Journey: Jesus' Temptation in the Desert

This week, we’ll focus on an event in Jesus’ life that appears in three out of the four Gospels: his temptation by the devil. For the other accounts, see Matthew 4:1-11 and Mark 1:12-13. 

Read Luke 4:1-13.

Luke alone provides an important detail in verse 1: Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit. How did Luke know this was true (Luke 3:21-22)? Who led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted? 

At the end of 40 days without food, Jesus was hungry. What was the devil’s first temptation in Luke 4:3-4? How did Jesus respond? Look up the original in Deuteronomy 8:3. Jesus quotes Moses’ words about Israel’s journey through the wilderness. God humbled the people and showed them their inability to provide for themselves. Then God provided manna. 

Satan tried to take advantage of Jesus when He was physically weakened. Jesus was hungry and likely sleep-deprived due to wild animals nearby (Mark 1:13). When do you feel most susceptible to temptation? To know God as Provider, we must humble ourselves and look to Him to meet our needs. Is there a verse you return to when you’re tempted to wrongdoing? Write it down.

The devil then tried a new tactic. Where did Satan lead Jesus next, and what did he promise Him? What was the condition Satan gave? And Jesus’ response? Read Deuteronomy 6:13. 

Jesus’ response shows that this temptation revolved around power and trust. Satan wants to replace God at the center of our lives. It’s almost laughable to think Satan’s approach would work because his promise is based on a huge lie. He did not have the authority to carry out his promise. When faced with this decision, Jesus’ reply was eternally true. 

Can you think of times when you’ve been tempted to “bite” into what turns out to be a fake lure with a huge hook inside? The illusion of power is like this. When we worship God, we agree that He is the authority and Lord of our entire life. But, how many times are we tempted to exert power over others to feed our egos, believing we will attain a feeling of importance and relevance? Write down areas where you are tempted to “bite” and choose your power over God’s Lordship over your life. 

Where did the devil lead Jesus next, and what was his temptation in Luke 4:9? Satan takes a cue from Jesus and uses Scripture to affirm his position. Read the original in Psalm 91:11-12. What is Jesus’ answer? 

To test God means to question His goodness. If Jesus were to give in to Satan’s temptation, surely God would have protected Him, but we know that God’s plan was for Jesus to die for the sins of all people. Interestingly, Satan stops one verse short in his quotation from Psalm 91. If he had continued to verse 13, Satan would have stated the whole truth. Jesus was destined to trample the serpent, a prediction made against Satan in Genesis 3:15. 

By saying, “If you are the Son of God,” the devil introduces doubt into the situation. This is the same tactic he used in the Garden of Eden when he tempted Adam and Eve to believe that God was not good and that He was withholding something good from them. The first man and woman failed the test, disobeyed God, and sin entered every human being. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any doubts you have about God. Doubts can arise when we worry that God may not provide what we need. Doubt can lead us to question God’s goodness or make us feel separated from God because He has allowed suffering to enter our lives. 

Notice the different endings for this story in Luke 4:13, Matthew 4:11, and Mark 1:13. Only Luke makes a point to say that the devil would come back to Jesus at an “opportune time.” Read Matthew 26:40 for an echo of the devil’s approach.

When we journey with Jesus to the cross, we find a Person adept at withstanding temptation (Hebrews 4:15). At the beginning of His ministry, having just been baptized, Jesus is tempted to doubt His identity as Son of God and His purpose to save the world. Jesus passed the test and began to fulfill God’s plan for all He created. The same Holy Spirit who helped Jesus lives in all who follow Him. He will help us.

Below, you’ll see something the apostle Paul wrote about temptation. Copy the verse below on a piece of paper. Mark words that are important to you. Write down your temptations in the margins. Which promise can you take to heart in your journey to the cross from this verse? How has God provided a way out during times you have been tempted?

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13

Prayer

God, You are God, and I am not. May the Spirit of Jesus strengthen and guide me even during times of temptation and testing. Help me rely upon You. Amen.

*All Scripture quotations are taken from the New International Version of the Bible.