This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Luke 4:1-13, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River and the Holy Spirit came down upon him. Then, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness where he spent forty days and nights all by himself. During this time, the devil came to Jesus and tried to tempt him.
The devil said, “If you really are the Son of God, then turn this stone into bread.” But Jesus said, “It is written in the Scriptures that people need more than just bread to live. They also need to listen to and obey God’s words.”
Then, the devil took Jesus to a high place where he could see all the kingdoms of the world. The devil said, “All of these kingdoms could be yours if you worship me.” But Jesus said, “It is written in the Scriptures that only God should be worshiped and served.”
Next, the devil took Jesus to the highest point of the temple in Jerusalem and said, “If you really are the Son of God, jump off and the angels will save you.” But Jesus said, “It is also written in the Scriptures that we should not test God.”
After all of these temptations, the devil left Jesus alone for a little while. But Jesus had passed every test, and he did not give in to any of the devil’s temptations.
Biblical Lessons
- Jesus was fully human and fully God, which means he experienced everything that we do as humans, including temptation.
- The devil is real and wants to lead us away from God, but we have the power to resist him.
- We should not put God to the test.
- We can use God’s Word to fight temptation and make the right choices.
- Even when we feel weak or hungry or tired, we can rely on God’s strength to help us through difficult times.
- Jesus is our perfect example of how to resist temptation and follow God’s will.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
Mere Christianity
Lewis lays out the core beliefs of the Christian faith with clarity, logic, and imagination, rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
Basic Christianity
A timeless introduction to who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him according to Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Trellis and the Vine
A vision for church ministry centered on disciple-making rather than mere structures and programs.
View on Amazon
Living the Cross-Centered Life
A call to keep Christ's cross at the center of our thinking, worship, and daily living.
View on Amazon
Let the Nations Be Glad!
Missions-focused theology showing that worship is the goal of evangelism to the nations.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
The Bruised Reed
A tender Puritan work on Christ's gentleness toward weak and struggling believers.
View on Amazon
A Body of Divinity
A warm, devotional exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism's doctrines.
View on Amazon
The Heidelberg Catechism
A beloved Reformation catechism that teaches comfort in Christ through a Q&A format.
View on Amazon
The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Summarizes key doctrines of Scripture in concise questions and answers.
View on Amazon
The Glory of Christ
Calls believers to behold the glory of Christ as the great means of transformation.
View on Amazon
The Hiding Place
The story of Corrie ten Boom's faith and forgiveness in the midst of Nazi persecution.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon
This Momentary Marriage
Shows how marriage is designed to display the covenant love of Christ and His church.
View on Amazon