Matthew 4:1-11
Chapter 4
The Trial in the Desert
Then the Spirit led Jesus into the desert so he could be tested by the devil.After Jesus fasted for forty days and nights, he was famished.
Then the tempter came to him and said:
“If you are the Son of God, command these stones to turn into bread.”
But Jesus answered:
“Scripture says:
One does not live on bread alone,
but on every word
that comes from the mouth of God.”
Then the devil took Jesus to the Holy City, set him on the highest wall of the temple,
and said to him:
“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for scripture says:
God has given orders
to his angels concerning you.
Their hands will hold you up,
lest you hurt your foot
against a stone.”
Jesus replied:
“But scripture also says:
You shall not put
the LORD your God to the test.”
Then the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the nations of the world in all their greatness and splendor,
and he said:
“All this I will give you if you kneel down and worship me.”
Then Jesus answered:
“Be off, Satan! It is written:
Worship the LORD your God
and serve him alone!”
Then the devil left him, and angels came and waited on him.
Commentaries
The Trial in the Desert.
Matthew then presents one of the most important episodes in the New Testament, often called “the temptations of Jesus,” although it is better described as “trials.” Literary and theological aspects make it one of the most detailed texts.
Jesus has just been declared the Son of God, and as such, he is about to start the new Exodus, which will be tough and painful. However, before this, the evangelist shows us, like a grand portico, Jesus’ confrontation with the Devil, which will be a constant throughout the journey and which he will overcome (cf. Mt 12:38; 16:22; Jn 6:15; 7:3; 12:27).