1. Temptation in the desert (1-3)

Just after accepting his mission and hearing God's declaration of love and approval, Jesus was tempted by the devil. God led him to meet his adversary, because he needed hard training before he began his work. This was the first of many attempts Satan would make. This first temptation was on the physical level. Jesus had not eaten for 40 days, and he was hungry. The tempter asked him to prove his Sonship by making bread from the stones. This sounds reasonable. Why should one starve when he can make bread so easily? God gave him the power; why not use it in an emergency?

2. 'It is written...' (4)

Jesus' answer came from the Bible (Dt 8:3). Man must not live as a slave to physical desire. He cannot depend on his feelings and reason. He must live by God's word. This is the way of truth and life. God's children must listen to God and never listen to Satan.

Application: Lord, plant your word in my heart, and teach me to follow it so that I may defeat the tempter.
One Word: Obey God, not Satan