Jesus was led into the desert for 40 days to be tempted by the devil. Doesn't sound like fun, does it? Not only was he tempted, but he was hungry! He didn't eat those 40 days. I remember a couple years ago when I read this chapter, I was confused as to why Jesus would be led by the Spirit to be tempted- in fact, it bothered me. Learning more about God and who He is, He does allow things to happen, all for his glory. I believe the purpose of Jesus being led into temptation was a part of the greatness of Jesus to us. If Jesus hadn't been tempted so harshly, or if there had been no written account of him being tempted, how would we meet him in our times of temptation. God gives us this account to reassure us that Jesus understands temptation to its fullest. Have you ever not eaten for 40 days? With his belly rumbling and his stomach tight with hunger pangs, Satan tried to persuade Jesus to turn the stone into bread so he could eat, "If you are the Son of Man..." Not only was Satan trying to fill his appetite, but was also challenging him on who he was. Suppose a king decided to take a stroll in the woods, or in a market, dressed like a peasant. He didn't want to be noticed, and really, just wanted to take a walk, in the world, unnoticed. But what if, some thieves decided to rob him and take his cloak, beat him and threaten to kill him for all he had? Do you not think at that moment the king would identify himself as the king and demand they let him go? Do you think he would have received help from bystanders if others could see that it was in fact the king? You would want to prove that it is in fact who you are. "Call in the guards!" you might shout.
But this is Jesus, and he didn't need to prove himself to anybody. Satan knew who he was, and Jesus was not going to be manipulated by him or give in to his temptations. Instead of satisfying his physical hunger, he was going to trust and obey God to get him through. Which also brings me to this thought: Jesus doesn't need to prove himself to you either. Jesus is the Son of God- the Bible says so. You either choose to believe it or not. Don't be like the Tempter and say: "If you are the Son of God, do this... and I will believe you..."
There are three temptations in this chapter, but know that Jesus was not just tempted three times, but many more. Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet he did not sin."
What I find frightening is how Satan tempted Jesus. Satan knew Jesus' human weakness- hunger, and tempted him with that. Satan attacked Jesus using Scripture. The reason I find this frightening is because if you are not rooted in the Word and living in close relation with Jesus, being filled with the Spirit, will you be able to know when the evil one is tempting you? Will you know his whispers are lies? Will you be able to recognize when the Word is being told falsely? If Jesus, (the one who would have known the Word exceptionally) was tempted with Scripture and his identity challenged with it , don't you think Satan uses it against us to tempt us and challenge our identity? I URGE you to be rooted in the Word!
The reason I titled this what I did, is that although Jesus was in the desert, he was not deserted. God was with him every minute, every temptation. It says before he was led into the wilderness to be tempted, that he was full of the Spirit. The same is true for us. The Spirit of God is with us wherever we go. He is with us in every temptation. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." Although at times it feels like we are in a desert, we are not deserted. We are never alone. I will leave you with this- Deuteronomy 31:6~ "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
~Leanne~
But this is Jesus, and he didn't need to prove himself to anybody. Satan knew who he was, and Jesus was not going to be manipulated by him or give in to his temptations. Instead of satisfying his physical hunger, he was going to trust and obey God to get him through. Which also brings me to this thought: Jesus doesn't need to prove himself to you either. Jesus is the Son of God- the Bible says so. You either choose to believe it or not. Don't be like the Tempter and say: "If you are the Son of God, do this... and I will believe you..."
There are three temptations in this chapter, but know that Jesus was not just tempted three times, but many more. Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet he did not sin."
What I find frightening is how Satan tempted Jesus. Satan knew Jesus' human weakness- hunger, and tempted him with that. Satan attacked Jesus using Scripture. The reason I find this frightening is because if you are not rooted in the Word and living in close relation with Jesus, being filled with the Spirit, will you be able to know when the evil one is tempting you? Will you know his whispers are lies? Will you be able to recognize when the Word is being told falsely? If Jesus, (the one who would have known the Word exceptionally) was tempted with Scripture and his identity challenged with it , don't you think Satan uses it against us to tempt us and challenge our identity? I URGE you to be rooted in the Word!
The reason I titled this what I did, is that although Jesus was in the desert, he was not deserted. God was with him every minute, every temptation. It says before he was led into the wilderness to be tempted, that he was full of the Spirit. The same is true for us. The Spirit of God is with us wherever we go. He is with us in every temptation. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." Although at times it feels like we are in a desert, we are not deserted. We are never alone. I will leave you with this- Deuteronomy 31:6~ "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
~Leanne~
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