Christ standing on a rocky ledge as He rebukes Satan who appears below Him. The painting depicts the event wherein Satan tried to tempt Christ after Christ’s forty day fast in the wilderness. Christ is commanding Satan to depart from His presence.
After the Savior was baptized, He went into the wilderness to be with God (see Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 4:1 [in Matthew 4:1, footnote b]). Satan tempted Him, but He resisted the temptations. In this lesson you can identify principles to help you follow the example of the Savior in resisting the temptations of Satan.
We all face temptation
In your study journal or on a separate piece of paper, draw a stick figure that represents a person your age. Next to the figure, write two or three temptations this person might face.
Why might this person give in to these temptations?
How will their life be better if they are able to resist these temptations?
What blessings have you experienced as you have resisted temptation?
As you study today, think about the temptations you face. Seek the inspiration of the Holy Ghost as you look for what you can learn from the Savior’s example about how to resist these and future temptations.
One experience came after His baptism, when He went into the wilderness to be with God (see Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 4:1 [in Matthew 4:1, footnote b]). After Jesus had communed with God for 40 days, Satan came to tempt Him (see Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 4:2 [in Matthew 4:2, footnote c]). By studying this event in the Savior’s life, we can learn from His example ways to resist the temptations we face.
For this account, the Joseph Smith Translation provides changes and clarifications that can help us understand the scriptures more clearly. (You might want to review the information on the Joseph Smith Translation in the “Studying the Scriptures” lesson.)
As you use the Joseph Smith Translation in the following activity, notice how using it increases your understanding of the scriptures. Pay close attention to the impressions of the Holy Ghost, and make notes of any promptings you receive.
Carefully read Matthew 4:1–11, including the changes given in the Joseph Smith Translation. Identify ways to complete this statement: can help us resist temptation.
1. Answer the following questions in your study journal. Consider adding any promptings or impressions you receive from the Holy Ghost.
What principles did you identify from the Savior’s example?
How can these principles help you access the Savior’s power to help you and others resist temptation?
How might using the Joseph Smith Translation in your own scripture study improve your study and help you come to know the Savior better?
Review the drawing you created at the beginning of the lesson and the principles you identified from the Savior’s example in Matthew 4:1–11.
2. Answer the following questions in your study journal:
Which principle do you feel would be most helpful for the person you drew? Why?
What did you learn about Jesus Christ that you could share with this person? How would this help them?
The Savior can succor us in our temptations
Think about the temptations that you face. Sometimes we may feel guilty or sinful simply because we feel tempted. However, it is important to recognize that a temptation in and of itself is not a sin—but acting on it is. Because the Savior Himself was also tempted and yet remained sinless, we know that He is able to succor (aid, assist, or support) us in our temptations (see Hebrews 2:18; 4:15–16).Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reminded us:
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Elder Ulisses Soares, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles official portrait.
For those who, for whatever reason, fall into temptation and are dwelling upon unrighteous actions, I assure you that there is a way back, that there is hope in Christ.
3. Answer the following questions in your study journal:
What was the most helpful concept that you learned about the Savior in this lesson? Why is it helpful to you?
Without describing your specific temptations, what is something you feel inspired to do to more fully rely on the Savior to help you resist temptation?
Optional: Want to Learn More?
Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 4:1–2, 5–6, 8–9, 11. What revisions did Joseph Smith make to Matthew 4:1–11 in his inspired translation?
[The italicized words indicate inspired revisions made by Joseph Smith.]
1 Then Jesus was led up of the Spirit, into the wilderness, to be with God.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, and had communed with God, he was afterwards an hungered, and was left to be tempted of the devil.
5 Then Jesus was taken up into the holy city, and the Spirit setteth him on the pinnacle of the temple.
6Then the devil came unto him and said, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down, for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
8And again, Jesus was in the Spirit, and it taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them.
9 And the devil came unto him again, and said, All these things will I give unto thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
11And now Jesus knew that John was cast into prison, and he sent angels, and, behold, they came and ministered unto him.
Why is being careful in my thoughts important in resisting temptation?
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described one way we can follow the Savior’s example to resist temptation. Watch “Seek Christ in Every Thought” from time code 10:56 to 12:37 (available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or read the following statement.
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Elder Ulisses Soares, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles official portrait.
While preparing to accomplish His divine mission on earth, the Savior Jesus Christ exemplified the importance of constantly resisting everything that might dissuade us from realizing our eternal purpose. After several unsuccessful attacks by the enemy, who attempted to divert Him from His mission, the Savior categorically dismissed the devil by saying: “Get thee hence, Satan. … Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”
Can you imagine, my brothers and sisters, what would happen if we were to derive strength and courage from the Savior and say, “No” and “Get thee hence” to unvirtuous thoughts that very first moment they come into our minds? What would be the impact on the desires of our hearts? How would our resulting actions keep us close to the Savior and allow the continued influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives? I know that by following Jesus’s example, we will avoid many tragedies and undesirable behaviors that might cause family problems and disagreements, negative emotions and inclinations, perpetrating injustices and abuses, enslavement by evil addictions, and anything else that would be against the Lord’s commandments.
Watch the video “Stay within the Lines” (5:10), found on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, to see some answers to this question.
How can the scriptures help me overcome temptations?
Elder Kelly R. Johnson of the Seventy explained:
Through preparation, the Savior grew in power and was able to resist all of Satan’s temptations. As we follow the Savior’s example and prepare through studying the word of God and deepening our faith, we also can draw upon the power of God to resist temptations.
(Kelly R. Johnson, “Enduring Power,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 113)
