Read MATTHEW 4:1–11

During Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, both He and Satan quoted Scripture. What made the difference? Hermeneutics, a term meaning “interpretation.” Satan misrepresented Scripture’s meaning and tried to twist it to his own ends, while Jesus accurately and faithfully interpreted Scripture, remaining righteous and obedient. With the help of good biblical hermeneutics, He chose truth over falsehood and obedience over sin.

We might wonder why the Spirit led the Son into the wilderness for this important episode. Facing off against Satan was the other half of the launch of Jesus’ public ministry, the complement to the Father and Spirit’s affirmation at His baptism. This was not a one-time test, as the spiritual battle would continue throughout Jesus’ life (see Luke 4:13). Satan completely opposed Jesus’ mission of redemption, just as today he wars against God’s work of salvation in our own lives (see 1 Peter 5:8).

We should be encouraged that Jesus faced temptation, just as we do (see Heb. 4:15). It’s particularly encouraging that He was led into this situation by the Holy Spirit, which meant it was not outside the will of God. We, too, should be led by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14). Even when confronting direct temptation by Satan and His own physical hunger, Jesus did not give in. He was instead filled with the Holy Spirit—again, just as we should be—and perfectly resisted Satan’s deceit.

Tellingly, God the Father is referenced in each of the three Scriptures quoted by Jesus. The Son trusted His Father’s words (v. 4). He would never attempt to manipulate Him or force His hand (v. 7). God alone is worthy of worship (v. 10). To bend the knee to any other, for any reason, would be faithless and sinful.

APPLY THE WORD

How can we fight against temptation like Jesus did? Like Him, we should know the Scriptures! Solid hermeneutics enables us to choose truth over falsehood and obedience over sin. We should also remember our identity in Christ and what it means— we are now free to resist sin and to live worthy of the gospel to which we have been called (see Eph. 4:1–6).

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