Bible Study

Jesus’ Temptation in the Desert (Matthew 4:1-11)

Before beginning his public ministry, Jesus undergoes three different temptations. Considered a period of “testing,” it’s here that Jesus succeeds where the Israelites in the Old Testament failed. As Jesus fulfills God’s promises, he also shows us how to strive for personal holiness. Today, we look to Jesus’ temptations in the desert and what it means for our lives.
 
Read Matthew 4:1-11
 
Why does Jesus go into the wilderness?
 
Answer: In verse 1, we see that Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert just after God declares of Jesus, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). It seems strange then that Jesus would need to be tempted at all; why is he tested if God says he’s well pleased with Jesus? As part of God’s divine plan, Jesus succeeds where the Israelites from the Old Testament failed. He’s righting wrongs from the past so that all will be able to share in his life.
 
What happens during Jesus’ time in the wilderness?
 
Answer: Jesus fasts for forty days and forty nights and is visited three different times by “the tempter” (4:3). It’s important that Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, because it would have reminded the Jews of all the different periods of testing that the Israelites endured. Moses fasted on Sinai for 40 days and the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years (Numbers 14:33-34); Elijah traveled for 40 days to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8). Matthew, the author of the Gospel, wanted his readers to know that Jesus was getting ready to begin his public ministry.
 
What is the first temptation?
 
Answer: The tempter tells Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread (4:3). Instead of giving in and satisfying his hunger, Jesus firmly resists by quoting the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 8:3): “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the Mouth of God” (4:4). Jesus shows us that true life comes not from satisfying our physical hunger, but from satisfying our souls by following God’s will.
 
How does Jesus’ response inspire you? Do you ever place physical desires at the expense of your soul? 
Answer: Reflect and discuss.
 
What is the second temptation?
 
Answer: The tempter, now referred to as “the devil,” takes him to a holy city and challenges Jesus: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will give his angels charge of you,’ and ‘on their hands, they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone’ ” (4:5-6). Jesus responds calmly, “Again it is written, you shall not tempt the Lord your God” (4:7). Jesus is showing us how to trust God in all circumstances, especially when we’re faced with temptation.
 
How does the second temptation reflect Jesus’ trust? Are there ways you can exercise greater trust in God’s plan, even if you don’t understand why in the moment?
Answer: Reflect and discuss.
 
What is the third temptation?
 
 Answer: The devil takes Jesus to a different location on a very high mountain, making one more attempt to trick him. The devil shows him “all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them; and he said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me” (4:8-9). Jesus says in response, “Begone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve” (4:10). Satan offers Jesus power over all the kingdoms of the world, but instead of accepting, Jesus commands him to leave. Jesus shows us that no amount of power and control is worth our relationship to God.
 
What are modern examples of this temptation? Why is temptation like a “trick”? Does it really make us happy after we give in?
Answer: reflect and discuss.
 
What happens after the temptations are over?
 
Answer: The devil leaves because Jesus commands him to leave. After he’s gone, “angels came and ministered to him” (4:11). It’s striking that angels minister to Jesus here, considering that’s what the devil promised if Jesus would only throw himself down. This shows that the devil is a liar, always trying to get us to do things that will harm us and move us further away from God. After this moment, Jesus returns from the wilderness and begins his public ministry.
 
Conclusion & Closing Prayer
 
Heavenly Father, as we journey through this season of Lent, give us the strength to overcome temptation. Help us to see through lies and draw us always closer to you. We trust you and we love you.