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“COMEBEMYFOLLOWER”
to do it. We will avoid wrong deeds, not because we fear
getting caught, but because we hate such conduct.
“He Committed No Sin”
11 In regard to his hatred of sin, Jesus was tested early
in his ministry. After his baptism, he spent 40 days and
nights in the wilderness without food. At the end of that
period, Satan came to tempt him. Note how crafty the
Devil was.—Matthew 4:1-11.
12 Satan first said: “If you are a son of God, tell these
stones to become loaves of bread.” (Matthew 4:3) How
did Jesus feel after his long fast? The Bible plainly says:
“He felt hungry.” (Matthew 4:2) So Satan played on the
natural desire for food, no doubt deliberately waiting until
Jesus was in a physically weakened state. Notice, too,
Satan’s taunting phrase: “If you are a son of God.” Satan
knew that Jesus was “the firstborn of all creation.” (Colossians
1:15) Still, Jesus did not allow Satan to provoke him
into disobedience. Jesus knew that it was not God’s will
that he use his power for selfish ends. He refused to do so,
showing that he humbly relied on Jehovah for sustenance
and direction.—Matthew 4:4.
13 For his second temptation, Satan took Jesus to a lofty
spot on the temple battlement. Cleverly twisting God’s
Word, Satan tempted Jesus to make a showy display by
hurling himself down from that height so that angels
would have to rescue him. If the crowds at the temple saw
such a miracle, would anyone thereafter dare raise a doubt
that Jesus was the promised Messiah? And if the crowds
11, 12. (a) What happened to Jesus early in his ministry? (b) How
did Satan first tempt Jesus, using what crafty tactics?
13-15. (a) What were Satan’s second and third temptations of Jesus,
and how did Jesus respond? (b) How do we know that Jesus was never
able to let down his guard against Satan?