Genesis 3:6
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took some of its fruit, and ate. Then she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate it, too.

In this scene in the Garden of Eden when Eve saw that the tree was good for food, that it was a delight to the eyes, and that it was desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some of its fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it too.

This moment, seen as a pivotal time in the relationship between God and man, highlights a threefold temptation. Each aspect appealed to a different part of Eve’s being:

“The tree was good for food” – an appeal to physical needs or bodily well-being.

“It was a delight to the eyes” – an appeal to desire, covetousness, or lust.

“It was desirable to make one wise” – an appeal to pride, the desire to be elevated or superior in understanding.

This threefold pattern of temptation is echoed in the temptation of Jesus in Luke 4:

Physical Need: Jesus, hungry after fasting, is tempted: “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”

Visual Allurement: The devil shows Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time,” offering their glory and authority.

Pride and Identity: The devil challenges Jesus to prove His identity: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here,” quoting Scripture to suggest God’s protection.

These examples reveal a consistent strategy in how temptation works—appealing to the body, the eyes, and the ego.

John affirms this in his first letter (1 John 2:15–17):

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away with its lusts, but whoever does the will of God remains forever.”

Temptation often comes to believers in this same threefold form or as one part of this trinity of temptation. Recognizing this pattern helps us stay alert and grounded in truth. John’s reminder that these things are temporary and that our reward, is eternal, and is found in the will of God.

Father,
We thank you that you are aware when we are tempted. We thank you that you love us and will deliver us from temptation. We praise you that you are above all and that your will shall always prevail.
Help us in our times of temptation, help us to see the traps set on our path.
Help us to keep our eyes on you and our hope and trust in you.

In Jesus name

Amen

Rest in this

We are often tempted and often fail.
We are in a battle that can only be won with God’s help.
Draw near to God like a child who knows that their hope, strength and future is in their parent’s hands.

Wait on God