Matthew 4:1-11

Just after his baptism, and before beginning his public ministry, Jesus followed the leadership of the Holy Spirit into the wilderness.  It was there, after forty days of fasting, that the devil presented Jesus with temptations which could undermine his divine calling. 

• “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” (v.3)
• “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down…” (v.6)
• “All this I will give to you if you will bow down and worship me.” (v.9)

The final encounter with Satan came on a mountaintop.  From there, Jesus triumphed over temptation, remaining the sinless Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  With his example before us and strength within us, we too can be victorious over temptation and sin!