Unspoken Sermons · Chapter
The Temptation in the Wilderness explained
This chapter explores the meaning of Christ's temptation in the wilderness, arguing that the narrative must have originated from Jesus himself.
What happens
This chapter explores the meaning of Christ's temptation in the wilderness, arguing that the narrative must have originated from Jesus himself. It emphasizes that true life comes not from bread or feelings but from every word of God, and that faith consists in trusting and obeying the Father's will without testing or forcing God's hand.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Obedience
Jesus exemplifies faith by trusting the Father's will and obeying without testing God, even when tempted to prove his sonship through miraculous acts.
The Individual Relationship with God
The chapter emphasizes that a man lives by the word of God revealed personally in his heart, not by external signs or feelings.
Critique of Religious Legalism
Satan's misuse of Scripture is contrasted with Jesus' living by the truth behind the words, critiquing a merely verbal or legalistic approach to God's commands.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Central figure who undergoes temptation, quoting Scripture to affirm that man lives by every word of God and refusing to test or force the Father's will.
- Satan
The tempter who challenges Jesus to prove his sonship by turning stones to bread, casting himself from the temple, and worshiping him for worldly power.
- God the Father
The source of life and will; Jesus trusts and obeys Him completely, refusing to act apart from the Father's direction.
- Judas
Mentioned as possibly sinning by attempting to compel God to act or hasten His work, similar to the presumption of making a stone into bread.
- John Bunyan
Referenced as an example of those tempted to test God on the strength of Scripture, like Satan tempting Jesus.
Key passages
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Human life depends not on physical food but on every revelation of God's will and truth.
Jesus' response to the first temptation, affirming that God's word is essential for true life.
“Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”
Do not put God to the test by demanding a sign or forcing His hand.
Jesus' answer to the second temptation, refusing to test the Father's protection.
“Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
Only God is worthy of worship and ultimate allegiance, not any worldly power.
Jesus' reply to the third temptation, rejecting Satan's offer of earthly kingdoms.