“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, ‘If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.’ But he answered and said, ‘It is written, (Deut. 8:3) Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’ Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, ‘If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written (Psalm 91:11-12), He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.’ Jesus said unto him, ‘It is written again (Deut. 6:16), Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.’ Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, ‘All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.’ Then saith Jesus unto him, ‘Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written (Deut. 6:13), Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.’ Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” Matthew 4:1-11 (KJV)
Note that Jesus’ wilderness experience was for a purpose: to be tempted by the adversary. Perhaps we may understand more clearly the Lord’s prayer . . . “lead us not into temptation.” Upon deeper reflection, we see that the wilderness experience was to prepare Jesus for the certain temptation from the adversary. It is interesting to note that the tempter was allowed access to Jesus only after he had fasted and prayed for forty days . . . only after he was spiritually prepared to face it.
Have you ever supplied your own needs without depending on God? That is lust of the flesh. Jesus said, “Man shall live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” That is dependence on God.
Have you ever used Scripture, perhaps wrongly, to justify your actions? That is pride of life. Jesus said, “You must not tempt the Lord your God.” That is faith and trust in God.
Has the enemy ever shown you what you could have if you would just serve him? That is lust of the eyes. Jesus said, “You shall only worship and serve the Lord your God.” That is love of and loyalty to the one who redeemed us.
Consider this: knowing about God, talking with God, walking with him in the cool of the day, and living in a perfect environment is not sufficient to overcome the adversary’s temptations (See Genesis 3). Only the Word of God in a spiritually prepared soul can prevail over the enemy.
Finally, consider three points. First, God prepared Jesus for the battle. Second, God supplied his weapon in the battle. And third, God supplied a celebration for him after the battle.
Dear Father, thank you for the Lord’s example of temptation. Forgive us for trying to fight the enemy in the power of our own strength. Remind us that Jesus said, “without me you can do nothing.” Grant that we may prepare ourselves spiritually to overcome every work of the tempter. Empower us to use your Word as our weapon of choice. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the power of God’s Word,