2000
Jesus Is Tempted
December 2000


“Jesus Is Tempted,” Liahona, Dec. 2000, 4

Jesus Is Tempted

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Jesus fasted

Jesus went into the wilderness to be with God. He was there for 40 days, talking with God. While there, He did not eat anything. Matt. 4:1–2; JST, Luke 4:1–2

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Satan tempted Jesus

After 40 days, the devil came and tempted Jesus to prove He was the Son of God. First, he told Jesus to change some rocks into bread. Jesus was hungry, but He knew He should use His power only to help other people. He did not do what the devil said. Matt. 4:2–4; James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 3rd edition (1916), 128–30

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Satan tempts again

When the Holy Ghost took Jesus to a high place on the temple, the devil tempted Jesus a second time, telling Him to jump off the temple. The devil said if Jesus was the Son of God, angels would catch Him and He would not be hurt. Jesus did not jump. He knew that He was the Son of God and did not need to prove it. He also knew it would be wrong to use sacred powers in this way. Matt. 4:5–7; JST, Matt. 4:56

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The third temptation

Then the Holy Ghost took Jesus to the top of a mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms and treasures of the world. The devil came and said Jesus could have all the kingdoms and treasures if He would obey him. Saying He would obey only Heavenly Father, Jesus told the devil to go away. The devil left, and angels came and blessed Jesus. He was then ready to begin His mortal ministry. Matt. 4:8–11; JST, Matt. 4:89

Illustrated by Robert T. Barrett