 5:18–19).

• Conclusion: We fail at times, but Jesus triumphed. Through Him, we can endure temptation and finish the race.

Call to Action
When temptation comes, remember the example of Jesus. Arm yourself with Scripture, refuse the devil’s lies, and trust God’s plan. If you have stumbled, rise again in repentance and continue the race. Christ has gone before us, and He shares His victory with all who follow Him.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus faced real temptations with Satan (Matthew 4:1–11; 1 Peter 5:8).

• Temptations fall into three categories: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life (1 John 2:16).

• Jesus resisted by relying on God’s Word (Deuteronomy 6 and 8).

• His sinlessness qualifies Him as our Savior (2 Corinthians 5:21).

• His victory gives us strength and hope to rise after we fall (Hebrews 2:18).

Scripture Reference List
Matthew 4:1–11 – Jesus’ temptation account
Hebrews 4:15 – Jesus tempted as we are, yet without sin
1 Peter 5:8 – Satan is real, a roaring lion
1 John 2:16 – The three categories of temptation
Deuteronomy 8:3; 6:13, 16 – Scriptures Jesus used in resistance
Psalm 119:9–11 – Hiding God’s Word in our hearts
Hebrews 2:18 – Jesus aids those tempted
2 Corinthians 5:21 – Jesus made sin for us
1 Peter 1:18–19 – Christ as the spotless Lamb
Romans 5:18–19 – Jesus’ obedience contrasted with Adam’s failure

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO