The Story of Jesus

Temptation

After Jesus' baptism, he was led by the Spirit of God into the wilderness. Jesus knew the great work God wanted him to do. Now he spent many days thinking and praying about it.

After forty days in the wilderness, the tempter came to Jesus. Because he knew Jesus was weak and hungry, he said, "If you are the Son of God, command that these 

stones become loaves of bread."

Even though Jesus was very hungry, he refused. He would not use God's great power just to please himself. Instead he trusted his heavenly Father to care for his needs. To the tempter he said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.' "

When this temptation failed, the devil tried another. Taking Jesus to the roof of the temple he said, "If you expect people to believe that you are really God's Son, you must show some great signs. Now jump off and trust God to protect you from getting hurt. In the Scripture he has promised that his angels will not let any harm come to you."

Satan tempted Jesus with an easy way to get followers. Even though Satan had used words of Scripture, Jesus did not do this foolish thing. He knew the Scriptures forbid a person to do anything foolish and then expect God's angels to help him. He reminded the devil, "It is said, 'Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God.' "

Finally on a high mountain the devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. "These great kingdoms are mine," the tempter said, "and I can give them to anyone I choose. I will give them to you if you will fall down and worship me."

Jesus did not weaken. He answered, "Get away from me, you evil one! For it is written, 'Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shall thou serve.' "

At last Satan left Jesus alone, and angels came from heaven, to care for Jesus' needs. He had won a great victory over the devil. Now he was ready to do his Father's work.