The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness is recorded in Matthew 4:1–11, Mark 1:12–13, and Luke 4:1–13. It took place immediately after His baptism, as He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil. This event affirms Jesus’ sinlessness, His victory over temptation, and His readiness to begin His public ministry.
Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterward He was hungry (Matthew 4:2). During this vulnerable time, the devil came to tempt Him. The first temptation was directed at His physical need: “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” Jesus replied, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’” (Deuteronomy 8:3).
Next, Satan took Him to the pinnacle of the temple and said, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down,” quoting Psalm 91 out of context to imply divine protection. Jesus answered, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God’” (Deuteronomy 6:16).
Finally, the devil showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory and offered them in exchange for worship. Jesus responded, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve’” (Deuteronomy 6:13). At that, the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him.
This account shows that Jesus, though fully divine, faced real human temptation. Yet unlike Adam, He did not yield. He overcame each temptation by quoting Scripture, setting the pattern for resisting the devil through God’s Word and faithfulness.
The wilderness temptation proves Jesus as the spotless Lamb, qualified to be our Savior, and it provides believers with an example of how to endure and overcome spiritual trials.
