216 - Jesus Is Tempted
- Gwen Diaz
- Aug 4, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 25
AUGUST 4 - Nº 216 Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13
Immediately afterJesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness of Judea. God knew that His Son would be confronted by Satan while he was in this dry and lonely place. He was also aware that Satan’s ultimate goal was to keep Jesus from going to the cross. If Satan could lure Jesus to sin, God’s plan for our salvation would be shattered. But even in his humanity, Jesus was equipped to be victorious.
After he arrived in the desert, Jesus didn't eat anything for 40 days and 40 nights. As you would expect, he became very hungry! And sure enough, Satan showed up when Jesus was physically at his weakest.
Although he knew exactly who Jesus was, Satan mockingly challenged him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.”Satan wanted Jesus to intervene and override God’s plans. He wanted Jesus to use his own supernatural power rather than wait for His Father to provide food for him.
Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, “God’s word says, ‘Man is not to live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” He knew that God’s words and God’s plans were more important than physical food.
Next, Satan took Jesus to the top of a high mountain and laid out before him the magnificent splendor of the world’s kingdoms. “I will give you authority over all these kingdoms—and the glory that goes with them—if you will just bow down and worship me!” he said in him most tempting voice.
Ultimately Satan was implying, “You don’t have to go to the cross to rule the world. Right now I am the one in charge of this planet, and I can give you this power—if you will just worship me!”
Once more Jesus quoted from the book of Deuteronomy, this time from chapter 6 verse 13 (6:13): "God’s word says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.’”
Although he had already failed on two attempts to get Jesus to sin, Satan wasn’t finished yet. He led Jesus to Jerusalem and took him to the highest part of the Temple. There he challenged Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here.
At that point Satan quoted Scripture to Jesus. " It is written," he said, "‘God will command his angels to take care of you. They will not allow you to hit those rocks below. You won’t even stub your toe (Psalm 91:11-12).’”
Satan was challenging Jesus to prove that he was God's Son! If you are too afraid to trust Him," he inferred, "then maybe you aren’t the Son of God after all!”
Jesus replied, “What you have just said is written in the Scripture. But God’s word also tells us not to test Him.” Once again, Jesus had quoted from the book of Deuteronomy (6:16).
Satan had attempted to entice Jesus to sin by using the same three strategies that he had used in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve (see #4 - January 4).
First, he appealed to the lust of his flesh by tempting Jesus to satisfy his craving for food without waiting for God to provided for him.
Then, he tried to cause him to lust with his eyes by displaying all the kingdoms he could rule over without ever having to go to the cross.
And finally, he challenged Jesus’ pride by questioning who he was and implying that maybe God didn't really love him after all.
Although he unloaded his whole arsenal of weapons on Jesus, Satan failed. So, he left Jesus alone—at least for a little while!
Which of Satan's strategies are you most vulnerable to: the lust of your flesh, the lust of your eyes, or your own pride?
Look for a verse that will help you stay focused on God—instead of Satan’s temptation—in the area where you are most vulnerable.
Because he was exposed to every strategy Satan has available, Jesus knows what we go through when Satan tries to tempt us. He wants to help us stay strong when we are tempted.
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