[1-2] This was a time when Jesus, in the flesh, was confronted by the Devil. “Devil” literally means “tempter.” He is also a false accuser and traitor. Jesus had to commit himself to God’s plan for the Messiah (to die on the cross). The tests were three. Luke also recorded them (Luke 4:1-13). They were mentioned only in passing in Mark (Mark 1:12-13). Luke changed the order of the last two tests. The Devil found his opportunity when Jesus was weak from fasting 40 days and nights. The Devil uses man’s weak moments to his own advantage.
[3-4] The Devil tried to get Jesus to use His power selfishly. The fact that He was the Son of God could not be denied, especially with the confirmation by the voice from heaven. Still, the Devil wanted Him to prove that fact by using His power. Jesus answered each test with Scripture. The Word of God is a weapon against the Devil. To this first test, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3. Jesus would trust God to provide for Him. Sonship was not marked by doing miracles or taking care of self or by giving commands. Sonship was marked by doing the will of God (John 4:34). A true son of God trusts God and obeys Him.
[5-7] The Devil then tempted Jesus in Jerusalem. It is thought that this test took place on the southeast corner of the wall of the temple area. There was a drop of about 60 metres to the floor of the Kidron valley. The Devil wanted Him to prove God’s care for Him by jumping off. The Devil quoted Psalm 91:11-12. To jump would have been a direct challenge to God to take care of Him. Jesus answered again with Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:16). God is God and is supreme. He is not to be played with or challenged like men do the spirits. God is not to be proved by some trick.
Matthew 4:8-20
8 Suddenly, the Devil took Jesus to a very tall mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory which was in them. 9 The Devil said to Jesus, “I will give you all of these things, if you will only bow down to worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to the Devil, “Go away, Satan, because it is written:
‘You must worship the Lord your God. Serve only Him.’ ” Deuteronomy 6:13 11 Then the Devil left Jesus. Immediately, angels came and helped him. 12 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he went away to Galilee. 13 After leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, beside Lake Galilee, in the Zebulun and Naphtali area. 14 He did this to fulfill what God had said through the prophet Isaiah:
15 “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, the way to the Mediterranean Sea across the Jordan River, Galilee of the nations. 16 The people who live in darkness have seen a great light. The light has dawned upon the people who live in that country and in the fear of death.” Isaiah 9:1-2 17 From then on Jesus began to preach: “Change your hearts, because the kingdom of heaven is very near!” 18 While Jesus was walking beside Lake Galilee, he saw two brothers. They were Simon (called Peter) and Andrew, his brother. They were fishermen and they were throwing their nets into the lake. 19 Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fishermen—of people!” 20 They left their nets immediately and followed him.
[8-11] To receive the kingdoms of the world by worshipping the Devil was to refuse to receive them by dying on the cross. Would Jesus be a political Messiah or a suffering, dying Messiah? His choice was seen in His reply, again from God’s Word (Deuteronomy 6:13). God alone was to be worshipped! Jesus chose the cross, God’s way, and received far more power than Satan could offer (Matthew 28:18).
The Devil then left Jesus to “wait until a better time,” Luke says (Luke 4:13). Jesus did battle with the Devil at other times (see Matthew 16:21ff.). The devil tried to keep Jesus from following God’s way. When Jesus was tested (or tempted), God was there to fill His needs through the angels.