20. The Temptation by the Devil and His Defeat. Mt. 4:3–11; Mk. 1:13; Lk. 4:3–13

Then the devil the tempter came to Him and said to Him: If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread,—command even this one stone to become bread. But the Lord Jesus said to him in answer: It is written that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Deut. 8:3).

Then the devil took Him to the holy city Jerusalem and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him: If You are the Son of God, cast Yourself down; for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning You; and they shall bear You up on their hands, lest You strike Your foot against a stone (Ps 90:11–12). Jesus said to him in answer: It is also written, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test (Deut 6:16).

Again the devil took Him to a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory in an instant, and said to Him: All this I will give You if You will fall down and worship me. I will give You authority over all these kingdoms and their glory; for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. So if You will worship me, all shall be Yours. Jesus said to him in answer: Depart from Me, Satan; for it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve (Deut 6:13).

Then, when the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from Him until a time. And behold, angels came and ministered to Him.