The Temptation of Jesus
Story Overview
The temptation of Christ is a significant event that is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. There is no mention of this story in John’s Gospel.
Matthew and Luke give details of the temptations, while Mark only mentions that Jesus was tempted. Therefore, we will focus on Luke.
After Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, He was led into the wilderness. The Spirit led Him into a battleground of hunger and temptation. This story offers powerful lessons that serve as a guide for our lives.
Before we explore this test of faith, look up the definition of temptation.
After you have read the story and the Bible verses, challenge yourself by answering the questions on the next page.
We pray that God will bless you with understanding as you read and study His Holy Word.
The Temptation of Jesus
Luke 4:1-13
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
2 where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them, He was hungry.
3 The devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’ ”
5 The devil led Him up to a high place and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.
6 And he said to Him, “I will give You all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.
7 If You worship me, it will all be Yours.”
8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ”
9 The devil led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If You are the Son of God,” he said, “throw Yourself down from here.
10 For it is written: “ ‘He will command His angels concerning You to guard You carefully;
11 they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’ ”
12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left Him until an opportune time.
The Kingdom Lesson in This Story
Through each temptation, Christ showed strong obedience and reliance on God’s Word. This is an example of faith and strength. No matter what the temptation is, we must know that it is important to fulfill God’s purpose over anything. We can’t see God, but we know He is always near us. He helps us and takes good care of us. He always wants us to do the right thing so we will be happy.