Gracious Jesus -1: Presenting the Kingنموونە

The Devil Tempts Jesus

We often fall prey to temptation, sometimes without even knowing it. Jesus, having human flesh, was also susceptible to temptation as much as we are, but remained without sin. 

At the start of His ministry, we see that the Spirit leads Jesus to the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

When there is a temptation in a believer’s life, God doesn’t tempt but allows it in our lives in order to test us. 

(Deuteronomy 8:2) “You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.”

Temptations by Satan are also tests by God; tests of obedience. 

Christ’s temptations symbolize the fundamental temptations we face today. 

Temptation 1: Satisfaction outside what God gives

Temptation 2: Glory outside what God gives

Temptation 3: Wealth outside what God gives

Satisfaction outside God

Jesus, in hunger, recollects a situation when the Israelites were in the wilderness and quotes Scripture highlighting the bread of life, the Word of God.

God has given us many things to enjoy but everything has its context. Outside the context - whether it be food, sex, comforts, the same good thing may be sin. We need to ask ourselves if it is from God, and within the boundaries He has allowed, or outside it.

Glory outside God

Jesus always used His powers to uplift and heal others – never for Himself. Satan was tempting Him to do it for Himself. He even misquotes Psalm 91 saying that if He throws Himself down, angels will pick him up.

Christ’s responds as always by quoting scripture. Matthew 4:7 ‘’It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’’

Many times we “testing God”, expecting Him to prove Himself by helping us. This never draws people to God. Neither do miraculous signs. When we genuinely search for His will and purpose in our lives, that ignites a genuine relationship with God

Wealth outside God

Satan offers God the kingdoms of the world. Ironical, as these were in fact given to Satan, for a while, by God. 

Christ responds by quoting Scripture, reminding Satan of the one true power –God.

Satan is ready to give worldly riches to anyone who worships him. But his demands are much higher; he wants to torture and kill the soul. It is God who is the ultimate owner. So, chasing temporary wealth is disastrous.

Final outcome

(Matthew 4:11) Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.