Temptation is the ordinary and most common way the adversary uses to cause the ruin of souls. IN THIS CARD we see Jesus being tempted by the Devil in the wilderness after 40 days of fasting. Satan first tries to tempt Jesus’ basic hunger, then his obedience to God the Father, and finally Jesus’ faith in the Father’s love. Satan tries to tempt him into sin by promising something that seems good, but which Jesus exposes as a disordered and twisted version of reality. In all cases Jesus quotes scripture to the Devil, undoing his wicked malice and exposing him for the liar he is. The importance of what Jesus teaches us in this moment is threefold: Fasting strengthens us against temptation, knowing scripture and prayers by memory strengthens our resolve in times of trial, and always being aware of the enemy’s tricks is key to victory. We are never alone when we find ourselves being tempted, and it is critically important to understand that Jesus himself has experienced greater temptation than we will ever know. He is always with us.
Temptation is the ordinary and most common way the adversary uses to cause the ruin of souls. IN THIS CARD we see Jesus being tempted by the Devil in the wilderness after 40 days of fasting. Satan first tries to tempt Jesus’ basic hunger, then his obedience to God the Father, and finally Jesus’ faith in the Father’s love. Satan tries to tempt him into sin by promising something that seems good, but which Jesus exposes as a disordered and twisted version of reality. In all cases Jesus quotes scripture to the Devil, undoing his wicked malice and exposing him for the liar he is. The importance of what Jesus teaches us in this moment is threefold: Fasting strengthens us against temptation, knowing scripture and prayers by memory strengthens our resolve in times of trial, and always being aware of the enemy’s tricks is key to victory. We are never alone when we find ourselves being tempted, and it is critically important to understand that Jesus himself has experienced greater temptation than we will ever know. He is always with us.
Matthew 4:1–11
Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness.
The devil tempts Him three times: turning stones to bread, jumping from the temple, and worshiping Satan for kingdoms.
Jesus responds each time with Scripture and resists.
Mark 1:12–13
A very brief account: Jesus is in the wilderness for 40 days, tempted by Satan, with wild animals, and afterwards angels minister to Him.
Luke 4:1–13
Similar to Matthew’s account, but the order of the temptations differs slightly.
Ends with the devil departing “until an opportune time.”
Illustration by: Colton Rompala