Matthew 4:3
The tempter came to Him and said, "If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
The tempter
The Greek word for "tempter" is "πειράζων" (peirazōn), which means one who tests or entices. In the context of Matthew 4:3, this refers to Satan, who is attempting to challenge Jesus' identity and mission. Historically, Satan is known as the adversary, the one who opposes God's plans. This encounter in the wilderness is a pivotal moment where Jesus faces the embodiment of evil, setting the stage for His ministry of redemption and victory over sin.

came to Him
The phrase "came to Him" indicates a deliberate approach by the tempter. This is not a random encounter but a purposeful confrontation. The wilderness setting is significant, as it echoes the Israelites' testing in the desert. Jesus, the new Israel, is being tested to prove His faithfulness and obedience to God, contrasting with the failures of the past.

and said
The act of speaking here is crucial. Words have power, and the tempter uses them to sow doubt and challenge Jesus. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the power of words, seen in creation ("And God said...") and in the fall ("Did God really say...?"). The tempter's words are a direct attack on Jesus' identity and mission.

If You are the Son of God
This phrase is a conditional statement that questions Jesus' divine sonship. The Greek "εἰ" (ei) can be translated as "if" or "since," suggesting a challenge to prove or demonstrate His identity. This echoes the serpent's tactics in Genesis, where doubt is cast on God's word and character. For Jesus, this is a test of His trust in the Father's declaration at His baptism: "This is My beloved Son."

tell these stones to become bread
The command to "tell these stones to become bread" is a temptation to misuse divine power for personal gain. The Greek word "λίθοι" (lithoi) for "stones" and "ἄρτους" (artous) for "bread" highlight the physical and immediate nature of the temptation. In a historical context, bread is a basic necessity, symbolizing sustenance and life. The tempter is enticing Jesus to prioritize physical needs over spiritual obedience, a test of His reliance on God's provision. This temptation mirrors the Israelites' longing for bread in the wilderness, where they failed to trust in God's provision. Jesus' response, rooted in Scripture, affirms His commitment to live by every word that comes from the mouth of God, setting an example of faithfulness and dependence on the Father.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is in the wilderness fasting for forty days and nights. He is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human, facing temptation.

2. The Tempter (Satan)
The adversary who approaches Jesus to tempt Him. Known as Satan, he is a fallen angel who opposes God and seeks to lead people away from Him.

3. The Wilderness
The desolate place where Jesus is fasting and praying. It symbolizes a place of testing and preparation, often associated with spiritual trials.

4. Stones
The inanimate objects that Satan suggests Jesus turn into bread. They represent the temptation to misuse divine power for personal gain.

5. Bread
A basic necessity of life, symbolizing physical sustenance. The temptation is to prioritize physical needs over spiritual obedience.
Teaching Points
Understanding Temptation
Recognize that temptation often comes when we are vulnerable, as it did for Jesus after His long fast. Being aware of our weaknesses can help us prepare and stand firm.

Identity in Christ
Satan's challenge, "If You are the Son of God," targets Jesus' identity. As believers, we must be secure in our identity in Christ to withstand similar attacks.

Spiritual Priorities
Jesus' refusal to turn stones into bread teaches us to prioritize spiritual nourishment over physical needs. Our ultimate reliance should be on God's word and His provision.

Victory through Scripture
Jesus' response to temptation with Scripture highlights the power of God's word in overcoming challenges. Memorizing and meditating on Scripture equips us to resist temptation.

Dependence on God
The temptation to act independently of God is strong, but Jesus models complete dependence on the Father. We are called to trust in God's timing and provision.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' response to Satan's temptation in Matthew 4:3 demonstrate His understanding of His mission and identity?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves to face temptation, especially during times of physical or emotional vulnerability?

3. How does the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness compare to the temptation of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, and what can we learn from these accounts?

4. What role does Scripture play in resisting temptation, and how can we incorporate it into our daily lives to strengthen our spiritual defenses?

5. How can we ensure that our physical needs do not overshadow our spiritual priorities, and what practical steps can we take to maintain this balance?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 3
The temptation of Eve by the serpent parallels the temptation of Jesus, highlighting the contrast between Adam's failure and Jesus' victory over temptation.

Deuteronomy 8:3
Jesus later quotes this verse in response to Satan, emphasizing reliance on God's word over physical sustenance.

Hebrews 4:15
This verse speaks of Jesus being tempted in every way, just as we are, yet without sin, underscoring His ability to empathize with our struggles.
An Inducement to Satisfy Lawful Needs and Desires by UnlaG. S. Barrett, B. A., L. H. Wiseman.Matthew 4:3
As the Devil Laboureth Most Against Our FaithDr. Taylor.Matthew 4:3
Christ and the Christian Alike in TemptationW. H. Hutchings, M. A.Matthew 4:3
Faith Determines VictoryMatthew 4:3
Implying in These Few WordsDr. Taylor.Matthew 4:3
Reply to the First TemptationL. H. Wiseman.Matthew 4:3
TemptationCharles KingsleyMatthew 4:3
Temptation Through Physical ConditionsR. Tuck Matthew 4:3
The Cunning of Satan in This TemptationMatthew 4:3
The First TemptationW. H. Hutchings, M. A., Hacket.Matthew 4:3
Why Would it have Been Improper Had He Turned a Stone into a LoafL. H. Wiseman.Matthew 4:3
The TemptationJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 4:1-11
The Temptation of JesusMarcus Dods Matthew 4:1-11
The First Ordeal-Temptation Recorded of JesusP.C. Barker Matthew 4:2-4
The Temptation of HungerW.F. Adeney Matthew 4:2-4
People
Andrew, Isaiah, James, Jesus, John, Naphtali, Nephthalim, Peter, Simon, Zabdi, Zabulon, Zebedee, Zebulun
Places
Capernaum, Decapolis, Galilee, High Mountain, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Judea, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Syria, Wilderness of Judea
Topics
Bread, Command, Evil, Loaves, Speak, Stones, Tempter, Turn
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 4:3

     2218   Christ, Son of God
     5738   sons
     6241   seduction
     8770   idolatry, in NT

Matthew 4:1-3

     5564   suffering, of Christ

Matthew 4:1-4

     4438   eating

Matthew 4:1-10

     6252   temptation, and Christ

Matthew 4:1-11

     2078   Christ, sonship of
     4122   Satan, tempter
     5214   attack
     5598   victory, over spiritual forces
     5804   charm
     6022   sin, causes of
     8729   enemies, of Christ

Matthew 4:2-3

     5341   hunger

Matthew 4:2-4

     2075   Christ, sinless

Matthew 4:2-11

     2575   Christ, temptation

Matthew 4:3-4

     4418   bread

Library
Temptation
Eversley, 1872. Chester Cathedral, 1872. St Matt. iv. 3. "And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." Let me say a few words to-day about a solemn subject, namely, Temptation. I do not mean the temptations of the flesh--the temptations which all men have to yield to the low animal nature in them, and behave like brutes. I mean those deeper and more terrible temptations, which our Lord conquered in that great struggle with
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

The victory of the King
'Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred. 3. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4. But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5. Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Springing of the Great Light
'Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, He departed into Galilee; 13. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15. The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16. The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Early Welcome and the First Ministers of the King
'From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 18. And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19. And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him. 21. And going on from thence, He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The Bible is not to be Interpreted Like any Other Book. --God, (Not Man,) the Real Author of the Bible.
It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. IT is impossible to preserve exact method in Sermons like these, uncertain in number, and delivered at irregular intervals. It shall only be stated that, having already spoken at considerable length, of the Inspiration of Holy Scripture;--not, one part more, one part less, but every part equally inspired throughout; not general, (whatever the exact notion may be of a book generally inspired,)
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

July the Thirteenth Plain Glass
"They were fishers." --MATTHEW iv. 12-22. And so our Lord went first to the fishing-boats and not to the schools. Learning is apt to be proud and aggressive, and hostile to the simplicities of the Spirit. There is nothing like plain glass for letting in the light! And our Lord wanted transparent media, and so He went to the simple fishermen on the beach. "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world." And by choosing labouring men our Master glorified labour. He Himself had worn the workman's
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Light for those who Sit in Darkness
From the text it appears that some are in greater darkness than others; and that, secondly, for such there is a hope of light; but that, thirdly, the light which will come to them lies all in Christ; and, fourthly (joyful news!) that light is already sprung up all around them: they have but to open their eyes to delight in it. I. SOME SOULS ARE IN GREATER DARKNESS THAN OTHERS. It appears from the text that it was so in Christ's days, and certainly it is so now. Divine sovereignty runs through all
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

How to Become Fishers of Men
Note, next, that we are not made all that we shall be, nor all that we ought to desire to be, when we are ourselves fished for and caught. This is what the grace of God does for us at first; but it is not all. We are like the fishes, making sin to be our element; and the good Lord comes, and with the gospel net he takes us, and he delivers us from the life and love of sin. But he has not wrought for us all that he can do, nor all that we should wish him to do, when he has done this; for it is another
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

Christ's First and Last Subject
IT SEEMS from these two texts that repentance was the first subject upon which the Redeemer dwelt, and that it was the last, which, with his departing breath, he commended to the earnestness of his disciples. He begins his mission crying, "Repent," he ends it by saying to his successors the apostles, "Preach repentance and remission of sins among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." This seems to me to be a very interesting fact, and not simply interesting, but instructive. Jesus Christ opens his
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860

Twenty-Fourth Day. Firmness in Temptation.
"Jesus saith unto him, Get thee hence, Satan."--Matt. iv. 10. There is an awful intensity of meaning in the words, as applied to Jesus, "He suffered, being tempted!" Though incapable of sin, there was, in the refined sensibilities of His holy nature, that which made temptation unspeakably fearful. What must it have been to confront the Arch-traitor?--to stand face to face with the foe of His throne, and His universe? But the "prince of this world" came, and found "nothing in Him." Billow after
John R. Macduff—The Mind of Jesus

Eighth Day. Submission to God's Word.
"Jesus said unto him, It is written."--Matt. iv. 7. We can not fail to be struck, in the course of the Saviour's public teaching, with His constant appeal to the word of God. While, at times, He utters, in His own name, the authoritative behest, "Verily, verily, I say unto you," He as often thus introduces some mighty work, or gives intimation of some impending event in His own momentous life, "These things must come to pass, that the Scriptures be fulfilled, which saith." He commands His people
John R. Macduff—The Mind of Jesus

Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ
John Knox, the great Scottish reformer, was born at Giffordgate, four miles from Haddington, Scotland, in 1505. He first made his appearance as a preacher in Edinburgh, where he thundered against popery, but was imprisoned and sent to the galleys in 1546. In 1547 Edward VI secured his release and made him a royal chaplain, when he acquired the friendship of Cranmer and other reformers. On the accession of Mary (1553) he took refuge on the Continent. In 1556 he accepted the charge of a church in Geneva,
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume I

The Temptation in the Wilderness.
Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness, or the Beatifick vision.
SO long as we are in the Body, we are apt to be governed wholly by its senses, seldom or never minding any thing but what comes to us through one or other of them. Though we are all able to abstract our Thoughts when we please from matter, and fix them upon things that are purely spiritual; there are but few that ever do it. But few, even among those also that have such things revealed to them by God himself, and so have infinitely more and firmer ground to believe them, than any one, or all their
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

Christ, the Great Teacher
Scripture references: Matthew 4:23; 5:1,2; 7:29; 13:54; 26:55; 28:19,20; Mark 1:21,22; 4:1,2; 6:6; Luke 5:3; 11:1; 19:47; John 6:59; 7:14; 8:28. THE FOUNDER OF CHRISTIANITY The heart of the Christian religion is found in Jesus Christ. If we desire to know what Christianity is and of what elements it is composed we must look to Him and His teachings. He is the great source of our knowledge of what God, man, sin, righteousness, duty and salvation are. Our interest in the books of the Old Testament
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee.
Subdivision A. Reasons for Retiring to Galilee. ^A Matt. IV. 12; ^B Mark I. 14; ^C Luke III. 19, 20; ^D John IV. 1-4. ^c 19 but Herod the tetrarch [son of Herod the Great, and tetrarch, or governor, of Galilee], being reproved by him [that is, by John the Baptist] for Herodias his brother's wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done [A full account of the sin of Herod and persecution of John will be found at Matt. xiv. 1-12 and Mark vi. 14-29. John had spoken the truth to Herod as fearlessly
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

General Account of Jesus' Teaching.
^A Matt. IV. 17; ^B Mark I. 14, 15; ^C Luke IV. 14, 15. ^a 17 From that time Jesus began to preach [The time here indicated is that of John the Baptist's imprisonment and Jesus' return to Galilee. This time marked a new period in the public ministry of Jesus. Hitherto he had taught, but he now began to preach. When the voice of his messenger, John, was silenced, the King became his own herald. Paul quoted the Greeks as saying that preaching was "foolishness," but following the example here set by
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness.
^A Matt. IV. 1-11; ^B Mark I. 12, 13; ^C Luke IV. 1-13. ^c 1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, ^b 12 And straightway the Spirit driveth him forth ^c and ^a 1 Then [Just after his baptism, with the glow of the descended Spirit still upon him, and the commending voice of the Father still ringing in his ears, Jesus is rushed into the suffering of temptation. Thus abrupt and violent are the changes of life. The spiritually exalted may expect these sharp contrasts. After being
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus' Temporary Residence at Capernaum.
^A Matt. IV. 13-16. ^a 13 And leaving Nazareth [This expression means that Jesus now ceased to make Nazareth his home. For description of Nazareth, see page 60], he came and dwelt in Capernaum [See page 119. Capernaum means city of Nahum, or village of consolation. Its modern name, "Tel-Hum," means hill of Nahum. The word "dwelt" means that Jesus made this town his headquarters. He owned no house there (Matt. viii. 20). He may have dwelt with some of his disciples--for instance, Simon Peter--Matt.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Makes a Preaching Tour through Galilee.
^A Matt. IV. 23-25; ^B Mark I. 35-39; ^C Luke IV. 42-44. ^b 35 And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up went out [i. e., from the house of Simon Peter], and departed into a desert place, and there prayed. [Though Palestine was densely populated, its people were all gathered into towns, so that it was usually easy to find solitude outside the city limits. A ravine near Capernaum, called the Vale of Doves, would afford such solitude. Jesus taught (Matt. vi. 6) and practiced solitary
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Second visit to Cana - Cure of the Nobleman's' Son at Capernaum.
THE brief harvest in Samaria was, as Jesus had indicated to His disciples, in another sense also the beginning of sowing-time, or at least that when the green blade first appeared above ground. It formed the introduction to that Galilean ministry, when the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things that He did at Jerusalem at the Feast.' [2013] Nay, in some respects, it was the real beginning of His Work also, which, viewed as separate and distinct, commenced when the Baptist was cast into
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper.
A DAY and an evening such as of that Sabbath of healing in Capernaum must, with reverence be it written, have been followed by what opens the next section. [2299] To the thoughtful observer there is such unbroken harmony in the Life of Jesus, such accord of the inward and outward, as to carry instinctive conviction of the truth of its record. It was, so to speak, an inward necessity that the God-Man, when brought into contact with disease and misery, whether from physical or supernatural causes,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Temptation of Jesus
The proclamation and inauguration of the Kingdom of Heaven' at such a time, and under such circumstances, was one of the great antitheses of history. With reverence be it said, it is only God Who would thus begin His Kingdom. A similar, even greater antithesis, was the commencement of the Ministry of Christ. From the Jordan to the wilderness with its wild Beasts; from the devout acknowledgment of the Baptist, the consecration and filial prayer of Jesus, the descent of the Holy Spirit, and the heard
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

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