Jesus resists temptation (Matthew 4:5-11)

Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand 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, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’” (NASB) Matt. 4:5-6

The test is deceitful. Satan suggests a stunt - just throw yourself down and watch the angels catch you. But Jesus was not interested in a thrill. The Greek word translated as “pinnacle” actually means “wing.” Historical records tell us that there was an extension of Herod’s royal palace which hung out over the Kidron Valley. According to Josephus the extension was a portico which hung 450 foot above the valley. History also tells us that Jesus’ brother, James, was martyred by being thrown off the portico. Many believe that the word “wing” refers to this portico.

Jesus could have thrown Himself off the portico and the angels would have caught Him. Jesus would also have sinned by testing God’s faithfulness. God does not need to be tested. Have you ever sinned while telling yourself that God has promised to forgive you? That is a test of God. Yes, He will forgive but why test Him? It presumes on His faithfulness. We are not to test God.

Or, why recklessly spend money and then remind God that He promised to meet your needs? Why make someone angry and then remind God that He promised, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay?”

“On the other hand, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’” (NASB) Matt. 4:7

Jesus quoted Deut. 6:16. Jesus passed the second test of faith. If we were confused about Satan’s test, Jesus makes it clear. Satan wanted Jesus to test God the Father’s faithfulness.

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 things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” (NASB) Matt. 4:8-9

Luke 4:5 adds that Satan showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world in a “moment of time.” That is, Satan must have given Jesus a vision of the kingdoms of the world. It occurred in a flash of time - in an instant. Jesus was not physically taken to a mountain top. It appears that Satan did this through some type of vision.

Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’” (NASB) Matt. 4:10

Again, Jesus quotes scripture to Satan. Jesus sure knew the scriptures. He responded to each temptation with scripture. He used scriptures that most of us would not know if we did not read the temptation of Jesus. Jesus knew the Old Testament.

Satan attempted to motivate Jesus to trust him - Satan. What do you think would have happened if Jesus had worshipped Satan? Do you think that Satan would have kept his promise? I seriously doubt it since Satan is a deceiver. Just imagine Jesus worshipping Satan only to hear him laughing. No, this test was about faith again. Satan wanted Jesus to trust him - Satan.

Before we go further, someone might notice that the gospel of Luke reverses the order of the second and third tests. So which account is correct? The answer is found in this last test recorded in Matthew (Matt. 4:10). Notice Jesus’ command, “Go, Satan!” This was the last test and Jesus commanded that he leave. Matthew is also the only gospel which uses the “then” between each test. That is, Matthew gives us the true order in which the tests occurred.

Angels Minister. The devil was finished with all of his temptations when Jesus told him to go. Matthew, Mark, and Luke each add something different.

Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him. (NASB) Matt. 4:11