The Process To Destiny – Part 2

Last time we looked at Jesus being our example and how He walked in our shoes in being tempted when He was on the earth. You can read Part 1 here if you missed it.

Today we will look at the temptations of Jesus. We are reading from Matthew, Chapter 4.

The Temptations of Jesus All Relate To You And Me Today

Let’s look at the things that Satan was trying to tempt Jesus with.

1. Who are you again? – (Identity)

Notice that Satan, the ‘tempter’, first says to Jesus, “IF you are the Son of God….” (Vs 3). Right off the bat the devil is questioning Jesus’ identity. Right before His wilderness experience, in the previous chapter, the Heavens opened and God declared to the people present at Jesus’ baptism that Jesus is His beloved Son, with whom He is well pleased (Matthew 3:17). But when Satan comes, look at the one word that he misses. “Beloved”. Coincidence? I think not. I don’t think there’s anything that Satan hates more than a lover of God who knows who they are in Him. The tempter was trying to get Jesus to doubt who He was.

Can you recall a time or times when you have doubted who you are in Christ? Do you sometimes believe the lie of the devil that Jesus has left you and doesn’t care that you are struggling in the situation you are in? This is the main way that the enemy attacks me – in my thoughts about who I am in Christ. Having grown up with extremely low self-esteem, it makes me an easy target, still, even now as an adult. Spending time in the Lord’s presence and declaring the Word of God over myself is my only counter attack system and help.

This is the same counter attack system that Jesus used against Satan. If worship and Scripture are the weapons of choice for Jesus, the Son of God, how much more must they be for you today?!

2. Turn the stones into bread – (Quick Fixes)

Remember that Jesus had not eaten for 40 days. He was hungry – really, really hungry. Think about your favourite food for a minute. Your salivary glands have now kicked into gear and are getting your body ready for an intake of this delicious food. Now imagine you hadn’t eaten for 40 days. You would be almost ready to eat anything. Esau gave up his birthright because he was hungry (Hebrews 12:16). Bread was prevalent in Jesus’ day (but not as we know it today). Bread took time to make. He couldn’t just buy it from the local shop, He was in the wilderness. But ….. Satan knew that Jesus had the power, through Holy Spirit, to turn the stones INSTANTLY into bread. It could be a quick fix.

How many times have you been in a troubling and/or frustrating situation that you would give almost anything to get out of? Can you think of a situation where you would loved to have the ‘quick fix’? I certainly can. This is not how the Kingdom of God works. There is process (ugh). Can you relate?

Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy 8:3 (ESV), “… man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” We need the words and direction from the Lord in order to live victoriously in this life. Quick fixes won’t cut it.

3. Don’t Worry, God Will Fix It – (Testing God)

Have you noticed how well Satan knows the Scriptures? Inside and out. He was quoted Scripture just like Jesus was (Vs 6). Him and his minions were there in every piece of it. He is not stupid. This is a HUGE reason why we need to know and memorise Scripture – it is the ‘sword of the Spirit’ (Ephesians 6:17). Again, if the Word is what Jesus used to rebuke the enemy and put him in his place, how much more should we know and use the same weapon? Remember, Jesus is ALWAYS our example.

Have you ever been tempted to go in a direction, see a movie, visit someone, or go to a place that you know full well the Lord doesn’t want you going to? Can you think of a time when you knew you were acting disobedient but figured God would forgive you and get you out of trouble if something happened? This is testing God. Satan, in Matthew 4:6, was attempting to get Jesus to step out of God’s will. While standing on top of the temple, Satan was, in essence saying to Jesus, “Jump off. I dare you. God will come and help you so don’t worry about it.” Jesus was very quick to fire back. “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Vs 7).

If Jesus refuses to test the Lord God, what makes we think that we can do the same? Satan will always try and pull you off track. Ask the Lord for discernment to see the enemy’s dirty tricks and wisdom on what to do next.

4. Do This For Me And I’ll Do This For You – (Manipulating God)

Have you ever said to God, “If you do this for me, I will do this” or “If you do this one thing for me, I will serve you all of my life”? This is actually a form of manipulation. This is something that should never be done with the Almighty God.

Satan was offering Jesus all the kingdoms of the world – both the natural and spiritual realms – if Jesus would just fall down and worship him. Yikes. If Jesus had have done this, the excruciating death that would soon follow could not have happened. Jesus would no longer be without sin. “You shall not worship them (an idol) or serve them” – (parentheses added) (Exodus 20:5 AMP). He would have no longer been a spotless lamb (1 Peter 1:19).

Just think. Jesus KNEW that He was going to suffer. He KNEW what happened at crucifixions. He KNEW what happened to people when they were flogged and scourged. He KNEW He was going to be separated from His Father. Jesus was exhausted and hungry. Satan comes at Him in a physically weak moment. Sound familiar? Later on, Jesus asks His Father if there is any way He can get out of dying (Luke 42:22), so we can presume that Jesus was tempted to walk away. I praise Him everyday that He didn’t. How about you?

Jesus just asked God – without the manipulation, “Can I walk away? Isn’t there any other way to do this?” But ….. “yet not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Are you able to ask God simply and plainly for what you want and accept whatever answer He gives, if one at all? Will you still love and serve Him even if you don’t get what you want? Faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6) and that means trusting God … NO MATTER WHAT, HOW or IF He decides to answer.

At the end of this test, Jesus puts Satan back in his place where he belongs. Woo hoo! “Be gone Satan!” (Vs 10). Oh yeah! Then Jesus seals the deal with these words, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.” (Vs 10). Satan gave up and walked away (Vs 11). No matter what happens, Jesus is worshipping His Father and putting His full trust in God – with no conditions attached.

Are you prepared to do that too? No matter what?

As we come to the end of this portion of Matthew 4, can you see how Jesus passed the tests with Satan? By knowing what God says in the Word and knowing what God, His Father, says about Himself. Jesus spoke out the Word and defeated the devil. A huge cheer for Jesus!

Remember, Jesus is our example. If we fight back with the weapons He used, we will most certainly win a lot more battles.

Next time we move from the testing to the purpose of Jesus. God has an order about things. He really is so amazing.

I hope you are enjoying this journey of Matthew 4. I am learning so much.

As always, if you would like prayer or have any questions, please write them in the comments below or on the contact page here.

You are dearly loved by your Father in Heaven.

(Photo Credit: www.pexels.com)