Scripture Stories
Satan Tempts Jesus—An example of overcoming temptation


Matthew 4:1–10

1:52

Satan Tempts Jesus

An example of overcoming temptation

Jesus walking in the wilderness.

After His baptism, Jesus went to the wilderness to be with God. He didn’t eat for 40 days. He was fasting and praying to prepare for His mission.

Matthew 4:1–2; see Joseph Smith Translation in notes 1b and 2c

Satan tempting Jesus to turn stones into bread.

Jesus was hungry. Satan came and tempted Him. He said that if Jesus was the Son of God, He could turn stones into bread. Jesus wouldn’t do it. Jesus quoted the scriptures to say that He lived by the word of God, not just bread.

Matthew 4:2–4

Satan tempting Jesus to jump off the wall of the temple.

Then the Holy Ghost brought Jesus to the wall of the temple. Satan tempted Jesus to jump off. He said that if Jesus was the Son of God, angels would not let Him get hurt. Jesus didn’t jump. He told Satan that the scriptures say we shouldn’t test God.

Matthew 4:5–7; see Joseph Smith Translation in notes 5a and 6a

Satan tempting Jesus to worship him.

Next, the Holy Ghost took Jesus to the top of a mountain. From there, Jesus could see all the kingdoms of the world. Satan came and said that he would give Jesus all these kingdoms if He would worship him.

Matthew 4:8–10; see Joseph Smith Translation in note 8a

Jesus telling Satan to leave.

Jesus told Satan that the scriptures say we should only worship God. Jesus told Satan to leave. Jesus went to Galilee to teach His gospel. He was filled with the power of the Holy Ghost.

Luke 4:13–14