MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
We wrote last week how the anointed one, Jesus, was baptized by John the Baptist. In that act, He as a sinless person submitted to a ritual of purification, in order to identify with sinners, with each of us. Baptism began for Jesus a journey to the cross, to provide redemption for all who believe.
The accounts of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River flowed immediately into the story of His temptation. Each of us will face times of trial, sometimes circumstances or loss, and sometimes temptations arise. The fact that Jesus underwent these same challenges can help us overcome - which can prevent our hurting a spouse, disappointing our children, and so many other heartaches. The issue for Jesus, and therefore for us all, is obedience to God.
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry" (Matthew 4:1). In this session we will consider the account of Jesus’ temptation in Matthew, refer to the book of Hebrews, and highlight Jesus' knowledge of scriptures from Deuteronomy.
The author of Hebrews wrote, “Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted" (Hebrews 2:17-18). Jesus' victory over temptation is significant because failure leads to sin which moves anyone away from God. While sin is downplayed in modern society, even ignored, it will interfere with God’s plans. So it's important to look at Satan’s approach, and at how Jesus overcame temptations.
Satan’s actions in challenging the “Son of God” were designed to compel Him to compromise His dependence on God and God's plan. With the first temptation, the devil said to Him, "'If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread'" (Matthew 4:3). After forty days of fasting, we can assume Jesus is starving, and there are stones all around. Satisfying one’s hunger is not a sin. But as with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:3), the temptation is to rely oneself, rather than trusting in God’s provision. Rather than a matter of turning stones to bread, the challenge was whether or not Jesus is the Son of God, and a test of whether He would use divine power to overcome a human weakness such as hunger.
Jesus' response quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, which was written reflecting on a time when Israel had experienced humility and hunger in the wilderness and God fed them manna from heaven. "'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God'" (Matthew 4:4). The issue for Israel, for Jesus, and for us, is self-denial and trust in God as provider. Jesus as one of us, without using supernatural means, is able to resist the temptation.
The second temptation from Satan would have been attractive, especially for Jews, in light of Malachi 3:1, "the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple." Matthew 4:5-6 reads, "Then the devil took Him into the holy city; and he had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, 'If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down.'" At issue here is the method of gaining a following. Throughout Jesus' public ministry, He resisted performing miracles for show, but demonstrated love and compassion to gain followers.
Jesus' response, from Deuteronomy 6:16, was, "'You shall not test the Lord your God.'" To put God to such a test is proof that one isn’t really trusting. And if God did respond to such a ridiculous request, it would make Him no more than a servant (or a genie). Rather than falling for a dramatic, quick intervention, Jesus waits patiently for God’s revelation of His will through a time of sacrifice. Jesus' example was trusting God, rather than testing Him.
The third temptation is found in Matthew 4:8-9. "Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory; and he said to Him, 'All these things will I give You, if You fall down and worship me.'" This is all Satan can offer; he does not have a kingdom of peace, holiness or joy, and with this superficial magnificence would have come inner corruption. Notice in the last temptation, Satan no longer addresses Jesus as the Son of God, and there's no mention of God or scripture. He drops the pretense of being helpful, and reveals his true desire, to be worshiped. Though Satan has much offer, anyone who gives in to temptation has much to lose.
Jesus' jarring response in Matthew 4:10. "'Begone, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only"'" (quoting from Deuteronomy 6:13). Only God has the right to be worshiped.
The initiative for Jesus' meeting with the devil was brought about by the Holy Spirit, who led Him immediately after baptism into the wilderness. Jesus, ready to begin His public ministry, took the fight directly to Satan. As followers, we should expect to take the offensive, which guarantees confrontation. Jesus' responses to temptation were 1) wait and depend on the Lord; 2) trust God instead of testing Him; and 3) worship God alone. In times of trial and temptation, His presence can be our greatest desire and strength.
