Each of us faces different types of temptations. Maybe you struggle with gossip—you can’t resist telling your coworker what you just learned about your office mate. You may be tempted to buy things you can’t afford. Or you fight sexual temptation, the computer offering illicit material at the touch of a key.

In our battle to resist, we should look first to the example of Jesus. Satan’s temptation of Jesus in the wilderness provides a rich example for us. Notice that Jesus clearly faced Satan’s temptations—just as we do. When it comes to temptation, Jesus understands our struggle. However, there is an important difference— Jesus never gave in.

The three temptations recorded in Matthew 4 cover different areas of human life. The first relates to physical hunger (vv. 2–3). Our bodies are not irrelevant. They’re part of our spiritual lives (which is why fasting is a spiritual discipline). Our human bodies are also weak and, thus, subject to temptation. Jesus was no doubt very hungry after forty days. Would it be so wrong to satisfy that human desire? Satan tempted Him to misuse His power to meet that need.

The second temptation focused on Jesus’ identity and His mission as Messiah (vv. 5–6). Satan tempted Jesus to misuse God’s promise (Ps. 91:11– 12), to create a dramatic event that would lead to public recognition. The third temptation dealt with worship (vv. 8–9). Satan tempted Jesus to worship him as a shortcut to kingship.

Notice that Jesus answered every temptation in the same way—using Scripture (vv. 4, 7, 10). While Satan was abusing God’s Word, Jesus taught us how to apply God’s Word clearly and in context. Using Scripture to fight temptation is clearly a strategy we should imitate!

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