Topical Bible: Temptation: Christ: Overcame

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The concept of temptation is a significant theme throughout the Bible, and the account of Jesus Christ overcoming temptation is a pivotal event in the New Testament. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13. It highlights the sinless nature of Christ and His authority over sin and Satan.

The Wilderness Temptation

After His baptism by John the Baptist, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. This period of testing lasted forty days and nights, during which Jesus fasted. The Gospel of Matthew provides a detailed account of the three specific temptations that Jesus faced.

1. Turning Stones to Bread: The first temptation addressed Jesus' physical hunger. Satan challenged Him, saying, "If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread" (Matthew 4:3). Jesus responded by quoting Scripture, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'" (Matthew 4:4). Here, Jesus demonstrated reliance on God's provision and the sufficiency of His Word.

2. The Pinnacle of the Temple: The second temptation involved a test of Jesus' trust in God. Satan took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, urging, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone'" (Matthew 4:6). Jesus countered with Scripture again, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test'" (Matthew 4:7). This response underscored the importance of trusting God without demanding signs.

3. The Kingdoms of the World: The final temptation was an offer of worldly power and glory. Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor, promising them to Him if He would bow down and worship him. Jesus firmly rejected this, saying, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only'" (Matthew 4:10). This declaration affirmed Jesus' exclusive devotion to God and His rejection of idolatry.

Significance of Christ's Victory

Jesus' triumph over temptation is significant for several reasons. It affirms His identity as the sinless Son of God, who, though fully human, did not succumb to sin. Hebrews 4:15 states, "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." This victory also foreshadows His ultimate triumph over sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection.

Furthermore, Jesus' use of Scripture to counter temptation serves as a model for believers, emphasizing the power and authority of God's Word in spiritual warfare. His reliance on Scripture demonstrates the importance of knowing and applying God's Word in the face of temptation.

Conclusion

The account of Christ overcoming temptation is a profound testament to His divine nature and His role as the perfect mediator between God and humanity. It provides believers with both assurance and a pattern for resisting temptation through faith and reliance on Scripture.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 4:11
Then the devil leaves him, and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether it was Becoming that Christ Should be Tempted?
... Objection 3: Further, temptation is from a threefold source"-the ... I answer that, Christ
wished to be tempted; first ... just as by His death He overcame our death ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was becoming that 3.htm

The Temptation of Christ
... and how, our great Michael fought with and overcame the dragon ... Thirdly, Did the tempter
come to Christ when he saw ... of poverty is an hour of temptation, not only ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the temptation of christ.htm

Whether a Demon who is Overcome by Man, is for this Reason ...
... It is written (Mat.4:11): "Then the devil left Him," ie Christ Who overcame. ... definite
time: wherefore (Lk.4:13) it is written: "All temptation being ended ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a demon who is.htm

The Temptation
... These were the temptations that overcame Adam and Eve, and that so readily ... Many claim
that it was impossible for Christ to be overcome by temptation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 12 the temptation.htm

The Work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ.
... Christ met and overcame temptations as other men may meet and overcome them, in
the power of the Holy Spirit. He was tempted and suffered through temptation ( ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xxii the work of.htm

Of the Lack of all Comfort
... by the love of the Creator he overcame the love ... hard exercises, and to undertake
severe labours for Christ. ... that hour will pass away, and temptation will follow ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter ix of the lack.htm

The Temptation of Jesus
... the suggestions of Satan, and the Temptation of Christ ... Messiah of Judaism is the
Anti-Christ of the ... Israel; Elijah despaired of Israel; Jesus overcame for Israel ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the temptation of.htm

The Temptation
... the first round of this duel, Christ had conquered ... disguised as filial trust is the
temptation besetting the ... The three answers with which Jesus overcame are the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the temptation.htm

The Temptation
... insist upon the exceptional dignity of Christ, and urge ... some ray of light upon the
nature of the temptation. ... In our nature He bore the assault and overcame. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 1 12 13 the temptation.htm

The Ninth Chapter: Wanting no Share in Comfort
... Thus, by his love for the Creator he overcame the love ... consolation is promised to
all those proved by temptation. ... To him that overcometh," says Christ, "I will ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the ninth chapter wanting no.htm