Temptations Will Come

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

In beginning His public ministry, Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. The Father confirmed His pleasure of this by acknowledging that Jesus was His dearly loved Son (Matthew 3:17). With those words still ringing in His ears, we read Jesus was “brought up [led] by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1).

After fasting 40 days, Satan met Him and presented three temptations.

First, Satan enticed Jesus to use His divine power to transform stones into bread. That seems logical, doesn’t it? Jesus was hungry, who wouldn’t be after fasting that long? But the Father had led Him to fast. Which was the greater need; to feed Himself or follow His Father’s leading?

Second, Satan tried to convince Jesus to short circuit God’s plan. “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down” (Matt. 4:6). Satan’s plan included a spectacular miracle, but he was presumptuous to think His way was better than God’s way. Jesus must be lifted up, not cast down (Matthew 3:14). The world looks for spectacular displays; God uses a holy life.

Third, Satan proposed for Jesus to achieve God’s will by worshiping him. What would Jesus get in return? Satan said, “…the kingdoms of the world” (Matt. 4:8–9). Jesus knew, as we should, that God alone is to be worshipped. Although Satan promised Him kingdoms, Jesus know worshipping Satan would not lead to success, but devastating failure.

A Christ follower will experience temptations. They will inevitably come. Interestingly, they often come after a time of spiritual success or victory. Jesus relied on God’s Word to thwart Satan’s schemes and so should we. He is our model to follow.

Jesus was tempted in every way that we are, yet He never sinned (Heb. 4:15).