What Is the Temptation of Jesus?
What Is the Temptation of Jesus? The temptation of Jesus was Satan's threefold attempt to divert Christ from His mission — in the wilderness, at the temple pinnacle, and on a high mountain.
Key verse: Matthew 4:3-4 (KJV)
The temptation of Jesus was Satan's threefold attempt to divert Christ from His mission — in the wilderness, at the temple pinnacle, and on a high mountain.
The temptation of Jesus was Satan's threefold attempt to divert Christ from His mission — in the wilderness, at the temple pinnacle, and on a high mountain.
"And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." — Matthew 4:3-4 (KJV)
Meaning
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The Biblical Answer
Immediately after His baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward He was hungry. Satan approached Him with three temptations. First, the lust of the flesh: 'If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.' Jesus answered, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.' Second, the pride of life: Satan took Him to the temple pinnacle and said, 'Cast thyself down,' quoting Psalm 91. Jesus answered, 'Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.' Third, the lust of the eyes: Satan showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and offered them for a single act of worship. Jesus answered, 'Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.' Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered unto Him. The temptation reveals Jesus as the second Adam — where the first Adam failed in a garden of plenty, the second Adam triumphed in a wilderness of want. It also shows that Jesus was truly tempted in all points like us, yet without sin.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
"Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Is Satan (the Devil)?
Satan is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and now leads the forces of evil, seeking to oppose God's purposes and destroy humanity.
What Does the Bible Say About Temptation?
The Bible teaches that temptation is universal but not irresistible — God always provides a way of escape, and Jesus Himself was tempted yet without sin.
What Is the Fall of Man in the Bible?
The Fall refers to Adam and Eve's disobedience in Eden, which introduced sin, death, and corruption into God's good creation and separated humanity from God.
What Is the Passion of Christ?
The Passion of Christ refers to the suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus — the events that secured salvation for all who believe.
What Is Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem one week before His resurrection, when crowds waved palm branches and cried 'Hosanna!'
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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