The accounts of the temptation of Jesus as portrayed in the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark,
and Luke), after Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist, he was led into the wilderness to be
tempted by the devil. This essay seeks to discuss the similarities and differences in the accounts,
significance of the temptation, the responses of Jesus, and the overall message conveyed by each
gospel writer.
Similarities
Setting All three gospels depict Jesus being tempted in the wilderness after his baptism.
Matthew 4:1: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the
devil."
Mark 1:12-13: "At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the
wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan."
Luke 4:1: "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the
wilderness."
Temptations The general nature of the temptations that Jesus faces is consistent across the
synoptic gospels. He is tempted to satisfy his physical hunger, to test God's protection, and to
gain power and authority.
Matthew 4:2-10: "After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry... 'If you are the
Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.'"
Mark 1:13: "...he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan."
Luke 4:2-12: "He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry... 'If
you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.'"
The Devil's Role In all accounts, the devil plays the role of the tempter, trying to lead Jesus
astray.
Matthew 4:1: "...to be tempted by the devil."
Mark 1:13: "...being tempted by Satan."
Luke 4:2: "...where for forty days he was tempted by the devil."
While there are clear similarities in the Synoptic Gospels’ accounts of the temptation of Jesus,
there are also several distinct differences that convey unique perspectives and messages from
each author especially with the respective order the three accounts are presented.
Differences;
The account of Matthew states that Jesus was led up by the spirit into the wilderness and he
fasted for forty days and nights but Mark’s account states that the spirit immediately drove him
into the wilderness and in Luke’s, Jesus was full of the holy spirit and returned from the Jordan
and led by the spirit. All the three accounts give different ways by which Jesus got into the
wilderness. Another difference has to do with the order of the temptations. Matthew’s account,
the second temptation states that the devil took Jesus to the holy city and sat him at the pinnacle
of the temple and asked him to throw himself down(Matthew 4:5-6). But in Luke’s account, the
second temptation states that the devil showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world and ordered him
to worship him (devil) ( Luke 4:5-7).
Significance and the order of the Temptation:
Matthew:
In Matthew's account, the temptation focuses on Jesus' identity as the Son of God and his
mission. The significance lies in Jesus' unwavering commitment to God and his resistance to
worldly enticements. The devil tempts him to prove his divine identity and mission through
miraculous acts, echoing the theme of Jesus' authority as the Messiah. The overall message
conveyed by Matthew emphasizes Jesus' fufillment of prophecy and his authority over
temptation. Also, in Matthew, the final temptation involves Satan taking Jesus to a high
mountain to offer Him the kingdoms of the world, which is the second temptation in Luke
(Matthew 4:1-11).
Mark:
Mark's portrayal emphasizes the testing of Jesus' character and resolve. The significance lies in
Jesus' ability to remain faithful and not succumb to the allure of worldly power. Mark's narrative
is concise, highlighting the internal struggle and the external pressures that Jesus faced. The
overall message conveyed is Jesus' triumph over temptation as a model for believers to stand
firm in faith.
Luke:
In Luke's account, the significance of the temptation lies in Jesus' obedience to God's will and his
rejection of shortcuts to authority. The devil presents temptations related to power and authority,
highlighting the ethical and moral choices facing Jesus. Luke emphasizes Jesus' reliance on the
Spirit's guidance and his commitment to God's purposes. The overall message is one of Jesus'
reliance on God's strength and his rejection of the temptation to take shortcuts to fulfill his
mission.
Responses of Jesus:
Matthew:
In response to the temptations, Jesus quotes the Scriptures, emphasizing the authority of God's
word and obedience to divine will. Jesus' responses assert his reliance on God's guidance and his
commitment to fulfilling God's purposes. His unwavering dedication to God's will is a central
theme in Matthew's account.
Mark
Mark's account emphasizes Jesus' resilience and steadfastness in resisting temptation. While
Mark's narrative is succinct, it emphasizes Jesus' resolve and unwavering faith in God as he faces
the tempter's challenges.
Luke
In response to the temptations, Jesus emphasizes the supremacy of God and rejects the allure of
worldly power. Luke's portrayal highlights Jesus' reliance on the Spirit and his commitment to
God's plan, highlighting the ethical choices and moral integrity in his responses.
Overall Message Conveyed
Matthew
The overall message conveyed by Matthew is the authority and sovereignty of Jesus as the
promised Messiah who overcomes the power of evil. The temptations serve to emphasize Jesus'
authority, faithfulness, and obedience to God's will, providing a model for believers to follow.
Mark
Mark's message emphasizes Jesus' triumph over temptation as a model for believers to stand firm
in faith and resist worldly allurements. The account serves as an example of Jesus' unwavering
commitment and faithfulness.
Luke
Luke conveys a message of Jesus' reliance on God's strength and his rejection of shortcuts to
fulfill his mission. The temptations serve to highlight Jesus' ethical choices and unwavering
commitment to God's plan, providing a model for believers to follow in facing and overcoming
temptation.
Conclusion: The synoptic gospels present similar accounts of the temptation of Jesus, with
shared temptations, Jesus' responses rooted in scripture, and a consistent message emphasizing
the importance of obedience to God and resisting worldly allurements. Nevertheless, there are
variations in the three accounts presented by Mattew, Mark and Luke.
References
Blomberg, C. L. (1992). “The Historical Reliability of the Gospels.” InterVarsity Press.
France, R. T. (2007). The Gospel of Matthew (New International Commentary on the
New Testament). Eerdmans.
Green, J. B. (1997). The Gospel of Luke (New International Commentary on the New
Testament). Eerdmans.
Lo, J. W. (2020). “A Literary and Theological Exploration of the Temptation Account in
the Gospel of Luke.”
Schmutzer, A. J. (2008). “Jesus’ Temptation: A Reflection on Matthew’s Use of Old
Testament Theology and Imagery.” Ashland Theological Journal,
40, 15–42.
