The Temptation of Jesus
The Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness, where he fasts for forty days and is tempted while hungry. The devil presses him to turn stone into bread, and Jesus answers from Scripture that life does not rest on bread alone.
T1hen Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry. 3The devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’ ”
The devil shows Jesus the kingdoms of the world and offers them in exchange for worship. Jesus refuses the bargain and answers with Scripture that worship belongs to God alone.
5Then the devil led Him up to a high place and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6“I will give You authority over all these kingdoms and all their glory,” he said. “For it has been relinquished to me, and I can give it to anyone I wish. 7So if You worship me, it will all be Yours.” 8But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’ ”
The devil brings Jesus to the temple pinnacle and urges him to throw himself down under promise of angelic rescue. Jesus refuses to test God, and after every temptation the devil leaves him until another time.
9Then the devil led Him to Jerusalem and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. “If You are the Son of God,” he said, “throw Yourself down from here. 10For it is written: 11and they will lift You up in their hands, 12But Jesus answered, “It also says, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 13When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time.