Matthew 4:1–11 (ESV) — 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.

3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 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 “ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ”

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

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Next Section in Matthew: The Promised King and His Good Kingdom

• First Section: The Incarnate King (Matthew 1-3)
• This Section: The Upside Down Kingdom (Matthew 4-7)
• Today: The Upside Down King

The temptation of Christ functions in three significant ways.

• 1. Jesus fulfilled Israel’s story (type).

  • Jesus reversed Israel’s core failures:
    • Forty: He went into the wilderness for forty days, as opposed to their forty years, and passed the test.
    • Bread (Deut. 8:3): He didn’t grumble about food, but endured starvation, believing obedience to God’s word is more needful than food.
    • Test (Deut. 6:16): He didn’t demand proof of God’s presence like Israel did at Maasah (Ex. 17:7), but trusted the Lord.
    • Worship (Deut. 6:13): He didn’t worship another like Israel did with the golden calf, but exclusively served Yahweh.

• 2. Jesus shows us how to endure temptation (teaching).

  • Compared to 1 John 2:16.
    • The temptation to feel (lust of the flesh / bread).
    • The temptation to have (lust of the eyes / kingdoms).
    • The temptation to be (pride of life / jump off temple).
  • Compared to Genesis 1-3 (Adam and Eve).
  • Note: You may think Jesus was tempted less than you because of his divine nature.
    • But that idea is incorrect. Jesus was tempted more than us because he never buckled to sin, so he experienced temptation to a fuller degree than anyone else.
    • All others would have caved on an earlier day in the wilderness.
      • No other human could ever have been tempted to the degree he was and pass the test. What day would you have broken?
      • Example: The plates kept on getting added to the bar. The lifter didn’t break, but the bar did.

• 3. Jesus is a Son/King like this (method).

  • Endorsed Son: The Father had just announced, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17).
  • Anointed King: The Spirit had just descended upon him.
  • So what kind of Son/King would he be?
    • This is the question at the center of the temptation passage: If you are the Son of God (3:3, 5).
      • Not a question of fact, but nature—what kind of Son will you be?
      • *”*Since you are the Son of God, surely you should be able to…”
        • Use your divine status for personal comfort (stones to bread).
        • Demand spectacular divine protection (temple jump).
        • Take instant dominion without the cross (world kingdoms).
    • This is a crucial preparatory event showing us what our Upside Down King is like.

He Saw Submission As The Path To Satisfaction (4:1-4)

• The tempter brought a temptation (4:3).

3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”

What was the temptation?

• Use divine power for personal material comfort. Be the kind of King that uses power for ease.
• Rather than wait for God’s direction, take matters into your own hands and end the pain.
• Would Jesus be a Son that would abuse power for personal ends rather than his Father’s purposes? Would he be like the common kings who leveraged their power to gain more?

• Temptation 1: Go outside God’s will to relieve your hunger.

  • As human beings, we hunger.
    • Physical hunger: food, water, sleep, safety, health.
    • Relational hunger: connection/belonging, friendship, laughter, physical touch, parental care, sexual intimacy.
    • Emotional hunger: Identity, purpose, meaning, and joy.
    • Spiritual hunger: righteousness/justice, worship, prayer, connection to divine—God himself.
    • We do best when we pursue satisfaction God’s way.

4 But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

Jesus used Deuteronomy 8:3 to defeat this temptation.

• It is written (4:4).
  • Every rebuttal involved Scripture, specifically Deuteronomy 6 or 8.
• In Deuteronomy, Moses taught that Israel’s forty (years) in the wilderness was a test to reveal what was in their hearts—would they obey or not? (Deut. 8:2)
  • God (1) humbled them, (2) let them hunger, and (3) fed them with manna every day for decades so that they would know man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the Lord’s mouth (Deut. 8:3).
• Jesus realized that this experience was designed by God—the Spirit led him there—to teach him the same lesson.
  • Would he obey? What was in his heart? Would he trust God’s spoken provision over his life?

Jesus saw submission to God’s will as the path to true satisfaction.

• We are all tempted to depart God’s will to relieve our hunger.
  • Our God-given hunger should be placed under our love for God (Matt. 22:37-40).

Antidote: See submission to God’s will as the path to true satisfaction.

He Had A Trust-Based Relationship With God (4:5-7)

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 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 “ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ”

Satan twisted Scripture to put force behind this temptation.

• He quoted from Psalm 91:11-12.

• But misapplied the context.

  • Any godly person would not mistake God’s promise of protection as an invitation to deliberately jumping off the temple. Accidental stumbling is much different than a self-manufactured crisis.

• And encouraged presumption.

  • This would force God’s hand, making God the servant—this is manipulation!

• While omitting part of the quotation.

  • God will guard us in all our ways—a hint that walking in his way puts us on safe ground.

• Satan loves to twist Scripture.

What was the temptation?

• He took Jesus to the highest point of the temple complex and encouraged him to jump as an act of trust that God would protect him from the stones below.
• Commit a presumptuous act and force God’s hand. Create a crisis to test whether God is with you or not. Manipulate and use God, rather than trust God.
• Would Jesus be a Son who presumed upon his relationship with the Father, acting as if God was there to serve him? Would he put the Father on trial to prove himself?

• Temptation 2: Doubt God’s care and make him prove himself.

  • Demand spectacular divine protection (temple jump).

7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”

Jesus used Deuteronomy 6:16 to defeat this temptation.

• It alludes to Israel’s rebellion at a place called Massah, where, after all God had done for them up to that point, because of thirst, they asked, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (Exodus 17:2-7).
  • Of course he was among them!
    • Deliverance from Slavery: The Israelites had witnessed the ten plagues upon Egypt and the initial act of redemption that brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. God had broken the bars of their yoke.
    • Crossing the Red Sea: They witnessed the miraculous opening and shutting of the Red Sea, allowing them to pass safely through the Red Sea.
    • Guidance in the Wilderness: They were protected and guided by the pillar of cloud and fire and were all under the protection of the cloud.
    • Provision of Sustenance: God had supplied both bread (manna) and meat from heaven in the Wilderness of Sin.
    • Provision of Water: They had previously witnessed the miraculous sweetening of the water when God gave them water at Marah.

• His response:

  • Temptation 1: “There’s more to me. I’m a man who survives off God’s word,”
  • Temptation 2: “God has been good to me. He is faithful and trustworthy. I don’t need to test him.”

Antidote: develop a trust-based relationship with God.

• 1. Cultivate a practice of celebratory remembrance.

  • Times of gratitude.
  • Storytelling.

• 2. Meditate on the Lord’s providential care.

  • God’s names
    • God has a name that is theologically rich, dynamic, and meaningful. Yahweh (translated as “LORD,” meaning “I Am”) occurs approximately 6,500 times and signifies God’s self-existence, nearness, and readiness to help (Ex. 3:14). Elohim (used over 2,000 times) emphasizes God’s majesty and power as the Creator (Gen. 1:1). El Olam (The Everlasting God) highlights his eternal nature and unchanging character (Gen. 21:33). Adonai (Lord) refers to his sovereign authority (Gen. 15:2). Yahweh Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts) depicts him as commander of the angelic armies, ensuring victory for his people (1 Sam. 1:3). El Elyon (Most High God) emphasizes his supremacy over all powers and principalities (Gen. 14:18). El Shaddai (God of Power) reveals his sufficiency and ability to fulfill all his promises (Gen. 17:1). El Qanna (Jealous God) reflects his zealous love for his people and intolerance for idolatry (Ex. 20:5). Yahweh Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness) underscores his provision of righteousness for his people (Jer. 23:6). Yahweh Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You) highlights his work in setting his people apart for his purposes (Ex. 31:13). El Roi (The God Who Sees) offers assurance that God observes and cares for each individual (Gen. 16:13). Yahweh Jireh (The Lord Will Provide) reflects his provision for all needs (Gen. 22:14). Yahweh Rapha (The Lord Who Heals) reveals his restorative power (Ex. 15:26). Yahweh Nissi (The Lord Is My Banner) depicts him as the one who leads his people to victory (Ex. 17:15).
  • God’s titles and metaphors
    • He is often portrayed as a Father, tenderly guiding and disciplining his children (Deut. 1:31, Matt. 6:9). As a Shepherd, he leads, provides, and protects his flock (Ps. 23:1, John 10:11). God is also depicted as a Husband, faithfully loving his covenant people despite their unfaithfulness (Isa. 54:5, Hos. 2:16). He is a King, reigning with sovereign authority over all creation (Ps. 47:2, Isa. 6:5). As a Judge, he dispenses perfect justice and righteousness (Ps. 9:8, 2 Tim. 4:8). God is portrayed as a Warrior, fighting for his people and securing victory over their enemies (Ex. 15:3, Isa. 42:13). He is a Rock, providing stability, refuge, and strength in times of trouble (Ps. 18:2, Isa. 26:4). God is described as a Shield and Fortress, offering protection and defense against harm (Ps. 28:7, 2 Sam. 22:2-3). He is a Physician, healing both physical and spiritual wounds (Ex. 15:26, Jer. 30:17). As a Vine, he sustains and nourishes his people, who are branches drawing life from him (John 15:5). He also compares himself to a Potter, shaping and molding his creation according to his sovereign purposes (Isa. 64:8, Rom. 9:21). He even compares himself to a Mother, expressing nurturing care and compassion, likening his love to a hen gathering her chicks (Isa. 49:15, Matt. 23:37). These images—and so many more—collectively highlight God’s multifaceted care, authority, and relational nature.

• 3. Practice the “meantime” disciplines.

  • Sabbath
  • Prayer
  • Worship
  • Scripture

• 4. Appreciate the quiet and simple more than the loud and spectacular.

  • Jesus did not need a manufactured experience to trust God. In the wilderness, he’d been sustained by the LORD.

He Was Loyal To God No Matter What (4:8-11)

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”

In a (likely) supernatural vision, the devil offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for Jesus’ worship.

• Satan made an audacious claim to own the kingdoms of the world.
  • Jesus didn’t argue.
  • Satan is “the god of this age” (2 Cor. 4:4), “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31), and “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2).

What is the temptation?

• Gain instant dominion and glory—which, ultimately and rightfully, belongs to Jesus—by bypassing the cross and compromising his allegiance to God.
  • A shortcut to glory!
  • Peter will echo this temptation later in Matthew (Matt. 16:22-23).
• Would Jesus be a Son who is disloyal to the Father? Would he take shortcuts or remain devoted to the Father and the Father’s path for his life? Would he be a servant-King?

• Temptation 3: Compromise Your Allegiance to God to Get Where You Want to Go.

  • Take instant dominion without the cross (world kingdoms).
  • We are constantly tempted to compromise our allegiance to the Lord to get where we want to go.

10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ”

Jesus used Deuteronomy 6:13 (and 10:20) to defeat this temptation.

• It had warned Israel about idolatry once they got into the Promised Land (overall, they failed to heed this warning).
  • Jesus knew what a lack of allegiance had done to them—and he would not repeat their error!

Antidote: maintain exclusive loyalty and worship to God.

• Reject idolatrous crowns so you can receive the imperishable crown from God.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:24–25 (ESV) — 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
• Perishable wreaths we are tempted to shift allegiances over.
  • Success
  • Comfort
  • Pleasure
  • Approval
• Consider Moses:
  • Hebrews 11:26 (ESV) — 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.

Conclusion

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

• The devil left him.
  • The foe had been vanquished.
  • He would wait for another opportunity (Luke 4:13).
• Angels did bear him up!
  • Broke the fast.
  • Momentous victory in the cosmic dimension.
  • He’s ready for his public ministry.

The Upside-Down King

• Would not go outside God’s will to find satisfaction.
• Would not doubt God’s care or force God to prove himself.
• Would not compromise his allegiance to God to get to his desired destination.

This is your King—but also your calling.

• 1. When you face hunger this week—physical, relational, emotional, spiritual—pause and ask: “What is God’s word to me right now? How can I pursue satisfaction his way rather than departing his will for quick relief?”
• 2. When you’re tempted to doubt God’s care this week—when you want to manufacture a crisis or demand proof—pause and remember: Cultivate celebratory remembrance. Rehearse his past faithfulness. Practice the “meantime” disciplines—Sabbath, prayer, worship, Scripture.
• 3. When you’re tempted to compromise your allegiance this week—when shortcuts to success, comfort, pleasure, or approval beckon—pause and ask: “What idolatrous crown am I being offered? And is it worth trading the imperishable crown for this?”

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Study Questions

HEAD Questions (Knowledge, Facts, Understanding)

1. What are the three ways the temptation of Christ functions according to this sermon? How does Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness reverse Israel’s forty years of failure? What specific Old Testament passages from Deuteronomy does Jesus quote in response to each temptation?
2. How did Satan misuse Scripture in the second temptation? What did he quote from Psalm 91, what did he omit, and how did he misapply the context? What does this teach us about how the enemy can twist God’s Word?
3. Explain the statement “Jesus was tempted more than you because he never buckled to sin.” How does understanding this change your view of Jesus’ humanity and his ability to sympathize with our struggles?

HEART Questions (Feelings, Impressions, Desires)

1. Which of the four types of hunger (physical, relational, emotional, spiritual) do you most frequently struggle to satisfy in God’s way? When you face this hunger, what “stones to bread” shortcuts are you most tempted to pursue? How does recognizing that submission to God’s will is the path to true satisfaction challenge or encourage you?
2. When have you been tempted to “test God” by manufacturing a crisis or demanding proof of His care? Looking back at God’s faithfulness in your life, what specific acts of provision, protection, or guidance stand out? How does remembering these moments affect your current level of trust in God?
3. Which “idolatrous crown” (success, comfort, pleasure, approval) most powerfully tempts you to compromise your allegiance to God? What shortcuts are you currently being offered that promise quick results but would require you to bypass God’s path? How does the promise of an “imperishable crown” speak to your deepest desires?

HANDS Questions (Actions, Commitments, Decisions, Beliefs)

1. What specific “meantime disciplines” (Sabbath, prayer, worship, Scripture) do you need to practice more consistently this week? Choose one and describe what it would look like to implement it. How might this discipline help you develop a more trust-based relationship with God rather than a prove-yourself-to-me relationship?
2. Review the three practical applications from the conclusion. Which one addresses your most pressing current temptation? What concrete action will you take this week when that temptation arises? Who can you ask to help keep you accountable to this commitment?
3. If you’re a follower of Jesus, how does understanding that Jesus’ victory is your victory change how you’ll approach temptation this week? If you’ve never trusted in Jesus before, what’s preventing you from praying the prayer of faith that was offered in this message? What questions do you need answered, or what next step do you need to take?