The Temptation Of Christ

Luke 4:1-14

As Messiah, Jesus would be a priest forever. Hebrews 5:1-2 describes the priest’s responsibility. “For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.” Because of his own temptation as a human, the priest can understand the need for forgiveness for others.

To fulfill that responsibility, it was necessary for Jesus to be tempted just like any human being, and as James 1:13 tells us, “for God cannot be tempted with evil.” He had to be born human to qualify as Messiah, which is why the virgin birth is so critical. He had to be both God and man. Hebrews 2:17-18 explains. “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.”

Because it was necessary that Jesus experience these temptations to the maximum level, the Holy Spirit led him into a position of maximum temptation, weakening him to point where others would yield. Satan could not pass up such an opportunity, because success would destroy God’s plan. He literally used every possible temptation at this point, and throughout his ministry. I John 2:16 describes the areas we can be tempted. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

Since only Jesus was present, and Matthew and Luke give almost identical accounts, it is obvious that both heard the story from Jesus himself. Physical stress can weaken one’s resolve to a degree one is susceptible to temptation. Fasting is often portrayed as a way of attaining spiritual strength, but when misused, it weakens instead. Like developing muscle strength, improper exercise can do serious harm. As a result, God gives some very specific guidelines for fasting that are usually overlooked. Jesus spent forty days in fasting.

“And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.” (Luke 4:1-2)

After forty days without eating, Jesus’ body would have been desperately demanding food. Satan starts by appealing to that physical demand of the flesh, suggesting that Jesus use his power as God to escape the suffering that others could not . In doing so, he would have given up his humanity, but Jesus refused, saying that man must live by trusting God rather than just physical things.

“And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” (Luke 4:3-4)

Seeing that Jesus would not yield to the lust of the flesh, Satan then tempted him with the lust of the eyes, offering possessions, power, and fame. Jesus could bypass all the struggle by just yielding himself to Satan. Again Jesus rejected the offer, quoting scripture saying those things were to be obtained only through God’s power.

“And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Luke 4:5-8)

When Jesus quoted scripture for his refusal to yield again, Satan attacked his pride. In effect, he dared him to prove he was who he claimed to be. He quoted scripture himself to imply that failure to do so would mean Jesus didn’t really trust God. Again Jesus quoted scripture that we are not to challenge God just to show off our spirituality.

“And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” (Luke 4:9-12)

When Jesus refused to yield in any area, Satan departed. Jesus did exactly what James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” As promised, Satan left, but only temporarily. He will always try again later.

“And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.” (Luke 4:13)

Matthew 4:11 makes it clear that once Satan had departed, God took care of the cravings that made Jesus vulnerable, demonstrating that God could be trusted to supply our needs as he promises. “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”

Because he has been tempted in every area just as we have, Jesus can understand how we would yield, although he did not. We can come to him boldly, expecting relief as a result. Hebrews 4:15-16 encourages us, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Having faced and overcome the temptations, Jesus was prepared to pursue his ministry fully.

“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.” (Luke 4:14)