Real needs used as basis for temptation: Physical need: Hunger
Possible doubts that made the temptations real: Would God provide food?
Potential weaknesses Satan sought to exploit: Hunger, impatience, need to “prove his sonship”
Jesus’ answer: “Depend on God” (Deuteronomy 8:3)
Focus: God’s purpose
Real needs used as basis for temptation: Emotional need: Security
Possible doubts that made the temptations real: Would God protect?
Potential weaknesses Satan sought to exploit: Pride, insecurity, need to test God
Jesus’ answer: “Don’t test God” (Deuteronomy 6:16)
Focus: God’s plan
Real needs used as basis for temptation: Psychological need: significance, power, achievement
Possible doubts that made the temptations real: Would God rule?
Potential weaknesses Satan sought to exploit: Desire for quick power, easy solutions, need to prove equality with God
Jesus’ answer: “No compromise with evil” (Deuteronomy 6:13)
Focus: God’s person
As if going through a final test of preparation, Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Three specific parts of the Temptation are listed by Matthew. They are familiar because we face the same kinds of temptations. As the chart shows, temptation is often the combination of a real need and a possible doubt that creates an inappropriate desire. Jesus demonstrates both the importance and effectiveness of knowing and applying Scripture to combat temptation.