The Preacher’s Pen

With Jesus in the Wilderness

Matthew 4:1–11

Last week we began a new Wednesday night Bible study series called With Jesus. The idea is to walk with Jesus, to see how He lived and acted while He was here, and to find biblical answers we can use in our own lives.

Last time, we looked at With Jesus at the Jordan and talked about the importance of baptism. This week we follow Him into the wilderness. If I had a subtitle for this lesson, it would be:

“Standing Strong When Facing Temptation.”

1. Temptation Comes When We Are Vulnerable (v. 1–2)

Jesus was doing exactly what the Spirit led Him to do. He had fasted forty days and nights. He was physically weak. He was emotionally weary. Not sure if He could be hangry — but I think we get the picture.

Satan loves to strike when we are at our lowest. Physically tired or sick. Emotionally drained. Spiritually dry. He whispers: “I thought you had faith. Why don’t you just quit?”

And sometimes Satan even comes after a spiritual victory. I’ve seen it myself — a great Sunday service, a full house, a sweet spirit — and then, in the days that follow, I can almost expect a visit from the devil.

Understand: you are not alone in that. The devil came after Jesus in the very same way. Jesus had just completed a fast in obedience to the Father — and that is when Satan stepped in.

2. Temptation Seeks to Bypass God’s Plan (v. 3–10)

Each temptation was designed to change God’s plan for Jesus:

Stones to bread (v. 3–4): Satan tempted Jesus to meet His own needs instead of waiting for the Father. But Jesus answered, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”
Jump from the temple (v. 5–7): Satan twisted Scripture, tempting Jesus to take His own life apart from the cross. Jesus answered, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”
Bow to gain kingdoms (v. 8–10): Satan offered Jesus a crown without a cross. But Jesus already had the kingdom — and the worship of all mankind — by His Father’s decree.

Satan comes to us in similar ways. He convinces us that what we already have is not enough. He offers “another” — another family, another career, another church, another dream, another calling. But it’s all a lie meant to bypass God’s plan.

3. Victory Comes Through God’s Word (v. 11)

How did Jesus — as a man — make the devil flee? Not with angels (though they came later to minister). Not with miracles. But with the Word of God.

Every time, Jesus replied: “It is written.” He quoted from the book of Deuteronomy:

Deuteronomy 8:3 — “Man shall not live by bread alone…”
Deuteronomy 6:16 — “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”
Deuteronomy 6:13 — “Fear the Lord your God, and serve Him only.”

If the Son of God Himself relied on Scripture, how much more do we need it?

Psalm 119:11 reminds us: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” The Word is our shield, our sword, our defense against the enemy’s lies.

Reflection Questions

What does Jesus’ response to temptation teach us about how we should handle our own battles?
Why is it important that Jesus didn’t use His divine power, but relied only on Scripture?
How can we prepare today — in heart, mind, and habit — for the temptations we know will come tomorrow?

With Jesus in the wilderness, we learn that temptation is real, subtle, and relentless. But we also learn that victory is possible — not through our own strength, but through God’s Word. When the devil comes, we too can stand firm and say: “It is written.”