Tempted but triumphant. finding strength and comfort in Christs temptations.

Jesus' experience of temptation was necessary for His mission and identity, displaying that facing temptation is a universal human experience and that resisting is possible through divine support and knowledge of scripture.

In all scripture, Christ stands as the New Adam, who, unlike the first Adam, overcame temptation and sin for humanity, offering redemption through His victory over temptation and eventual death and resurrection.

Christ's triumph over temptation demonstrates that through Him, we can find the strength to overcome our own trials and temptations, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God.

Genesis 3:1–7 ESV

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

The difference between the original sin and our sin is, they didn’t have a sin nature. When we are tempted we are led astray by our own desires.

James 1:12 ESV

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:13 ESV

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.

James 1:14 ESV

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

James 1:15 ESV

Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

1. Provision: Depend on God

Matthew 4:1–4 (ESV)

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written,

“ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

The first temptation addresses physical need and desire as Satan tempts Jesus to transform stones into bread. This point underscores our physical frailty and how temptation often capitalizes on our weaknesses. As Jesus responds with Scripture, we learn the importance of valuing God's word above physical satisfaction. This teaches us to find reliance in spiritual nourishment through faith, mirroring Christ's trust in His Father. We the need to depend on God Just as Jesus did.

2. Presumption: Trust God's Plan

Matthew 4:5–7 (ESV)

Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 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.’ ” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”

The second temptation where Jesus is tempted to prove His divine power by jumping from the temple's pinnacle. It represents the subtle temptation to test God and seek validation beyond faith. Triumph over temptation involves trusting God's plan without requiring spectacular signs. Christ's response with Scripture highlights reliance on God’s faithfulness. We should seek authentic faith free from unnecessary tests. Jesus is the one who embodies true faithfulness, trusting His Father fully.

3. Power: Worship God Alone

Matthew 4:8–11 (ESV)

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 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.’ ”Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

In the third temptation, Satan offers Jesus worldly power in exchange for worship. This showcases the lure of power and compromise of loyalty. Jesus’ refusal exemplifies unwavering devotion to God alone. This point affirms Jesus' mission not to yield to worldly allure but to stay loyal to God’s kingdom. We need to prioritize obedience to God over worldly gain, inspired by Jesus' victory over temptation. Jesus is the king who upholds God’s authority above all.

Hebrews 4:15–16 ESV

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 5:7–9 (ESV)

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.

A big part of Jesus suffering was going through temptation.

Mark 14:32–42 ESV

And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

When we are being tempted we need to pray. He will not abandon us, even if we have fallen. He has suffered in our place, and this includes temptation.