The Meaning of Christ’s 3 Temptations in the Wilderness

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Discover what Jesus’s visit with Satan means for Christians

Co-authored by Cameron Diamond and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: July 17, 2024 Fact Checked

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3 Temptations Overview

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Symbolism of the 3 Temptations

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Temptation vs. Sin

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In Conclusion

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Expert Interview

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Expert Q&A

Temptation. In the Christian Bible, Jesus is faced with 3 temptations of the body, mind, and heart at the hands of Satan. These temptations challenged his devotion and faith to the Lord. By walking away from each temptation, Jesus reveals some valuable lessons about faith. We’ll analyzed the 3 temptations of Jesus in this article, explain what they symbolize, and show how they’re significant in Christianity.

Things You Should Know

The first temptation of Christ, to turn stones to bread, is of the body. Jesus must fight his hunger to obey the Lord’s command.
The second temptation, to jump off a high building, is of the mind. Jesus refuses to question God’s love and flaunt his power.
The third temptation, to rule all the kingdoms, is of the heart. Jesus remains loyal to the Lord and refuses to bow down to Satan and rule with him.

Section 1 of 4:

The 3 Temptations of Christ: Overview

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Jesus faces a temptation of the body, mind, and heart in Matthew. In the Bible, after John baptizes Jesus, Christ fasts in the Judaean Desert for 40 days and nights. When the 40 days are up, Satan (or the devil) visits Jesus and tries to tempt him. Satan bribes Christ with 3 things that would make his current state easier, yet Jesus refuses each one, proving his loyalty and devotion to the Lord. ^{[1]
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- The 3 temptations are as follows:
  - Physical temptation (the body): Satan offers Jesus food, but he refuses as he knows the Lord will provide his daily bread (Matthew 4:3-4).
  - Emotional temptation (the mind): Satan challenges Jesus to jump off a temple if he’s truly the Son of God, but Jesus remains still because the Lord shouldn’t be tested (Matthew 4:5-7).
  - Control temptation (the heart): Satan offers Jesus power over all the kingdoms of the world, but Jesus refuses because he will only worship God (Matthew 4:8-10).
- These 3 temptations represent the challenges Christians face to remain loyal to the Lord. Sometimes, the body, mind, and heart are tested, but God-fearing people stay faithful no matter what.

Section 2 of 4:

Symbolism of the 3 Temptations

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The first temptation symbolizes faith over bodily hungers and lusts. When the devil comes to visit Jesus, he’s been fasting for 40 days—Christ is starving! But the Lord instructed him that food would be given at a divine time. Satan urges Jesus to turn stones into bread to stop his hunger—if he’s really the Son of God, he could do it. But Jesus remains hungry because he knows his devotion to God’s word is more important. All in all, this temptation symbolizes how God will provide for you if you trust in Him.
- “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’” (Matthew 4:3-4). ^{[2]
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The second temptation represents humility over pride and spectacle. This temptation is an allegory for the soul and mirrors the relationship between Christian faith and doubt. Satan brings Jesus to Jerusalem and sets him on top of the tallest building. He then urges Jesus to jump if his God is as powerful as he claims—God will save him, proving in front of the masses that Jesus is His son. As before, Christ refuses to do so because God will make the truth known when the time is right. This temptation, therefore, symbolizes humble devotion over public feats of faith.
- “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’...Jesus answered him, ‘It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Matthew 4:5-7). ^{[3]
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The third temptation signifies loyalty to the Lord above all others. As the final temptation, Satan takes Christ to the top of the highest mountain, where they can overlook all the kingdoms. The devil offers Jesus all the power in the world as long as Christ kneels down to him. Like before, Jesus says “no” because the only one who should be worshiped is the Lord, symbolizing that the Lord above is the one and only almighty God.
- “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’” (Matthew 4:8-10). ^{[4]
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Section 3 of 4:

Temptation vs. Sin

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Temptation isn’t the same as sin in the Christian faith. Temptation is the desire to do something, whereas sin is the act of doing something unfaithful or condemnable. You can be tempted by sinful acts, but you’re not committing a sin unless you act on those tempting thoughts. ^{[5]
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- Think of it like this: Say you see someone attractive walking down the road. Looking at this person and fantasizing about them is a temptation. If you were to act on these fantasies and cheat on your partner, then you’d be sinning.
- When Satan bribes Jesus, he’s tempting him; however, Christ never sins because he steps away and refuses all the temptations.

Section 4 of 4:

In Conclusion

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At the end of the day, anyone can be tempted, even Christ. The temptations Jesus faced mirror the temptations Christians face every day. Satan tempted Jesus to disobey and question the Lord’s command, yet he remained strong. Christ’s experience in the desert is a reminder that nobody is immune to Satan’s word; however, anyone (even Jesus) can remain faithful to the Lord.
- So, what does this tale prove? ^{[6]
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  - That the Lord’s desires are above your own.
  - That it’s best to stay humble and true to your faith despite what people think or say.
  - That one should worship and serve only God.
- With each temptation, Jesus refuses Satan by responding with scripture. This is important because everything you ever need is in the Bible—the Lord’s word can guide you away from temptation. ^{[7]
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Expert Q&A

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How do I avoid these temptations?

Cameron Diamond
Theology Expert
Cameron Diamond is a Christian Theology Expert based in Jonesville, Florida. With 16 years of experience in the Christian ministry, Cameron has held various ministry positions and is currently a Pastor and Worship Leader at Jonesville Baptist Church. He has served as a Pastor for students for 10 years. He hosts a Christian faith podcast called Innerlight Discipleship. He is an Outpost Director for Stand to Reason, an apologetics ministry that encourages discipleship and relational evangelism through Socratic reason. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. He has an MA in Christian Studies and a BA in Music from the Baptist College of Florida. Currently, he is pursuing his Doctorate of Ministry in Theologies and Apologetics from Liberty University.

Cameron Diamond

Theology Expert

Expert Answer

Start by talking with someone that can help you be closer to God. This could be someone in your ministry, church, or a family member that can help discipline you according to your life. Read the Bible and start praying for wisdom and resilience. Surround yourself with a supportive community of believers that will provide you with encouragement and accountability. Stay focused on God's teachings, avoiding situations and influences that could lead you astray. Remember to keep your mind and heart aligned with God's will, this will provide you resistance to temptation and remain steadfast in your faith.

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Know that the order of the temptations can be changed depending on what scripture you read. For instance, in Luke, Jesus is first tempted to make bread, then to bow to Satan, and then to leap from the temple.

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The Meaning of Christ’s 3 Temptations in the Wilderness

Things You Should Know

Steps

The 3 Temptations of Christ: Overview

Symbolism of the 3 Temptations

Temptation vs. Sin

In Conclusion

Expert Q&A

Tips

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Expert Interview

References

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