Temptation Of Jesus In The Desert

Jesus’ Life: Chapter 3 – Jesus’ Early Public Ministry

Jesus launched his ministry by spending forty days and nights in the desert alone. It was an intensive period of fasting, prayer and renewal; a time of preparation. The desert was a barren, harsh and lonely environment; physically and mentally exhausting.

At the end of the forty-day period, when Jesus was at his weakest, He allowed Satan to test him; to prove his firmness of faith and readiness to accept his Fathers wishes including, his willingness to die on a Cross for our sins.

The temptations Satan exposed Jesus to included these requests and promises:

• To a very hungry Jesus, he said, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread”.
• From a high Temple point, he said, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you’ and ‘with their hands they will lift you up so that you will not strike your foot against a stone’”.
• From a high mountain-top, over-viewing many kingdoms he said, “I will give you all these things if you throw yourself to the ground and worship me”.

Jesus survived desert life and Satan’s many false offers, on God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. He proved his worthiness to accept his Father’s mission, resolutely refusing all of Satan’s temptations. (Mt 4:1-11, Mk 1:12-13, Lk 4:1-13)

Lord Jesus, fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit. Strengthen my resolve to renounce all evil, forever.