Following Jesus Through MatthewSample

When a young adult is ready to begin their chosen career, they usually need some training and preparation first. Depending on the career, this might be hands-on training with someone who already knows the job. It might be earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree. There might be a test required for certification or licensing. Rarely is someone dropped into a job without some sort of preparation.

Jesus, the perfect son of God, needed no preparation, and yet he went into the wilderness before he began his ministry on earth. He did it for our sake. Hebrews 2:18 says, “Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.” Hebrews 4:15 says, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.”

Jesus gave us a pattern to follow when we are tempted. What do we do when we are tempted to break our vows, lie about our income, lose our temper, or run after wealth and prestige above God? What do we do when circumstances tempt us to worry, despair, and fear? We answer with God’s words, just as Jesus did when he answered Satan in the wilderness.

This will not – cannot – happen spur of the moment. In order to answer temptation with God’s own words, we need to know those words, internalize those words. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” This takes intentionality, perhaps some planning, definitely time. Jesus was prepared for ministry with time in the desert; our preparation begins now, for whatever God’s plan for our lives will reveal.

Prayer: God, your word is perfect. Your word gives me everything I need to answer the temptations, fears, and worries of this world. Help me to love your word, so that when temptation comes I have the answers already in my heart. Amen.