
The temptation of Christ is described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. According to scripture, after being baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the Judaean Desert. During this time, Satan appeared to Jesus and attempted to tempt him towards sin. Jesus having refused each temptation, the Devil then departed and Jesus returned to Galilee to begin his ministry.
Satan's temptations were hedonism, egoism, and materialism. John the Evangelist in his epistle categorized these temptations as "lust of eyes" (materialism), "lust of body" (hedonism), and "pride of life" (egoism). Temptations intend to deceive and corrupt three main human characteristics; to think, wish and feel which are inside the mind, soul, and heart as Jesus alludes in the Greatest Commandment. These are related to transcendentals or ultimate ideals in three areas of human interests; science (truth), arts (beauty), and religion (goodness). Christians are called to seek divine virtues; faith, hope, and love that link them directly to God who Himself is Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.
In Matthew and Luke "the tempter" or "the devil" tempts Jesus to:
- Create bread out of stones to relieve his own hunger
- Leap from a pinnacle and rely on angels to break his fall.
- Kneel before Satan in return for all the kingdoms of the world.
Read the full story of the Temptation of Jesus in scripture text below and find Articles, Videos, and Audio Sermons relating to this inspiring story.
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