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"To be tempted by the devil."

Text: Matthew 4:1

AN ESSENTIAL DIFFERENCE

While there may be similarities between Moses and Jesus in their 40 Days and 40 Nights experience, there was a marked difference with reference to the latter.

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit
into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
Matthew 4:1

“And He was there in the wilderness forty days,
tempted by Satan…”
Mark 1:13

1. “To be tempted”

a) Matthew made this special observation.

b) The Spirit of God led Jesus into the wilderness.

i) There was a sense of purpose in this leading.

ii) Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil.

2. The First Man

a) Paul drew an analogy between Adam and Christ (1 Corinthians 15:45-49).

b) The first Man, Adam, was tempted by Satan.

c) He fell to the temptation Satan offered him (Genesis 3).

3. The Second Man

a) Paul described the Lord Jesus in a loving manner.

i) He was the “last Adam”; He became “a life-giving spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45).

ii) He was also called “the Second Man”; He is the “Lord from heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:47).

iii) He is “the heavenly Man” (1 Corinthians 15:49).

b) It is inevitable that He too must be tested (tempted).

THE TEMPTER

The Gospel writers described the person who dared to tempt the Lord Jesus.

1. The Devil

The meaning behind the Greek word “diabolos” suggests that He is one who slanders.

2. Satan

The meaning behind the Greek word “Satanas” suggests that He is an adversary. He is an enemy.

3. Tempting

Two elements may be noted: –

a) To test- as an effort to gauge the quality of the person tested.

b) To tempt- as an effort to cause someone to sin.