Matthew 4:1-11
The story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness is a blueprint for resisting the devil.
Before we examine the details, let’s establish one essential truth: Jesus Christ could never sin. He didn’t just resist sin—He was incapable of it. If Jesus could have sinned in the wilderness, He could sin today, which would disqualify Him as our perfect Savior. But Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” His sinlessness is not just an example; it is the cornerstone of our faith. With that in mind, let’s look at the example Jesus gives us to resist sin.
In Matthew 4:1-11, we see the devil attack Jesus in three distinct ways. These same strategies are used against us, but through Jesus’ victory, we can learn how to overcome.
1. The Devil Attacks Through the Flesh
The first temptation focuses on the physical. After fasting for forty days and forty nights, Jesus was physically weak and hungry. The devil, like a predator stalking its prey, waited for what appeared to be the perfect moment. Satan said, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread” (Matthew 4:3).
This is how the devil works. Like a lion hunting for the vulnerable (1 Peter 5:8), he strikes when we’re tired, hungry, or weak. He uses our physical needs and desires to try to get us to sin. But notice how Jesus responds: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
Jesus didn’t debate the devil. He went straight to the Word of God. The lesson here is simple: Scripture is our defense against temptation. When the devil tempts you through your flesh—whether it’s through hunger, fatigue, or desires—follow Jesus’ example. Know God’s Word, and use it to remind you of what the right thing to do is!
2. The Devil Attacks Spiritually
Next, the devil shifts to a spiritual attack. He takes Jesus to the holy city and sets Him on the pinnacle of the temple. Then he says, “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone” (Matthew 4:6).
This time, Satan uses Scripture, but he misquotes and misapplies it. He leaves out a key phrase from Psalm 91:11-12: “to keep thee in all thy ways,” which refers to God’s protection when we are walking in His will, not acting presumptuously. Furthermore, Satan conveniently leaves out the very next verse, which says, “Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet” (Psalm 91:13). This verse speaks of victory over Satan and his power when we trust God, something he would not want to remind Jesus of. By twisting and omitting these details, Satan tries to manipulate the truth for his own agenda (which the Devil also did with Eve, too).
Jesus immediately responds with Scripture again: “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” (Matthew 4:7). He doesn’t allow the devil to twist the Word or pull Him into an argument. Jesus exposes the lie and stands firm.
The takeaway here is clear: the devil knows Scripture and will misuse it to confuse or deceive us. That’s why it’s vital to study God’s Word in context and ask God for help to follow the Holy Spirit for discernment. When the enemy attacks spiritually, don’t rely on feelings or opinions—stand on the truth of Scripture.
3. The Devil Attacks Through Pride
Finally, the devil appeals to pride, power, and glory. He takes Jesus to a high mountain, shows Him all the kingdoms of the world, and says, “All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4:9).
This was a bold move. The devil offered Jesus what already belonged to Him. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” But Satan often tempts us with things that seem appealing but are counterfeit.
Jesus responds with finality: “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10).
Here we learn the danger of pride. The devil will tempt us with power, wealth, and recognition to draw us away from worshiping God. He is not above using our job, titles or even being famous. But Jesus shows us that true victory comes from humility and total submission to God’s will.
The temptation of Jesus teaches us three key lessons about resisting the devil:
1. He will attack through the flesh—when we are weak or vulnerable.
2. He will attack spiritually—twisting Scripture to confuse and deceive.
3. He will attack through pride—offering power, wealth, or recognition to draw us away from God.
In every instance, Jesus responded with Scripture. His victory reminds us that we are not defenseless. Ephesians 6:17 calls the Word of God “the sword of the Spirit.” If Jesus, the sinless Son of God, relied on the Word to defeat the devil, how much more do we need it in our daily battles?
The devil’s tactics haven’t changed, but neither has Jesus’ power. We can resist the devil by standing firm in God’s Word, trusting in Christ’s example, and depending on His strength. As James 4:7 promises, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
