The 4 Temptations of Jesus (and How to Overcome Your Own)

The Bible tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way and, from that, He can understand our weakness. But do we understand the nature of those temptations that Jesus faced and, from them, understand our own weakness?

The clearest portrait of the temptations Jesus faced can be seen in the wilderness, where He faced four – yes, four – direct seductions.

Stones to Bread

First, Jesus was tempted to turn stones into bread. For Jesus, this was the temptation to use His supernatural power for His own personal needs. To be motivated by selfish desire.

In other words, the temptation related to motives.

Why you do what you do.

Temple

Then came the temptation to stand on the top of the Temple and cast Himself off. This was the temptation to force a large following through the sheer display of who He was. Bypassing their will, even their hearts, it would have been doing something so spectacular it would have forced belief.

This was the temptation related to methods.

How you do what you do.

Kingdoms of the World

Then there was the invitation to be in control of all the kingdoms of the world. This was no empty boast—Satan could deliver it. “Okay, you love this world so much,” Satan said, “you can have it.” Jesus could have set up the Kingdom of God on Earth in all its fullness.

This was the temptation related to mission.

What you do.