Matthew and Luke both record three temptations that Jesus faced in the wilderness. Matthew writes:
“Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’ But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”’” (Matthew 4:3–4)
Here Satan tempted Jesus to use His power selfishly to satisfy hunger. But Jesus, though truly hungry, refused to act apart from His Father’s will. He relied on Scripture, quoting from Deuteronomy, showing that true life comes by trusting God’s Word.
The second temptation was for Him to test God:
“Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: “He shall give His angels charge over you,” and, “In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.”’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is written again, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”’” (Matthew 4:5–7)
Satan twisted Scripture, but Jesus refused to demand proof of the Father’s care. He trusted God without presumption.
Finally, Satan tempted Him with glory without the cross:
“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.”’” (Matthew 4:8–10)
Jesus rejected the shortcut of power without suffering. His kingdom would come not by bowing to Satan but by obeying the Father, even unto the cross.
Luke records the same temptations but places the temple test last (Luke 4:3–12). Both show that Jesus triumphed by relying on God’s Word. Mark mentions the temptation only briefly, saying:
“And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.” (Mark 1:13)
Each temptation struck at the heart of who Jesus is… the Son of God. Where Adam and Israel failed, He prevailed. By overcoming these trials, Jesus proved Himself the faithful Son who would not be turned aside from His mission.
