Bulletin Articles
Jesus and Temptation
Scripture teaches that Jesus was sinless. He was holy, perfect, and faithful all the days of HIs incarnate life. Paul affirmed that Jesus “knew no sin” (2 Cor 5:21). Peter wrote, “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth” (1 Pet 2:22, from Isa 53:9). John wrote, “in Him there is no sin” (1 John 3:5). The Hebrews writer says that Jesus was “without sin” (Heb 4:15). Jesus asked detractors, “Which one of you convicts me of sin?” John 8:46). He had already said, “I always do the things that are pleasing to Him” (John 8:29). Multiple places, then, affirm the sinlessness of Jesus. He was holy and righteous in all ways.
Being sinless does not mean that Jesus was never tempted. The Hebrews writer not only affirmed the sinlessness of Jesus, but he put this in a context about temptation: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb 4:15, ESV). This does not mean that Jesus felt deeply pulled by every specific temptation possible, but that He was tempted by the same range of desires that we all have. The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life encompasses whatever specific sins we commit (1 John 2:15). Jesus faced the range of these and overcame them.
Both Matthew and Luke record specific temptations that were thrown at Him by the devil (Matt 4; Luke 4). How Jesus responds to these is an example showing us what we can do to overcome the temptations we face. Notice that in His responses, Jesus appealed to Scripture. “It is written” is the way He dealt with the devil. Scripture had the answers.
When tempted to turn stones to bread (He hadn’t eaten for 40 days), Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matt 4:4). This came from Deuteronomy 8:3 where the children of Israel were told that they needed to remember who was caring for them, and not think they accomplished what they did by their own power. This was a lesson in humility and reliance upon God.
The devil took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and tempted Him there: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written...” Then he quotes Psalm 91:11-12. We note here that the devil can appeal to what is written, but here is a manipulation of Scripture to get his own way. Jesus did not take the bait, but said, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Matt 4:7). This comes from Deuteronomy 6:16 where the children of Israel were warned not to test God the way they did in the wilderness. Scripture can be abused, but Jesus put it back in context.
Finally, the devil took Jesus to a high mountain to show Him kingdoms of the world, with the promise that he (the devil) would give all these kingdoms to Jesus if He (Jesus) would just worship him (the devil). Jesus again appealed to Scripture: “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve’” (Matt 4:10). Jesus referenced Deuteronomy 6:13 here, which is part of the context of learning to trust God and not turn to pagan idols.
Scripture is a powerful tool in the arsenal for Christians. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit for God’s people (Eph 6:17). We must not minimize the Scriptures, especially when we are facing difficult temptations. To know Scripture this well, to be able to recall Scriptures that deal with the specific situations we are in, takes time and study. But with God’s help, we can mature in our understanding and practice of His word.
When we allow the evil desires to take the lead and plunge us into sin, we cannot blame God for this (see James 1:13-15). The overt action of sin comes when we have entertained it in our hearts and fail to trust God. Jesus, while tempted, never allowed evil desires to take over and lead Him astray. He mastered His desires and will help us to master ours as well.
Let’s not miss this vital application, then. The Hebrews writer says that with Jesus overcoming temptation and sin, we may “with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16). Likewise, with Jesus being the merciful and faithful High Priest making reconciliation to G0d for sinful people, we are told, “For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted” (Heb 2:18). Because He overcame sin and provided for reconciliation through His death and resurrection, we can confidently look to Jesus to help us overcome as well.
