TRUSTING JESUS WHO WAS TEMPTED AS WE ARE

“…where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” (Luke 4)

When the time came for Jesus to launch his mission for God, to preach the good news of the kingdom of heaven and prepare for the cross as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world, the Spirit led him into the desert to face the devil. 

Perhaps this was a spiritual “boot camp” for Jesus where he would be tested while being full of the Spirit, yet physically weak from fasting. If the devil can influence him to use his power for personal fulfillment instead of for God’s purposes, this mission will be aborted. 

The devil succeeded with Eve and Adam, persuading them to obey him instead of trusting God. The ripple effect of sin and death from the beginning until now is staggering to ponder.

Jesus was locked-in on: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”

Jesus does not give in, but the devil will return at an opportune time. At the cross, he will be heard again through the mocking voices who screamed, “Come down if you are the Christ!” 

If we fail to take Satan seriously today, we make ourselves vulnerable to temptation. We can repeat what happened at the beginning and bring consequences that will rob us, and others, of abundant life.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” (John 10:10) “Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Do you actually believe this? Do you trust Jesus with this?

“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8) “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Heb. 2:18) “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin.” (Heb. 4:15)

Beware of Satan’s schemes. Pray to discern the magnetic pull of temptation, which can be intense. But be assured that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

“Father, remind me to trust in Jesus, the Lamb of God, who took away the sin of the world and who destroyed the devil’s work! I will worship and serve You only!”

—Charlie Herndon