Temptation of Christ
In Christianity, the temptation of Christ refers to the temptation of Jesus by Satan as detailed in the New Testament, specifically:
According to these Gospels, Jesus has fasted for forty days and nights in the desert or wilderness when Satan unsuccessfully attempts to tempt him three times:
- First, Satan appeared to him during the middle of his fast, and said that it would prove he were the Son of God, if he would turn the nearby stones into bread. Jesus rebuked him quoting Hebrew scripture, saying But it is said, thou shall not live by bread alone - but by every word of God.
- Secondly, he took Jesus to the top of the temple and urged him again to prove his divinity, that if he should jump, then surely God would send angels to prevent his fall. Jesus again rebuked him again quoting early scripture that read Thou shalt not tempt the Lord your God.
- Finally, Satan took Jesus atop a mountain, showing him many lands and peoples, and promised him absolute power over all that he could see, if only Jesus would bow down to Satan and worship him. Again Jesus quoted the earlier Jewish scripture that commanded You will worship the Lord your God, and you shall only serve Him.
After the three failed temptations, Satan left Jesus alone in the desert. Angels came and brought him nourishment in reward.
Influence
To "turn stones into bread" has become a common phrase in the English language.
The temptation of Christ is a frequent subject in the art and literature of Christian cultures.