Jesus had to pass the test that Adam failed in the garden of Eden (Gen 2:16–17; 3:1–6). He refused to believe the devil’s lies and instead obeyed his Father in all things. Jesus was tempted but did not sin (Heb. 4:15). Satan has power, but Jesus has ultimate power over all creation. When Jesus said, “Be gone, Satan!” the devil had to obey him (Matt. 4:11).

Do you think you’re seeing a fierce competition during an SEC college football game, a WWE wrestling event, or even the current presidential election?

These are all just sissy stuff when compared to Jesus’ fight against Satan in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1–11). Here are six things Jesus teaches us about the devil in this epic encounter:

1. The devil is real.

The Bible tells us that “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt: 4:1) People should not doubt the existence of Satan. He is indeed real and tried to destroy Jesus in the wilderness to thwart his redemptive work.

2. The devil tries to make us doubt God’s provision.

Jesus had been fasting for forty days and forty nights, and Satan seized upon this opportunity to take advantage of Jesus in his weakened physical state. The devil told him:

“If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” (Matt: 4:3)

Notice the first word the devil used: “if.” Satan knew Jesus was the Son of God. The devil hoped his taunts, combined with Jesus’ physical hunger, would cause Jesus to buckle, but that wasn’t going to happen. Jesus had confidence that his Father would provide for all his needs. He came right back at Satan with a Scripture text:

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” (4:4; see also Deut. 8:3)

Christians also face circumstances in life in which they are weakened and more vulnerable to Satan’s schemes. We must trust God’s word and not allow our doubts, fears, and fleshly desires to lead us into sin. We also need to attend church regularly and be in regular fellowship with the saints so that we may stand strong together against the devil.

3. The devil knows Scripture.

Next, the devil cites Psalm 91:11–12 to entice Jesus to jump off the roof of the temple to test God’s love for his Son (Matt. 4:5–6). Jesus answers Satan right back with Scripture:

“Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matt. 4:7; see also Deut. 6:16)

If you think Scripture can’t be twisted for evil purposes, you need look no further than this passage to realize this is one of the major ways Satan attacks Christians.

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