PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 4:1-11
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)
After being told how God loves Him, the Spirit sends Jesus to the devil.
Why does the Spirit of God send Jesus to be tempted/tested by the devil?
Does God send me into the challenges and temptations I face?
The Greek word for test and temptation is the same, yet God doesn’t tempt us.
The difference lies not in the experience itself, but in the intention.
The devil wants to defeat Jesus, but the Spirit is setting Jesus up to win!
God tests us to strengthen us, Satan tempts us to weaken and defeat us.
Because God loves us, He goes with us into each day with its tests and temptations.
He does not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Jesus is with us in the wilderness, and He also provides a way out for us.
The way is GRACE: forgiveness when we fail and hope and strength when we try.
We will fail, but thankfully Jesus didn’t; He beat Satan for us so he can’t beat us.
As we stand with Jesus, we can try and fail and still be confident in the victory.
Jesus gives me courage to resist temptations, to pass the test with His help!
PRAYER
Lord, by myself I cannot beat temptation. Even with Your help, I still fail. Thank You for beating sin and Satan for me, and giving me courage to keep fighting, knowing that with You I will overcome!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
The first thing that popped into my mind was the Lord’s Prayer, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” I’ve always wondered why God would lead us into temptation. I like your reflection on this – that he does it to conquer Satan.
The second was that Jesus appeared to know right away it was the devil tempting him. I am not usually that aware of the devil’s presence!
Jesus was unwavering in his resolve – I need to be that rooted as well so that in the face of life’s circumstances that ‘test’ me – I may have the resolve to follow Jesus – not only to learn and discover the ‘way’ but also the perseverance to see it through.
First and second Adams.
Rememer the garden when Satan first appeared and now also the first appearance of Satan in the NT.
Both were tempted regarding food.
Both were tempted to be like God or king.
Adam and Eve did not fully understand the Word of God but Jesus did and was victorious.
Adam’s mission was destroyed but Christ’s mission was not. Second Adam made it possible for first Adam to begin anew with His task to serve His Master and by the grace of God I can do the same.
Happy Thanksgiving.
May each day be a life of thanksliving.
Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the Guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and pow’r to free.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! We will early turn to Thee.
Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior, with Thy love our bosoms fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast loved us, love us still.