Matthew 4:1-11 Click on this link to read the passage. You may select your preferred version of the Bible after the link opens.
Jesus’ ministry began at the time of his baptism by John the Baptist. During the next forty days he went into the desert (or wilderness depending on your Bible translation) for a time of fasting and prayer as he talked to his Father for guidance and direction. Satan was lurking around waiting for an opportunity to tempt Jesus.
The first way Satan tempted Jesus was to suggest he turn stones into loaves of bread. Jesus had physical needs by this time, as he had gone without food for 40 days. Jesus knew it would be a simple matter to use his powers to produce food for himself, but he knew his powers had been given to him for serving others and not himself. Furthermore, it would minimize the value of fasting to resolve it so simply by turning the stone into bread. Other people couldn’t do that, why should he? Jesus quoted scripture to Satan saying “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”
The second temptation was to make a big show of his powers so all the people would see and be instantly impressed with Jesus. Again, this would have been a self-serving approach for the sole purpose of gaining attention. Jesus knew he needed to use his powers to serve others. Jesus again quoted scripture saying “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord your God.”
Satan then tempted Jesus a third time by promising him all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would bow down and worship him. Jesus didn’t accept Satan’s shortcut. Jesus again quoted scripture telling Satan that it is written to worship God and only God.
What does Satan look like in our world today? I doubt he has asked many of my readers to turn bread into stone, to jump off a high tower so angels can catch them on the way down, or to literally bow down and worship him. He is more cunning than that.
When might we be tempted to take an unethical advantage of others for personal gain? What about the temptation to cheat on taxes, make ourselves look good at another’s expense for personal glory or a promotion, pocket the change when the cashier makes a mistake in our favor, lie to keep from getting caught for something we or our child did wrong whether it was an honest mistake or not, tell half truths, make a big show of some good deed we have done for personal glory, …?
Jesus made it clear to Satan (and to the world in the retelling of his temptation in the wilderness) that he didn’t come to earth to serve himself. Jesus would be glorified in the end, but not from taking shortcuts and pleasing people in authority. Jesus left the timing and the glory up to God and took the hard road of service to others throughout his ministry.
If we spend time daily with God in prayer and reading his Word, we will hear his voice clearly; and we will be able to respond appropriately to Satan’s temptations. Jesus quoted scripture to counter Satan’s temptations. We should follow his example.
Father God, may we spend so much time with you in prayer and in your Word that we will easily know the difference between following your voice and yielding to the temptations Satan puts in our path. Give us the courage to always serve you and not ourselves.
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