---
title: "Forty Days in the Wilderness: Lessons from Jesus’ Temptation"
description: The temptations Jesus faced are temptations we face. Yet He perfectly endured every temptation.
image: https://blog.truthforlife.org/hubfs/_Blog_Images/2022_Images/FortyDays_BlogHeader.jpg
---

- [TFL Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
- [Events](https://www.truthforlife.org/events/)
- [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- [About](https://www.truthforlife.org/about) 
    - [About Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/)
    - [Our Mission](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-mission/)
    - [What We Believe](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/what-we-believe/)
    - [Follow Christ](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
    - [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)
    - [About Alistair](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/about-alistair-begg/)
    - [Our Team](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-team/)
    - [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
    - [Policies](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/policies/)
    - [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- Donate 
    - [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate)
    - [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/ways-give/)
    - Truthpartner Info
    - [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner/)
    - [Update Truthpartner Info](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
    - [Truthpartner Resource Request](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
- [My Library](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/library/)
- [![Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-cart.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart/)
- [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/)

[Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/) ![Truth For Life ](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/logo-tag-k.svg)

- [Today](https://www.truthforlife.org/daily)
- Programs 
    - [Latest Program](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/latest-aired/)
    - [Archived Programs](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/archive/)
    - [Program Schedule](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/upcoming-broadcasts/)
    - [Subscribe and Connect](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe/)
    - [TFL Station Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
    - [Info for Broadcasters](https://www.truthforlife.org/radio-info/)
- Sermons 
    - [Latest Sermons](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/most-recent-sermons/)
    - Browse
    - [by Topic](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
    - [by Series](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?type=series&per_page=25)
    - [by Scripture](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/scripture/)
    - [by Date](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?type=sermon)
    - [by Transcripts](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?format=transcript)
- [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/)
- More 
    - [For Pastors & Churches](https://info.truthforlife.org/churches?from=blog)
    - [Subscribe & Connect](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe)
    - [Explore Topics](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
    - [Get the App](https://www.truthforlife.org/apps)
    - [Alistair Begg Devotional](https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/alistair-begg/archive/)
    - [C.H. Spurgeon Devotional](https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/spurgeon/archive/)
    - [Reading Plans](https://info.truthforlife.org/reading-plans)
    - [Online Bible (ESV)](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible)
    - [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)
    - [Follow Christ](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
- [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/)
- [Donate](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
- [Store](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/)
- [Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart/)
- [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Find a Station](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
- [About](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/)
- [Events](https://www.truthforlife.org/events/)
- [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- [Subscribe](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe/)
- [Store](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/)
- Donate 
    - [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
    - [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/ways-give/)
    - Truthpartner Info
    - [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner/)
    - [Update Truthpartner Info](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
    - [Truthpartner Resource Request](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
- ![Search](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-search.svg)
  
  Search

[![Library](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-library.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/library/) [![Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-cart.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart) [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/) ![Show Menu](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-menu.svg) ![Hide Menu](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-close.svg)

#### Blog Latest Posts

### Recent Posts

### Blog Topics

- [Daily Images (590)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/daily-images)
- [Weekly Wallpaper (405)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-wallpaper)
- [Articles (400)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/articles)
- [Monthly Resources (379)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/monthly-resources)
- [From the Archives (335)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/from-the-archives)
- [Ministry Updates (318)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/ministry-updates)
- [Hymns and Worship (201)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/hymns-and-worship)
- [Letters From Alistair Begg (152)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/letters-from-alistair-begg)
- [Begg's Blog (62)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/beggs-blog)
- [Listener Stories (46)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/listener-stories)

### Archive

- [December 2016 (45)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/12)
- [August 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/08)
- [November 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/11)
- [October 2015 (39)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/10)
- [April 2020 (38)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/04)
- [June 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/06)
- [July 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/07)
- [May 2017 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/05)
- [April 2017 (35)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/04)
- [December 2015 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/12)
- [May 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/05)
- [October 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/10)
- [January 2017 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/01)
- [August 2015 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/08)
- [June 2016 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/06)
- [November 2015 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/11)
- [March 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/03)
- [June 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/06)
- [September 2015 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/09)
- [February 2017 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/02)
- [March 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/03)
- [September 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/09)
- [April 2016 (29)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/04)
- [May 2015 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/05)
- [July 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/07)
- [August 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/08)
- [February 2019 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/02)
- [June 2019 (27)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/06)
- [January 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/01)
- [February 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/02)
- [July 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/07)
- [December 2018 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/12)
- [January 2019 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/01)
- [July 2021 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/07)
- [August 2018 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/08)
- [November 2020 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/11)
- [May 2021 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/05)
- [July 2020 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2023 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/05)
- [June 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/06)
- [August 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/08)
- [October 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/10)
- [December 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/12)
- [May 2023 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/05)
- [June 2025 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/06)
- [January 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/01)
- [September 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2023 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/08)
- [March 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/03)
- [April 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/04)
- [February 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/02)
- [March 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/03)
- [May 2019 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/05)
- [March 2020 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/02)
- [April 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/04)
- [November 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/11)
- [March 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/03)
- [December 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/12)
- [January 2025 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/01)
- [July 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/07)
- [December 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/12)
- [March 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/03)
- [June 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/06)
- [May 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/05)
- [September 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/09)
- [July 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/07)
- [October 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/10)
- [August 2024 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/08)
- [May 2025 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/04)
- [November 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/11)
- [February 2020 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/02)
- [February 2022 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/02)
- [March 2023 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/03)
- [May 2024 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/05)
- [September 2025 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/09)
- [December 2017 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/12)
- [May 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/05)
- [November 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2019 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/10)
- [August 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/08)
- [October 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/10)
- [March 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/03)
- [June 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/06)
- [October 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/09)
- [November 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/11)
- [January 2026 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/01)
- [September 2019 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/09)
- [January 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/12)
- [January 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/01)
- [November 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/11)
- [April 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/04)
- [September 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/09)
- [February 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/02)
- [July 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/07)
- [October 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/10)
- [December 2025 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/12)
- [February 2026 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/02)
- [April 2022 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/04)
- [January 2023 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/01)
- [January 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/01)
- [April 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/04)
- [June 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/06)
- [July 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/07)
- [August 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/08)
- [October 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/10)
- [November 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/11)
- [April 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/04)
- [August 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/08)
- [September 2017 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2019 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/08)
- [September 2021 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/08)
- [December 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2023 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/11)
- [June 2026 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/06)
- [April 2018 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/04)
- [December 2023 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/12)
- [February 2025 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/02)
- [March 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/03)
- [July 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/07)
- [September 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/09)
- [October 2017 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/10)
- [June 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/06)
- [July 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/07)
- [February 2023 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/02)
- [May 2026 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/05)
- [November 2017 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/11)
- [January 2018 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/01)
- [July 2022 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/07)
- [March 2019 (9)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/03)
- [October 2018 (8)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (7)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/09)
- [April 2015 (5)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/04)
- [October 2026 (4)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/10)
- [March 2015 (3)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/03)
- [January 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/01)
- [February 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/02)
- [November 2009 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2009/11)
- [February 2013 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2013/02)

see all

[Subscribe to Blog RSS Feed](http://feeds.feedburner.com/TruthForLifeBlog)

#### [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org) Forty Days in the Wilderness: Lessons from Jesus’ Temptation

# Forty Days in the Wilderness: Lessons from Jesus’ Temptation

Share

- [Twitter](http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?status=Forty%20Days%20in%20the%20Wilderness:%20Lessons%20from%20Jesus’%20Temptation+/forty-days-in-the-wilderness-lessons-from-jesus-temptation)
- [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=/forty-days-in-the-wilderness-lessons-from-jesus-temptation)
- [WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=Forty%20Days%20in%20the%20Wilderness:%20Lessons%20from%20Jesus’%20Temptation%20|%20/forty-days-in-the-wilderness-lessons-from-jesus-temptation)
- [Email](mailto:username@example.com?subject=Forty%20Days%20in%20the%20Wilderness:%20Lessons%20from%20Jesus’%20Temptation&body=/forty-days-in-the-wilderness-lessons-from-jesus-temptation)

 March 15, 2022

![FortyDays\_BlogHeader](https://blog.truthforlife.org/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog_Images/2022_Images/FortyDays_BlogHeader.jpg?width=1200&name=FortyDays_BlogHeader.jpg)

Temptation is a familiar part of life for us all. If we’re honest, we can admit that it doesn’t take much to lead us astray when we let our guard down. Most of us give in far more easily than we’d like to admit. By nature, we’re more inclined to run in our own direction than to follow God’s lead. So what can we do to avoid temptation’s pitfalls and stay on the narrow path?

Just after warning his readers about the danger of drifting ([Heb. 2:1–4](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/hebrews+2:1-4)), the writer of Hebrews answers this question by directing our gaze heavenward, encouraging us to reflect on Jesus’ own experience:

> Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (vv. 17–18)

One of the greatest examples we have of Jesus dealing with temptation is found in [Luke 4:1–12](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Luke+4:1-12), which chronicles Christ’s forty days in the wilderness and the accompanying temptations from the devil. When we read and study God’s Word, we should never dismiss Jesus as someone or something entirely otherworldly but instead learn from the one who is fully God and fully man.

The temptations Jesus faced are temptations we face. Yet He perfectly endured every temptation. He trusted God the Father unequivocally. He found the “way of escape” (1 Cor. 10:13). Although we can only strive toward, and not *achieve*, such perfection in this life, considering Jesus’ response to Satan in the wilderness can help us grow wiser and be better prepared when we face our own temptations.

> When we read and study God’s Word, we should never dismiss Jesus as someone or something entirely otherworldly but instead learn from the one who is fully God and fully man.

## When You Doubt God’s Provision

In Luke 3:22, at the moment of Jesus’ baptism, God’s voice came from heaven, declaring to Him, “You are my beloved Son.” In Luke 4, with Jesus now “led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days” (v. 1), we find the devil’s voice coming from hell, saying, “*If* you are the Son of God…” (v. 3, emphasis added). Calling God’s Word into question has long been Satan’s way: “Did God actually say…” (Gen. 3:1). It’s no surprise, then, that Satan begins his temptation of Jesus by insinuating that if God truly loved Him and was pleased with Him, things might be going a little better. His stomach might be a little fuller. Jesus should simply take matters into His own hands and make bread so He can eat.

Jesus answers Satan with a quote from the book of Deuteronomy: “Man shall not live by bread alone” (Luke 4:4; see also Deut. 8:3). In Deuteronomy, the manna God provided supernaturally was a reminder to Israel that they were ultimately dependent not on bread but on God, the Giver and Sustainer of life. Jesus therefore declares His dependence on His Father, who had promised to look after Him, even in the desolation of the Judean wilderness.

Scripture affirms God’s loving provision for us, too—but Satan calls God’s promises into question. Jesus, in His humanity, had to trust God’s provision rather than using His power to produce bread for Himself. He understood firsthand both the challenge and the comfort of what He’d soon teach in the Sermon on the Mount: “Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. … Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all” (Matt. 6:25, 32). We can trust, then, that the solution He gives us when we are tempted to worry—“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33)—is the same one He relied on.

## When God’s Way Is Difficult

The devil knew that Jesus was seeking the kingdom of God on earth—so in his next attack, we seem him suggesting that Jesus should found the messianic kingdom by making a compromise with His tempter. Jesus knows the cost of mankind’s salvation will be high ([Luke 12:50](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Luke+12:50) ). Indeed, He will even plead with the Father to find another way, if possible ([Matt. 26:39](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Matthew+26:39); [Mark 14:36](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Mark+14:36); [Luke 22:42](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Luke+22:42) ). By bowing down to Satan, Jesus (so the devil says) will be able to rule over the earth without the struggle and suffering of the cross ([Luke 4:5–7](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Luke+4:5-7)).

But Jesus responds again with Scripture: “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve” (Luke 4:8; see also Deut. 6:13). In serving God only, Jesus takes the way of self-denying love and sacrificial death. He takes the narrow road ([Matt. 7:13–14](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Matthew+7:13-14)). The power Satan offers Him is not the kingdom of God at all but the kingdom of Satan. God’s kingdom will only come through His self-giving love on the cross.

> Jesus emerged victorious despite the strongest attempts of hell to overturn God’s plan of redemption. Because Jesus has secured this victory and we are in Christ, His victory is our victory, and we can call upon Him in times of temptation.

The devil says to us, too, *You don’t have to believe this stuff about the narrow road. You don’t have to take up your cross every day and follow Christ. Don’t worry about all that! I’ve got a whole way of getting things done that’s much nicer and easier*. We may be tempted to bring about heaven with the tools of hell, but it won’t work. God’s kingdom will only come in God’s way—and God’s way is the path to Calvary. As Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (Luke 9:24).

## When You Question God’s Faithfulness

Finally, in one last attempt, the devil leads Jesus to the highest point of the Jerusalem temple and urges Him to throw Himself down ([Luke 4:9–11](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Luke%204%3A9-11/)). Taking a cue from Jesus, Satan now employs Scripture, quoting from [Psalm 91](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Psalm+91) , which begins, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High…” At the temple—the place that represented God’s protection and presence—he challenges Jesus to obtain a more definite proof of His Father’s care by forcing the Father to come to His Son’s aid. In doing so, Satan implies, Christ can show everyone how much He trusts in the promises of God’s Word.

God’s Word is perfect, but Satan likes to twist it so that it seems to say things it does not. Jesus knows and recognizes this, and so He quotes from Deuteronomy again, saying, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Luke 4:12; see also Deut. 6:16). He doesn’t waver for a moment in His trust of God.

> When we have Christ, when we have His Spirit indwelling and filling us, when we have His Word feeding and guiding us, then we have all that we need to face today’s temptations.

Just as he did with Jesus, the devil comes to us and asks, *Why don’t you find out if God really is true to His promises?* And we may meet people who are doing exactly that: ignoring God’s wisdom, spurning His commands, and expecting His promise of grace to spare them the consequences of their actions. They ask God to save them while neglecting the means of grace that He has so lovingly provided. *That* is putting God to the test. We ought to remember Jesus’ warning: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand” (Matt. 7:26).

## His Victory Is Ours

Jesus emerged victorious despite the strongest attempts of hell to overturn God’s plan of redemption. Because Jesus has secured this victory and we are in Christ, His victory is our victory, and we can call upon Him in times of temptation.

As Christ was full of the Spirit and full of the Word of God, so must we be. When we have Christ, when we have His Spirit indwelling and filling us, when we have His Word feeding and guiding us, then we have all that we need to face today’s temptations. May we resolve, then, to prepare ourselves for the temptations that lie ahead, that we might follow the example of Christ and arise victorious.

---

*This article was adapted from the sermons [“The Temptation of Jesus — Part One”](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/the-temptation-of-jesus-pt1/) and [“The Temptation of Jesus — Part Two”](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/the-temptation-of-jesus-pt-2/) by Alistair Begg.*

[![Sermons on Temptation](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/331596/50584b68-4a61-47b1-947b-0f895a858d42.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/331596/50584b68-4a61-47b1-947b-0f895a858d42)

---

Topics: [Articles](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/articles)

##### **Copyright © 2026 , Truth For Life**. All rights reserved.

 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

### Get Weekly Updates

### Recent Posts

### Blog Topics

- [Ministry Updates](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/ministry-updates)
- [Monthly Resources](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/monthly-resources)
- [Weekly Wallpaper](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-wallpaper)
- [From the Archives](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-sermons)
- [Hymns and Worship](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/hymns-and-worship)
- [Letters From Alistair Begg](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/letters-from-alistair-begg)
- [Listener Stories](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/listener-stories)
- [Begg's Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/beggs-blog)
- [Articles](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/articles)

### Archive

- [October 2026 (4)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/10)
- [September 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/09)
- [August 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/08)
- [July 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/07)
- [June 2026 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/06)
- [May 2026 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/05)
- [April 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/04)
- [March 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/03)
- [February 2026 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/02)
- [January 2026 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/01)
- [December 2025 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/12)
- [November 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/11)
- [October 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/10)
- [September 2025 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/09)
- [August 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/08)
- [July 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/07)
- [June 2025 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/06)
- [May 2025 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/04)
- [March 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/03)
- [February 2025 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/02)
- [January 2025 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/01)
- [December 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/12)
- [November 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/11)
- [October 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/10)
- [September 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/09)
- [August 2024 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/08)
- [July 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/07)
- [June 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/06)
- [May 2024 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/05)
- [April 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/04)
- [March 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/03)
- [February 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/02)
- [January 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/01)
- [December 2023 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/12)
- [November 2023 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/11)
- [October 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/10)
- [September 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/09)
- [August 2023 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/08)
- [July 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/07)
- [June 2023 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2023 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/05)
- [April 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/04)
- [March 2023 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/03)
- [February 2023 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/02)
- [January 2023 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/01)
- [December 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/11)
- [October 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/09)
- [August 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/08)
- [July 2022 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/07)
- [June 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/06)
- [May 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/05)
- [April 2022 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/04)
- [March 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/03)
- [February 2022 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/02)
- [January 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/01)
- [December 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/12)
- [November 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/11)
- [October 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/10)
- [September 2021 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/08)
- [July 2021 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/07)
- [June 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/06)
- [May 2021 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/05)
- [April 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/03)
- [February 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/02)
- [January 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/12)
- [November 2020 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/11)
- [October 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/08)
- [July 2020 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/06)
- [May 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/05)
- [April 2020 (38)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/04)
- [March 2020 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2020 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/02)
- [January 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/01)
- [December 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/12)
- [November 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/11)
- [October 2019 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/10)
- [September 2019 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/09)
- [August 2019 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/08)
- [July 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/07)
- [June 2019 (27)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/06)
- [May 2019 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/05)
- [April 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/04)
- [March 2019 (9)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/03)
- [February 2019 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2019 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/01)
- [December 2018 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/12)
- [November 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2018 (8)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (7)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/09)
- [August 2018 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/08)
- [July 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/07)
- [June 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/06)
- [May 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/05)
- [April 2018 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/04)
- [March 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/03)
- [February 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/02)
- [January 2018 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/01)
- [December 2017 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/12)
- [November 2017 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/11)
- [October 2017 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/10)
- [September 2017 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/08)
- [July 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/07)
- [June 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/06)
- [May 2017 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/05)
- [April 2017 (35)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/04)
- [March 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/03)
- [February 2017 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/02)
- [January 2017 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/01)
- [December 2016 (45)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/12)
- [November 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/11)
- [October 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/10)
- [September 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/09)
- [August 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/08)
- [July 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2016 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/06)
- [May 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/05)
- [April 2016 (29)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/04)
- [March 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/03)
- [February 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/02)
- [January 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/01)
- [December 2015 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/12)
- [November 2015 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/11)
- [October 2015 (39)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/10)
- [September 2015 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/09)
- [August 2015 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/08)
- [July 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/07)
- [June 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/06)
- [May 2015 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/05)
- [April 2015 (5)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/04)
- [March 2015 (3)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/03)
- [February 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/02)
- [January 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/01)
- [February 2013 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2013/02)
- [November 2009 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2009/11)

see all

### Marks of an Effective Church

[The Apostles' Teaching](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-of-effective-church-apostles-teaching) [Fellowship](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-of-an-effective-church-fellowship) [Devotion to the Sacraments](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-the-sacraments) [Prayer](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-prayer) [Mutual Care](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-mutual-care) [A Worshiping Community](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-worshiping-community) [Continuous Evangelism](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-continuous-evangelism)

### The Fruit of the Spirit

[The Root of Our Holiness: Introducing the Fruit of the Spirit](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-root-of-our-holiness-introducing-the-fruit-of-the-spirit) [Love](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-love-part-2-of-9) [Joy in a Broken World](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-joy-in-a-broken-world) [Peace in a World of Conflict](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-peace-in-a-world-of-conflict) [Perfect Patience for the Least Deserving](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-perfect-patience-for-the-least-deserving) [Eternal Goodness and Everyday Kindness](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-eternal-goodness-and-everyday-kindness) [God’s Faithfulness and Ours](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gods-faithfulness-and-ours) [Gentleness Isn’t a Weakness](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gentleness-isnt-a-weakness) [Self-Control](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-self-control)

[Back to top](https://blog.truthforlife.org/forty-days-in-the-wilderness-lessons-from-jesus-temptation#top)

- [Home](https://www.truthforlife.org/)

##### Connect with us

PO Box 398000   
Cleveland , OH 44139

By Phone (888) 588-7884

- [Contact Us Form](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/support-form/)
- [TFL Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/station-finder/)

##### Welcome

- [Our Mission](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-mission/)
- [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Alistair Begg](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/about-alistair-begg/)
- [The Gospel](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
- [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)

##### Our Resources

- [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/)
- [Sermon Archive](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/)
- [Series Archive](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/series/)
- [Topics](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
- [Devotionals](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/daily-devotionals/)
- [Add Devotional to Your Website](https://www.truthforlife.org/syndicate/request/)
- [Bible](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible)
- [Connect with TFL](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe)
- [Books by Alistair Begg](https://blog.truthforlife.org/books-by-alistair-begg)

##### Donate

- [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
- [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
- [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner)

##### Insights Delivered to Your Inbox

Truth For Life is the teaching ministry of Alistair Begg and is committed to teaching the Bible with clarity and relevance so that unbelievers will be converted, believers will be established, and local churches will be strengthened.

- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-twitter.svg)](http://www.twitter.com/truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/truthforlife1/)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/alistair_begg_truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-tiktok.svg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-rss.svg)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/subscribe/#mobile)

 Truth For Life is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

 © 1994 - 2026 Truth For Life. All Rights Reserved. [Policies](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/policies/) | [Site Map](https://www.truthforlife.org/sitemap/)

[Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "TFL",
    "url" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/author/tfl"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2022-04-01T15:01:58.868Z",
  "datePublished" : "2022-03-15T05:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Forty Days in the Wilderness: Lessons from Jesus’ Temptation",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.truthforlife.org/hubfs/_Blog_Images/2022_Images/FortyDays_BlogHeader.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/forty-days-in-the-wilderness-lessons-from-jesus-temptation",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/hs-fs/file-2577538209-jpg/truthforlife-201502/logo_wt2x.jpg"
    },
    "name" : "Truth For Life"
  }
}
```