The Tempter Came
Then
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to
him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It
is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes
from the mouth of God.’”
Then the devil took
him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If
you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his
angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you
will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus answered him,
“It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Again, the devil took
him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and
their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and
worship me.”
Jesus said to him,
“Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve
him only.’”
Then the devil left
him, and angels came and attended him.
Matthew
4:1-11
Life is about being
tested so our faith can become stronger. God allowed the Spirit in Jesus to
take Jesus to the place at which He would be tested. We too are allowed to be
tested. Jesus’ victory in the face of temptation provides a real example when
we find ourselves in the wilderness of Satan’s sinister seductions.
The Bible is full of
verses about lust, greed, lying, and other sins. If we tuck them away in our
memory, we can use them when we are under attack. It is our best chance for
success!
When Satan strikes, strike back with the Word of God.
Our Daily Bread –