Q: What ‘spirit’ led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted in Matthew 4?
A: ‘The Spirit’ was the Holy Spirit of God.
Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Mark 1:12-13 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.
Luke 4:1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness.
Implications:
a. Since Jesus Christ was/is perfect, this was a test not of Jesus but of Satan, revealing his strategy of temptation.
Dr. T Constable “Like Job, Jesus was placed into Satan’s power so that the latter might tempt him to the uttermost.”
James 1:12-14 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
b. Since Jesus Christ was/is perfect, He revealed the strategy by which we must defeat Satan’s temptations: memorized Scripture (proclaiming the promises and commandments of God)
Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
c. Since Jesus Christ defeated these temptations, He is a qualified advocate for us, who understands what we are going through.
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
d. Since Jesus Christ defeated these temptations, He was demonstrated qualified for the work He was to accomplish on the cross.
e. Since Jesus Christ defeated these temptations, He was strengthened for the ministry He was to do on Earth.
SermonBibleCommentary “They know little who think that they can avoid temptation by flying into solitudes. Expect Satan when you are alone. Stand in your fullest armour when you are alone. But be assured of this—temptations make the Christian. They are the trainings on earth for works of usefulness; and they are the trainings for service in heaven. They humble the man. They prove the grace that is in him, by proving his strength. And they are the best schools for after-sympathy. Therefore no believer has cause to regret his temptations.”
f. Since Jesus was led by the Spirit of God, God knew what was going to happen, and was there to strengthen the One being tempted.
PulpitCommentary “The Holy Spirit cannot, indeed, tempt, but he can and does lead us into circumstances where temptation is permitted, that we may thereby be proved and disciplined for future work.”