Matthew 4
The Story of the Temptation of Jesus
After His baptism, Jesus is led into the wilderness and overcomes the devil's temptations by the word of God.
Setting and Context
Matthew places the temptation immediately after the baptism and before public ministry. Where Israel failed in the wilderness, Jesus remains faithful as the true Son who lives by every word from God's mouth.
The Story
Jesus is led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He is hungry. The tempter urges Him to turn stones into bread if He is the Son of God.
Jesus answers that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Next He is set on a pinnacle of the temple and urged to cast Himself down, twisting Scripture. Jesus refuses to tempt the Lord.
Finally the devil shows Him the kingdoms of the world and offers them for worship. Jesus commands, Get thee hence, Satan, for it is written to worship God only. The devil leaves, and angels come and minister unto Him.
Meaning and Importance
Jesus fasts forty days and is tempted to turn stones to bread, to cast Himself down, and to worship Satan for the kingdoms of the world. He answers each temptation with Scripture, and the devil leaves Him.
The temptation of Jesus reveals His faithful obedience under pressure. He will not use divine sonship for self-serving shortcuts. Scripture rightly used becomes His defense, and victory in the wilderness prepares His public mission.
Biblical Art Connected to This Story
Key KJV Verses
Matthew 4:1
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.”
Read Matthew 4Matthew 4:4
“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.”
Read Matthew 4Matthew 4:7
“Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”
Read Matthew 4Matthew 4:10
“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.”
Read Matthew 4Matthew 4:11
“Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”
Read Matthew 4What This Story Teaches
- Jesus meets temptation with God's word.
- True sonship refuses shortcuts that bypass the Father's will.
- Worship belongs to God alone.
Questions about Temptation of Jesus
Where is the temptation of Jesus in the Bible?
The temptation is recorded in Matthew 4, Mark 1, and Luke 4.
How did Jesus resist temptation?
Jesus answered each temptation by quoting Scripture and refusing to distrust or displace the Father.
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