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~