Not to Be Served, But to Serve (Matthew 20:28)
Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist to fulfill all righteousness. As He emerged from the water, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove. A voice from heaven declared, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
Immediately afterward, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He fasted for forty days and forty nights. After this period of fasting, He was hungry, and Satan came to tempt Him (Matthew 4:1–3).
Satan presented temptations to Jesus that challenged His identity. Almost as if to ask, “Why would the Son of God be hungry and in the wilderness?” That’s not the way I would be if you served me….. I would give you everything.”
“Why are you in this place if you are the son, prove yourself, show me….”
This is how the accuser operates: distorting truth, twisting Scripture, and striking at the core which is our identity as the children of God. It seems for the accuser, proof of identity is power, riches, intelligence, rather than a loving relationship.
A true son knows the father’s heart and desires. Jesus love for the Father and trust of the Father was shown to be infallible.
But Jesus went before us to reveal the accuser’s Nature
Satan is described as:
“The accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night.”Revelation 12:10
“He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44
So Jesus knows this accuser and tells us that he is a relentless murderer and the source of all lies.
Jesus rejected every temptation of Satan presented to Him in the wilderness . However in His ministry He fulfilled these temptations as a loving act of service for humanity.
Temptation 1: Turning Stones into Bread
Satan’s temptation:
“If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” (Luke 4:3)
Jesus’ response:
“It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”(Luke 4:4)
Satan tempted Jesus to use His divine power to satisfy His hunger apart from the Father’s provision. But Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3 where God humbled His people to recognize that His daily provision of manna and His word are sufficient.
Fulfillment in Jesus’ Ministry
Later, Jesus multiplied bread to feed thousands.
Not for Himself, but to feed the hungry.
He also turned water into wine.
“Taking the five loaves and the two fish… He gave thanks and broke the loaves… They all ate and were satisfied.”Matthew 14:19-20
At Cana, He turned water into wine—not to prove His power, but out of love (John 2:9-11).
Jesus denied Himself in the wilderness but later provided abundantly for others.
Temptation 2: Jumping from the Temple (Testing God)
Satan’s temptation:
“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down… For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning you…’” (Luke 4:5-6; Psalm 91:11-12)
Jesus’ response:
“It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Luke 4:7)
Satan urged Jesus to prove His identity through a dramatic sign—an appeal to pride and spectacle.
But Jesus refused to test God.
Fulfillment in Jesus’ Ministry
Instead of jumping from the temple, Jesus chose to be lifted up on the cross:
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.”John 3:14-15
“He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”Philippians 2:8
And God answered with the greatest rescue:
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!”Luke 24:5-7
“Christ died for our sins… He was buried, and He was raised on the third day.”1 Corinthians 15:3-4
Jesus allowed Himself to even though God to born into this world and to serve. Then to be lifted up to the height of the cross and thrown down into the depths of depth. He then received the ultimate rescue which is RESSURECTION!
Temptation 3: Gaining the World by Worshiping Satan (Power Without the Cross)
Satan’s temptation:
“I will give you all their authority and splendor… If you worship me, it will all be yours.” (Luke 4:8-9)
Jesus’ response:
“It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” (Luke 4:10)
Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world without the suffering of the cross, a shortcut to ruling without sacrifice.
Jesus refused, choosing obedience over immediate glory.
Fulfillment in Jesus’ Ministry
Rather than seizing power, Jesus emptied Himself in humility:
“He made Himself nothing… He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross!”Philippians 2:5-8:
Now, all authority belongs to Him:
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”Philippians 2:9-11
Jesus rejected Satan’s offer and chose the Father’s will the way of suffering, servanthood, and ultimate glory.
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”Luke 22:42
The Father of Lies vs. The Voice of the Father
Jesus’ victory over Satan in the wilderness reveals two opposing voices in our lives:
1. The Father of Lies (Satan)
• Uses rejection and false identity to trap us into proving ourselves.
• Burdens us with shame, telling us we are unloved and unworthy.
• Seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
2. The Voice of the Father (God)
• Calls us beloved sons and daughters.
• Invites us to trust rather than prove.
• Offers life, freedom, and redemption.
Romans 8:15 reminds us:
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
We are no longer slaves to the lies of Satan but children of God, secure in His love.
The Call for Us: Choosing the Way of Christ
The temptations of Jesus in the wilderness mirror the temptations we face daily:
• Will we act selfishly, or will we trust in God’s provision?
• Will we seek power for ourselves, or will we serve in humility?
• Will we test God, or will we trust in His timing and plan?
Jesus shows us a different way—the way of trust, humility, and love.
Rather than exalting Himself, He laid down His life.
Rather than proving Himself, He entrusted Himself to the Father.
Rather than serving Himself, He gave Himself for us.
Through His obedience, He defeated Satan’s schemes and rescued us from darkness:
• Hebrews 2:14-15 – “By His death, He broke the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and freed those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”
• Colossians 1:13-14 – “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
This is our call—to follow Christ in humility, trust, and love, rejecting the lies of the enemy and standing firm in the truth of the Father’s love.
May we walk as Jesus walked, resisting temptation not by proving ourselves, but by trusting fully in the Father’s will.