The Temptations

The opening chapters of Matthew’s Gospel provide an important introduction to the Kingdom of God. The sequence of events is deliberate, each preparing the reader for the next.

Chapters 1 and 2 announce the birth of a King unlike any other. His kingdom is not founded upon military power, ethnic identity, or political ideology. It does not seek to overthrow earthly governments. Instead, angels proclaim a kingdom of peace led by a helpless infant—the Savior of the world. It is a kingdom that welcomes ordinary people, shepherds, foreigners, and all who respond in faith.

In chapter 3, John the Baptist announces that this kingdom has arrived. His message reaches crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers alike. Repentance is demonstrated in practical ways: those who have much are to share with those who have little; tax collectors are to conduct their business honestly; soldiers are to use their authority justly rather than oppressively. John also points beyond himself to One who will baptize not merely with water but with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Chapter 4 records the temptation of Jesus.

Chapter 5 opens with the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus unfolds the values and priorities of God’s kingdom.

At first glance, the temptation appears to interrupt Matthew’s presentation of the Kingdom of God. In reality, it is one of the Gospel’s most important lessons. Before Jesus teaches the principles of the kingdom, He must first reject the false kingdoms that Satan offers. The temptation reveals not only the character of Christ but also the nature of the kingdom He came to establish.

Matthew and Luke both record the temptation, while Mark mentions it only briefly and John omits it altogether. Matthew and Luke describe the same three temptations, though they reverse the order of the last two.

The first temptation is identical in both Gospels. After forty days of fasting, Satan urges Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus replies by quoting Deuteronomy: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

The second temptation in Matthew (the third in Luke) takes place at the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem. Satan quotes Psalm 91, urging Jesus to throw Himself down, claiming that angels will rescue Him.

The final temptation in Matthew brings Jesus to a very high mountain where Satan displays “all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.” He promises to give them all to Jesus in exchange for one act of worship.

These three temptations are not random. Together they offer an alternative vision of God’s kingdom—a kingdom built on material prosperity, spectacular displays of power, and political domination. Jesus rejects each one.