Temptation tests a person’s ability to resist doing something unwise or wrong. In a temptation, man can choose to be faithful or unfaithful to God. When one is unfaithful to God, it is a sin. When one is devoted to God, one overcome temptation. So, can Jesus be tempted?
The Bible implies that Jesus could be tempted just like a regular person. In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was tempted by Satan when he was through with his 40-day fast. He was tempted three times, but he overcame the temptation. Therefore, when Jesus was on earth, he was tempted.
In this article,we will find out from the Bible where Jesus was tempted, the number of times he was tempted, and the meaning and significance of Jesus’s temptations. Finally, we will know whether God can be tempted now that Jesus was tempted.
Where in the Bible was Jesus tempted?
The Bible says in Matthew 4:1-4 Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. When the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” This was the first temptation. As the bible records, the devil tempted Jesus by challenging him to prove that he was the son of God. The temptation was in the wilderness, and despite Jesus being hungry, he did not succumb to the temptation of turning stones into bread.
The other temptation took place at the Temple. The devil took Jesu to the holy city of Jerusalem and placed him at the highest point in the Temple. He then tempted him by challenging him to throw himself to the ground for the angels to take charge of him Matthew 4:5-7. Jesus did not do it because it is written that you should not tempt God.
Finally, the devil tempted Jesu at the mountain. He showed him the world, its kingdom, and glory and requirements. The devil offered Jesus all the wealth in the world if only he could bow before him. Jesu defeated him by the scripture that says only God should be worshipped: Matthew 8-11.
How many times was Jesus tempted?
According to Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was tempted three times by the devil. Although the three are the most known temptations, Jesus was Tempted many more times, like a regular person. It is possible that he was tempted every day of his life. The Bible says that: For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15. The verse implies that Jesus was tempted in every way, meaning he was tempted many times. For instance, Got Question Ministries notes that when Jesus prayed for the cup to be taken away, it expressed a natural desire to avoid suffering and pain. It can also be equated to temptation because it would have resulted in unfaithfulness to God and failure to fulfill his will.
What was the meaning and significance of Jesus’ temptation?
Theologians ascribe three meanings to the three temptations that the devil brought to Jesus. The Got Question Ministries describe the first temptation as a temptation toward the lust of the flesh. Satan wanted Jesus to gratify the desires of the flesh by turning stones into bread. Having 40 days fast meant that his flesh craved and demanded food. Such a temptation was designed to target the lust of the flesh. Its significance is to gratify or deny the flesh.
The second temptation targeted the pride of life. Pride makes humans vulnerable to misusing their power to prove a point to others. The devil tempted Jesus to throw himself from the Temple’s pinnacle. Although angels could bear him, it was unnecessary because it served no purpose except to prove a point. BBC also noted that the temptation challenged Jesus’s identity, which was constantly questioned throughout his ministry. Falling to the temptation would have meant pride. Its significance is to accept or reject pride.
Finally, the third temptation targeted meant lust of the eyes. Coveting can result in idol worship. It is significant to overcome the desire of the eyes. Otherwise, you will end up worshiping material things. G. Campbell Morgan noted that its significance is to caution people to be careful about material prosperity and exchange it for the worship of their God.
If Jesus was tempted, does that mean God can be tempted?
Jesus was fully human and fully God. The Bible says, For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; Colossians 2:9. Matt Slick argues that since Jesus was fully human, he was tempted as a human and not as God. The fact that he carried God and humans simultaneously does not take away his deity.
References
What was the meaning and purpose of Jesus’ temptations?
Why did Jesus ask God to “let this cup pass from me”?
God cannot be tempted. Jesus was tempted. Therefore, Jesus cannot be God.
Why was Jesus Tempted? Meaning and Significance of the Temptation of Christ
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
