Day 8 — Tempted but Never Sinned

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. The tempter came to Him and said, ‘If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ But Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’”

— Matthew 4:1–4 (BSB)

Right after His baptism, Jesus went out into the wilderness, a hot, dry, lonely place. For forty days He didn’t eat anything. You can imagine how hungry He was!

That’s exactly when the devil showed up. The devil always looks for the moment when we’re weakest: when we’re tired, hungry, lonely or upset.

The devil tempted Jesus three times. First, he said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus could have done it easily. But using His power just for Himself, outside of His Father’s plan, would have been wrong.

Then the devil took Jesus to the highest point of the temple and told Him to jump, so angels would catch Him. Finally, he showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and promised to give them all to Him, if Jesus would just bow down and worship him.

Each time, Jesus said no. And look at how He said no. Every single time, He answered with words from the Bible: “It is written…” Jesus fought the devil’s lies with God’s truth. And finally, the devil left.

Here are three things to remember from this story.

Being tempted is not a sin. Jesus was tempted, and He never sinned. Feeling tempted to lie, cheat or be unkind doesn’t make you bad. What matters is what you do next.

God’s Word is your weapon. Jesus didn’t argue or try to be clever. He used Scripture. When you know God’s Word, you can use it too.

Jesus understands. The Bible says Jesus was tempted in every way, just like us, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). When you’re tempted, you can go to Him for help. He knows exactly how it feels, and He won.

And because Jesus never sinned, He could be the perfect Savior who took the punishment for our sins.

Think about it: When do you feel most tempted? Are you more likely to give in when you’re tired, bored, hungry or upset?

Try this: Pick one thing you’re often tempted to do. Find a Bible verse that answers it (a parent or pastor can help), and memorize it.

Dear Jesus, thank You that You were tempted just like me, but You never sinned. When I’m tempted, help me remember Your Word and say no. Thank You that You understand, and that I can always come to You for help. In Your name, Amen.