The Humanity of Christ: Part 23 - The Temptation of Christ

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Humanity Of Christ: Part 23 - The Temptation Of Christ

Jesus was tempted in all things does not indicate that He experienced every type of temptation.  The phrase in all things can be rendered in all areas.  All areas of temptation are defined in 1 John 2:16, namely, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.  Matthew 4:1-11 entails how Jesus was tempted in these three areas.

First, Jesus was tempted in the area of the lust of the flesh.  

• And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. - Matthew 4:3

Second, Jesus was tempted in the area of the lust of the eyes.

• 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. - Matthew 4:8-9
  

Third, Jesus was tempted in the area of the pride of life.

• 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. - Matthew 4:5-6

Also is it is worth noting that Jesus responded to temptation by quoting Scripture, particularly the Torah.  To the lust of the flesh temptation, Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3.  

• He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. - Deuteronomy 8:3
  

Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:4-5, 13, in response to the lust of the eyes temptation.  

• Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. […] You shall fear only the Lord your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name. - Deuteronomy 6:4-5, 13
  

To the temptation in the area of the pride of life, Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy 6:16.  

• You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested Him at Massah. - Deuteronomy 6:16