The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

THE TEMPTATION OF THE SON OF GOD

As a human, Jesus experienced everything that any other human has experienced, including temptation. Matthew 4 describes Jesus’ experience of being tempted by the devil for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus was tempted by the opportunity to use his power to meet his own needs rather than relying on God (v. 3), to put God to the test in order to win a large following (v. 5) and to compromise with Satan to win the kingdoms of the world, thereby avoiding the cross (v. 9). Jesus’ experience was no less real than any sort of temptation that other people experience. However, the difference is that Jesus did not give in to the temptation he faced (Heb 4:15). Jesus boldly and convincingly refuted with Scripture each of the temptations he faced. Jesus defeated Satan by using a weapon that every believer has at their disposal: “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph 6:17).

Jesus, thank you for enduring temptation and being victorious over it. When I am tempted, bring to my heart and mind a passage of Scripture that will help me turn away from temptation and back toward you. Amen.