Before Jesus begins his three years of ministry in earnest, he spends some time in the wilderness. While there, Satan endeavors to tempt Jesus away from his mission. There are three different temptations described in Matthew, and we will look at each on in turn. But first, we need to set the stage.
After the baptism of Jesus, he departs to an isolated part of the wilderness, being led by the spirit to do so. Although Matthew doesn’t tell us this, this was likely a period of intense prayer and communion with the Father, in preparation for the ministry ahead. During this period of forty days, he fasted, which furthers the likelihood that this was time of spiritual preparation.
There are several elements worth examining as we look at these three temptations:
About Temptation
It’s interesting to note that what we experience was the same for Jesus. It seems as if the more I am in the Word, and the more I am in a posture of prayer in my life, the more I am in daily, constant connection with the Father, that’s when Satan is more likely to attack. While 1 Peter 4:12-13 tells us to expect this, often we forget that Jesus was tempted just as we are, and yet did not sin.
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. – Hebrews 4:15
Matthew records three of these intense temptations that Jesus faced, coming at a time when he is drawing his focus toward complete submission to the Father’s will, as he prepares for the mission to rescue humanity from the grip of sin. It’s not surprising that Satan appears during this time, trying to distract Christ from his purpose.
It’s important to note here that while the Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness where this all occurred, it was not God who orchestrated the temptations. God never tempts us, but he may lead us, or allow us to be led, into temptation. Yet even then, in the face of what may be very difficult circumstances, we can still stay under God’s fullest protection (Job 1:12), and be provided with the means necessary to withstand the temptation and escape it.
Why might God allow such things in our lives? He could use it as an ultimate blessing in our lives (James 1:2). He could use such things to strengthen our faith. And he can use temptations to harden our resolve to live more for him when we see the victory over temptation.
Let’s see what Scripture has to say about temptation:
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. – James 1:12-13
About the Wilderness
Just where did Jesus go? The wilderness that he journeyed into during this time began outside of Jericho and extended along the western shore of the Dead Sea. This is a fairly large area, and Jesus may have wandered all over it during this time.
About the Tempter
Matthew describes the situation in detail, but additional info can be added from the parallel accounts in Mark 1:12-13 and Luke 4:1-13. All of these accounts place the responsibility for the temptations at the feet of Satan.
Satan is very real. He is a fallen angel (Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4). He has been sinning since the beginning (1 John 3:8; John 8:44). But his days are numbered (Revelation 12:9; John 12:31).
Unfortunately, many today do not believe that Satan is real. But he is, and we face his handiwork daily. However, it is good to be reminded that his end is eminent, and victory comes through Christ Jesus.
Scripture refers to him by various names:
Devil (Greek), Satan (Hebrew), meaning adversary (Job 2:1)
Beelzebub – Matthew 12:24
Serpent – Revelation 12:9
Prince of the powers of the air – Ephesians 2:2
Abaddon (Hebrew) and Apollyon (Greek), meaning destroyer – Revelation 9:11
Belial (good for nothing) – 2 Corinthians 6:15
A murderer and a liar – John 8:44
The ruler of this world – John 12:31
God of this world – 2 Corinthians 4:4
A dragon – Revelation 12:7
About Fasting
Jesus fasted for forty days while in the wilderness. This allowed him to bring his heart into perfect alignment with the Father, knowing he was about to go out and face all the ugliness of a world captured in sin. Denying the allure of the physical allowed him to completely dwell upon the spiritual.
Fasting is a discipline that we have all but neglected in our faith today… at least in most parts of American Christianity. It’s not something we practice, perhaps because it’s not something we understand very well. Yet when we fast, we are able to deny the physical aspects of nourishment in order to fully focus on spiritual nourishment. Of course, this can only be for a limited time, due to the finite constraints of our mortal bodies. But fasting for distinct periods of time can carry enormous spiritual benefit.
Jesus fasted for forty days and nights. That’s an extreme amount of time, but not without precedent. Moses and Elijah both fasted for the same amount of time (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:18; 1 Kings 19:8). And fasting is found in various other passages of Scripture (Matthew 6:16-18). You would do well to explore how this discipline could impact your spiritual growth.
And now the stage is set. Next, we will look at the three different offers Satan makes, and see how Jesus responded.
Question: What elements of this passage stand out to you? How does this passage encourage you? You can leave a comment by clicking here.