The Risen ChristSample

Temptation

Jesus…was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. (Luke 4:1-2)

Temptation—what does the word suggest to you? Does it call to mind the pangs you feel when a box of chocolates is passed around? Does it describe your struggle with spending too much on your favorite shopping website? Those are everyday temptations, but the serious kind is far more dangerous. When Satan tempts, he’s not trying to spoil your diet or throw off your budget; he’s playing for keeps—for you.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the gospel account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. The devil’s aim was to separate Jesus from his Father and destroy the gospel before it even got started. To do that Satan employed the three most basic weapons in his arsenal: appetite, ambition, and approval. He suggested that Jesus use his power to satisfy his own hunger. Then he promised Jesus the world, literally. In fact, the day would come when Jesus would be able to say, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18). But Satan suggested that Jesus take these things right away, the easy way. No suffering, no cross, no death—essentially, “just worship me and I’ll give it all to you.” It’s a lie, of course. But sadly, many don’t realize that until it’s too late. The final temptation is to make God come through for you. How can you be sure that God is caring for you, or that he’s even real? Don’t take it on faith; ask for—no, demand—a miracle.

Unlike the first Adam, the last Adam saw through the lies and defeated the tempter. Not for the last time.

PRAYER: I praise you, Jesus, for your perfect obedience.