22 Feb 26 | The Temptation in the Desert
Jesus’ temptation in the desert is not merely personal trial but covenant recapitulation: the faithful Son succeeds where Adam and Israel failed.
The Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert
to be tempted by the devil.
He fasted for forty days and forty nights,
and afterwards he was hungry.
The tempter approached and said to him,
“If you are the Son of God,
command that these stones become loaves of bread.”
He said in reply,
“It is written:
One does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes forth
from the mouth of God.”
Then the devil took him to the holy city,
and made him stand on the parapet of the temple,
and said to him, “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 support you,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.”
Jesus answered him,
“Again it is written,
You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”
Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain,
and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence,
and he said to him, ""All these I shall give to you,
if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.”
At this, Jesus said to him,
“Get away, Satan!
It is written:
The Lord, your God, shall you worship
and him alone shall you serve.”
Then the devil left him and, behold,
angels came and ministered to him.
Today’s Focus
This passage reveals what kind of Son Jesus will be. Immediately after the Father declares Him “beloved Son,” that identity is tested in the wilderness. Each temptation challenges Him to define Sonship apart from obedience: to use power for self, to force God’s protection, or to seize kingship without covenant fidelity. By answering with Deuteronomy — Israel’s wilderness text — Jesus places Himself within Israel’s story and succeeds where they failed. The desert becomes the proving ground of faithful Sonship: trust without spectacle, provision without grasping, authority without idolatry.
In the Margins
This passage follows Jesus’ baptism. During that time, we saw the heaven open, the Spirit descend, and the voice of God declare “this is my beloved Son.” Next, Jesus heads into the wilderness, but is led by the Spirit. He does not wander aimlessly. This passage tells us that He is gone for forty days. During this period we see Him challenged as to whether He is the Son of God as the voice declared.
Biblically, forty is a significant number. Israel wandered forty years in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8). Moses fasted forty days on Sinai (Exodus 34). Elijah journeyed forty days to Horeb (1 Kings 19). Jesus is reliving the history of Israel through this fast of forty days. The thing about Jesus’ experience is that He does not fail.
We see the first temptation for Jesus to turn stone into bread. Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 8:3: “Man does not live by bread alone…” In Deuteronomy, Moses reminds Israel that God allowed hunger to teach dependence. Israel grumbled in the wilderness and there was unrest. Jesus on the other hand does not give in. He knows He will be cared for by God and shows obedient reliance instead.
When the devil tempts Jesus a second time, he does so using scripture – quoting Psalm 91. The issue is not knowledge of Scripture, but interpretation and trust. Jesus responds with Deuteronomy 6:16: “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” This directly references Israel testing God at Massah (Exodus 17). During this time, Israel demanded proof that God was with them. Here Jesus refuses to be manipulated.
The final temptation we see is for power. The devil offers Jesus glory and immediate dominion, a shortcut to messianic kingship. Jesus knew the road ahead would lead to suffering, but here He has an opportunity to avoid that. He does not take the easy path, and instead responds with Deuteronomy 6:13: “The Lord your God shall you worship…”, covenantal language.
This passage shows several things that are relatable in moder day. Jesus has the chance to ease suffering in the first and third temptation. He refuses each time and puts faith and reliance in God. In the third temptation, He is offered immediate gratification – something that happens routinely now. He knows that the Godly plan is more divine and with faith and allegiance to God, turns away. Finally, in the second temptation, we see scripture used to justify negative actions. How often can it be used to justify something evil. It is a deceptive trick and something we must consistently ask for help to guard against.
Reflection Question
Where in my life am I tempted to define faithfulness by visible results, quick relief, or personal control rather than steady obedience to God’s Word?
A Small Invitation
If this reflection helped you, consider sharing it with someone who may be carrying more than they were meant to.