A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

TEMPTED BY THE DEVIL     

Matthew 4:1 “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

The devil is referred to by several names here in Matthew 4:1-11. Each of these names describes who he is and what he does. In verse 1 the Greek name is “diabolos.” Diabolos means “the slanderer. It is used in verses 1, 5, 8 and 11. In verse 3 his Greek name is “ho peirazoon” which means “the tempter.” A third name is given to him in verse 10. It is “satan,” which means adversary. Yet other names are used by Matthew: “ho poneros” meaning “the evil one” and “beelzebul” meaning “ruler of demons.” (Jeffrey Gibbs, Commentary Matthew 1:1-11:1) 

Alan Richardson in his Theological Word Book of the Bible says that “adversary” (Satan) ‘translates two Hebrew words meaning: one who distresses someone; one who strives (often in law) against another; and, “to lie in wait against.” Satan’s goal, Richardson says, “is to bring a misdemeanor to the attention or notice of God.” In reality, Satan is an opponent against God and also you. This characteristic of Satan is first brought out in his tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden as recorded in Genesis 3. In the devotional thoughts on the Gospel according to Matthew, the temptation of Jesus by Satan in the wilderness shows this to be Satan’s goal. 

The various names for Satan used in the Holy Scriptures describe the manner in which he carries out his opposition to God. Luther had a healthy fear of Satan. In his early life, Satan and he often were locked in battle through Luther’s conscience. Satan unleashed countless attacks via Luther’s conscience, to cause him to doubt God’s forgiveness. Satan’s goal with Luther and also you is to convince you that your sins are so great that God will never forgive you. Jesus came into the world to do battle with Satan in your place. It was finally on Calvary’s Cross, after overcoming every temptation with which Satan attacked Him, Jesus said to Satan and to the world, “It is finished!” See the Hymn below that captures this reality. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks and praise be to You for overcoming all of Satan’s temptations for me and for all of humanity. Send Your Spirit into my heart to give me faith to accept Your victory. In Your holy name. Amen. 

Refrain: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 

The strife is o’er, the battle done;
Now is the victor’s triumph won;
Now be the song of praise begun. Alleluia! 

The pow’rs of death have done their worst,  
But Christ their legions hath dispersed.  
Let shouts of holy joy outburst. Alleluia! 

The three sad days have quickly sped,  
He rises glorious from the dead.  
All glory to our risen Head! Alleluia! 

He broke the age-bound chains of hell;  
The bars from heav’n’s high portals fell.  Let hymns of praise His triumph tell. Alleluia! 

Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee,  
From death’s dread sting Thy servants free  
That we may live and sing to Thee. Alleluia!  (LSB 464)