The Ten Commandments: An Overview

[Sung Psalm: 11917-24]

There are three temptations that Moses warns about:

(7:17) Do not say in your heart, "these nations are greater than I" – but remember the LORD and his mighty deeds against Egypt! This is the temptation to think that it's all up to us.

(8:17) Do not say in your heart, "My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth" – but remember that the LORD is the one who gave you the land! This is the temptation of materialism.

(9:4) And do not say in your heart, "It is because of my righteousness that the LORD has brought me in to possess the land" – it is not your righteousness, but God's faithfulness to his covenant with your fathers! This is the temptation of moralism.

Do you see how the three temptations in the wilderness bear a striking resemblance to the temptations in the Matthew 4?

• The devil tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread.
• The devil tempted Jesus to throw himself off the pinnacle of the temple.
• The devil tempted Jesus by offering him all the kingdoms of the world – if Jesus would only worship him.

In other words, Satan was offering Jesus the same temptations that Israel fell for: trust in your own power – trust in your own righteousness – you can't defeat me, join me!

And, interestingly enough, Jesus understood exactly where these temptations came from, because all three times he quotes Deuteronomy 6-9 in answer:
"Man shall live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."
"You shall not put the Lord your God to the test."
"You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve."

Jesus is the Israel who is tempted in the wilderness – and where Israel had failed, Jesus succeeds!