The Temptation of Jesus

(Another Look)

The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Mt 4; Mk 1; Lk 4) reminds us that Jesus was sinless, but it also is supposed to remind us that He “was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (He 4:15). We may generally accept this but may have nagging thoughts that His temptations weren’t really like “my temptations.” So, let’s look at it again…

He's not like me. Scripture consistently presents Jesus as having a physical body that had the same needs and desires that we have (He 2:14, 17; Ro 8:3; Ph 2:7). He got hungry, tired, sad, stressed, etc.

He could do things I can’t do. Although Jesus had miraculous power, He didn’t use that power to overcome temptation or suffering. He faced temptation the same way we have to. And remember, Jesus responded to Satan’s temptations by repeatedly quoting Scripture (Mt 4:4, 7, 10). We can do that!

I’m not tempted by those things. We can’t turn stones into bread. We don’t expect angels to catch us if we jump off something high. And we don’t expect to receive all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. But these types of things have historically been a problem for us. Think about this a little deeper…

The first sin…

· Eve saw the tree was good for food (Ge 3:6). Physical appetites tempt us. The devil tried to tempt Jesus’ appetite: “command that these stones become bread” (Mt 4:3).

· The fruit was pleasant to Eve’s eyes (Ge 3:6). Things we see and covet tempt us. The devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory (Mt 4:8).

· Eve believed the tree would make her wise (Ge 3:6). Pride and our desire to choose for ourselves tempt us. The devil tempted Jesus to tempt (test) God to prove He was the Son of God.

What Jesus went through was in essence where mankind has historically failed leading to sin. Now think about this a little deeper.

Israel’s sin

· Israel historically put their physical needs above their spiritual needs (ex: food and water in the wilderness)

· Israel historically tempted and tested God, demanding proof of His presence, promises, and support

· Israel historically repeatedly turned from God to their own ways and idolatry

When Jesus overcomes the temptation in the wilderness He shows He overcomes where mankind, from the beginning until now, has failed. He is the perfect Man. He is the perfect Israel. He is the perfect Son of God. This is why we are called to follow Him. His way is perfect and He will perfect us through forgiveness in His blood.  dd