Jesus Is Tempted
After fasting forty days, Jesus is tempted by Satan in the wilderness. He defeats every temptation with Scripture.
Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13
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The Story
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
The tempter came to him and said, 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.'
Jesus answered, 'It is written: "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."'
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 'If you are the Son of God,' he said, 'throw yourself down. For it is written: "He will command his angels concerning you."'
Jesus answered him, 'It is also written: "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."'
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 'All this I will give you,' he said, 'if you will bow down and worship me.'
Jesus said to him, 'Away from me, Satan! For it is written: "Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only."'
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Jesus faced every category of temptation—physical desire, pride, and power—and defeated each with the Word of God. Where Adam failed in a garden of plenty, Jesus succeeded in a barren wilderness. He shows us that Scripture is our weapon against temptation.
Jesus Fights Temptation
Kids Version
Right after Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led Him into the desert. For FORTY days, Jesus didn't eat anything. He was very, very hungry.
Then Satan showed up to try to trick Jesus.
Temptation #1: Satan said, 'If You're really God's Son, turn these stones into bread!'
Jesus was SO hungry. But He answered with a Bible verse: 'The Scripture says people don't live by bread alone, but by every word from God!'
Temptation #2: Satan took Jesus to the top of the temple—way up high! 'If You're God's Son, jump! The Bible says angels will catch You!'
Jesus answered with another verse: 'It also says don't test the Lord your God!'
Temptation #3: Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. 'I'll give You ALL of this—if You just bow down and worship me!'
Jesus said, 'Get away from Me, Satan! The Scripture says worship ONLY God!'
Satan gave up and left. Angels came to take care of Jesus.
Jesus won! He beat every temptation by using God's Word!
Here's the cool part: when YOU are tempted to do wrong, you can do the same thing! Learn Bible verses. When you're tempted, remember what God says. His Word is like a sword that fights off the enemy!
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Characters in This Story
Settings & Locations
Scripture — Matthew 4:1-11 (KJV)
1Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
5Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
6And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. tempt: or, try, or, put to trial, or, proof
8Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Memory Verse
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.”
— Matthew 4:1 (KJV)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “Jesus Is Tempted” in the Bible?
After fasting forty days, Jesus is tempted by Satan in the wilderness. He defeats every temptation with Scripture. This story is found in Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13.
Where is “Jesus Is Tempted” found in the Bible?
“Jesus Is Tempted” is found in Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13, in the book of Matthew.
What can children learn from “Jesus Is Tempted”?
This story teaches children about Temptation, Scripture, Victory, Obedience. Satan tried to trick Jesus three times in the desert. But Jesus used Bible verses to fight back and win!