Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 29; Psalm 119:49-72; Isaiah 56; Matthew 4
And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:3-4)
At a most vulnerable time physically, mentally and emotionally, the devil came to tempt Jesus. Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights and was hungry. Then came Satan with three temptations. These three temptations are the areas of temptation that we all face. They come to us from the world and not from God.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1 John 2:16)
Satan tempted Jesus with the lust of the flesh when he told him to prove that he was the Son of God by turning the stones into bread. Would Jesus let his physical hunger cause him to perform parlor tricks for the devil? No, he would not. Instead, he used the sword of the Word of God to counter all the devil's temptations. What good is physical life without spiritual life? Jesus would be fed upon God's Word!
Next, the pride of life was tempted as he told Jesus to jump from the high point of the temple and let everyone see angels come catch him before he hit the ground. Never! Jesus would not presume upon the Father. He would live in obedience to the Father.
Finally, the lust of the eyes was tempted with having all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus knew if he waited upon the Father's plan he would rule them all with a rod of iron. According to the devil all he had to do was worship Satan. He flatly refused the offer once again countering with the Word of God. Only worship God! With this final cut of the Word of God Satan left him, defeated. Jesus was victorious over the devils temptations. Jesus was victorious in these areas of temptation because there is no sin in him.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
When the tempter comes to you call upon your high priest. He is victorious and he can give you the grace to stand strong in the battle. You are not without weapons and help! King Jesus, the victorious one is always there to help you overcome by faith. He is the victorious one – trust him!
In Christ,
Rody
