Matthew 4

Immediately after His baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. For 40 days and 40 nights He fasted and prayed. In that weakness, the devil came and tempted Him. But each time the devil twisted God’s Word or offered false promises, Jesus responded with the truth of Scripture:

• “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

• “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Matthew 4:7)

• “You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.” (Matthew 4:10)

Jesus fought the devil with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). And He was victorious.

Jesus did what Adam, Israel, and we could not. Adam fell into temptation in the garden, Israel grumbled in the wilderness, and we daily give in to sin. But Jesus stood firm. His obedience was not only an example; it was also for our salvation. Where we fail, He succeeded. His perfect obedience is counted as ours through faith in Him (Romans 5:19).

After His victory in the wilderness, Jesus returned to Galilee and began His public ministry—preaching the kingdom, healing the sick, calling disciples to follow Him. The Light of the World began to shine into the darkness of sin. That same Light continues to shine into our lives today. Through His Word, Jesus still speaks. He still calls us to follow Him. He still rescues us when we stumble and forgives us when we fall.

So when we are tempted, we remember:

• We are not alone. Jesus has walked this path before us.

• We are not defenseless. God’s Word is our shield and weapon.

• We are not defeated. Christ has already won the victory, and His victory is ours.

Thanks be to God that the Light of Christ shines into our sin-darkened hearts and daily calls us back to Himself!

Questions for Reflection

1. Jesus showed us how to confront temptation by standing on the Word. What does this mean for your daily life?

2. Think of one temptation you regularly face. What Bible passage could you memorize and call upon when that temptation comes?

3. How does it comfort you to know that even when you fall, Jesus’ victory over temptation is credited to you?