In this message titled “When Temptation Comes” (Matthew 4), Pastor Allen Victor explained how the Gospel of Matthew continued to prove that Jesus is the Messiah. Matthew first demonstrated Jesus’ identity through His genealogy (Matthew 1), His birthplace (Matthew 2), and His baptism (Matthew 3). In Matthew 4:1–25, the evidence continued through Jesus’ victory over temptation and the beginning of His public ministry.

Pastor Allen began by describing how Matthew 4:1 revealed that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Just as Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden, he now confronted Jesus. Humanity had repeatedly failed the test of temptation, but the question was whether Jesus would succeed where others had failed. After fasting forty days and forty nights (Matthew 4:2), Jesus experienced intense physical weakness, yet this moment of vulnerability became the setting for spiritual victory. Throughout Scripture the number forty often marked a time of testing, as seen with Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18; 34:28), Israel’s forty years in the wilderness (Numbers 14:33–34), Elijah’s forty-day journey to Horeb (1 Kings 19:8), and the forty days of rain during the flood (Genesis 7:12).

The sermon explained that Satan often attacks when people are at their weakest (Matthew 4:3), attempting to cause them to question God’s Word and God’s character. Pastor Allen Victor pointed out that temptation frequently exploits three major human weaknesses described in 1 John 2:16—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These same tactics were used against Eve in the Garden and later against King David. Satan’s goal was to distort truth and entice people to act independently of God.

The first temptation appealed to the lust of the flesh when Satan suggested that Jesus turn stones into bread (Matthew 4:3–4). While Jesus had the power to do so, it would have meant acting apart from the Father’s will. Instead, Jesus responded with Scripture, declaring, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Pastor Allen Victor emphasized that God’s Word—not human desires—must determine our actions.

The second temptation targeted the pride of life when Satan urged Jesus to throw Himself from the temple pinnacle, misusing Scripture to suggest that God would rescue Him (Matthew 4:5–7). This temptation attempted to make Jesus test the Father’s love and faithfulness. Jesus again responded with Scripture: “You shall not tempt the LORD your God.” The lesson was clear—God’s love is not proven by dramatic tests but trusted because of what He has declared.

The third temptation appealed to the lust of the eyes when Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship (Matthew 4:8–10). Ironically, these kingdoms had already been promised to Christ by the Father (Psalm 2:8). Satan was essentially offering Jesus something that was already His, attempting to bypass God’s plan and avoid the suffering of the cross. Jesus firmly rejected the offer and declared that only the Lord is worthy of worship. After this victory, Matthew 4:11 recorded that the devil departed and angels came to minister to Him, confirming that Jesus had passed the test where Adam had failed.

Pastor Allen then explained how Jesus began His ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4:12–17), fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah that light would shine in a region once overshadowed by darkness. From there Jesus called ordinary fishermen—Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John—to follow Him (Matthew 4:18–22). Their calling demonstrated that Jesus equips those He calls, transforming ordinary people into “fishers of men.”

The chapter concluded by describing Jesus’ ministry throughout Galilee—teaching, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing the sick (Matthew 4:23–25). These verses served as both a mission statement and a preview of His ministry. Later, Matthew 9:36 revealed the motive behind it all: Jesus was moved with compassion for the people.

This message reminded believers that temptation is real, but victory is possible when we rely on God’s Word just as Jesus did. Those living in spiritual darkness are invited to come into the light of Christ and follow Him wholeheartedly.

This sermon was shared at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, a church under the leadership of Pastor Allen Victor.

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