Temptation, and Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ, like every other human being, knew temptation. However, he never yielded to it. The sinlessness of Christ refers to his obedient refusal to give in to temptation. It does not mean that he did not experience temptation himself.

The temptation of Jesus Christ

Mark 1:13 parallels Matthew 4:1–10, Luke 4:1–13

and He was there for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered to Him.

The temptation to avoid the cross

Matthew 16:21–23 parallel Mark 8:31–33 See also Matthew 26:36–44 parallels Mark 14:32–42, Luke 22:40–46; Matthew 27:39–44 parallels Mark 15:31–32, Luke 23:36–37, Luke 23:39

From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Far be it from You, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to You!” But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

The temptation to please the crowd

Luke 11:16 See also Matthew 12:38–39 parallel Luke 11:29; John 2:18, John 6:30

And others tested Him by demanding a sign from heaven.

The significance of the temptation of Jesus Christ

Believers can identify with Jesus Christ in his temptation

Hebrews 2:18

Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

Believers can have confidence in the face of temptation

Hebrews 4:15–16

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.