John: Putting Belief Into PracticeParaugs

Matthew, Mark, and Luke record a story about Jesus that is not included in the book of John, but John offers some unique insight into one of the main characters.

Shortly after Jesus was baptized, he was led out into the desert by the Spirit. For forty days, alone in the desert, Jesus fasted and was tempted by the devil (Luke 4:1-2). After failing to get Jesus to give in to temptation, the devil left, and Jesus returned to Galilee to begin his ministry.

This story is often used to teach the importance of memorizing Bible verses. Each time Jesus is tempted, he responds by quoting a passage of Scripture that seems to silence the devil. Even when the devil quotes Scripture back at Jesus, Jesus rebukes the devil with yet another verse. There’s no doubt that memorizing Bible verses is a powerful spiritual practice. But there’s more to this story.

John 10:10 sheds light on the motivations of the devil. Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”

It’s easy to read today’s passage as just a battle of words. There is no violence portrayed in this standoff. No earthquakes, mighty steeds, or monstrous beasts are like those depicted in Revelation. But don’t miss the devil’s intentions. He isn’t simply trying to manipulate a hungry Jesus into disobeying God through slippery words. The devil intends to kill, steal, and destroy. These are evil things. But sometimes, reflecting on evil is helpful to appreciate goodness fully. Jesus, in John 10, drew a contrast between the devil’s motivations and his own by saying, “I have come that [you] may have life, and have it to the full.”

In today’s video, pastor Kyle Idleman says, “the way we experience that full, abundant life is less about the rituals, it’s less about the behavior, it’s less about the knowledge…it really comes down to, ‘What do you believe, really?’” These passages reveal that:

·Believing in Jesus is believing God withstands the temptation to act for his own benefit. He does not come to kill, steal, and destroy what others have.

·Believing in Jesus is believing God wants you to live an abundant life. Like a good shepherd overseeing his sheep, Jesus protects and nurtures life even at the expense of his own (John 10:14-15).

So, what do you believe about Jesus, really?

Reflection

Write a short list of your core beliefs about Jesus. What do you really believe about him—his motivations, actions, and character?

What have you been told to believe about Jesus that you struggle to believe? Pray about those things. Good things, bad things, things you’re suspicious of. You can approach God with confidence that he welcomes your honesty and loves you deeply.

Read Revelation 19:11-21 for a description of another confrontation between Jesus and “the beast.”

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for withstanding the devil’s temptations for food, power, and false security in him. Thank you for facing evil and emerging victorious. I worship you today. Shape my beliefs in you with Scripture and by the presence of your Spirit. Amen.