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Prepare Your Heart
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Read God’s Word
A Verse for Today
Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
Luke 4:1-2 (CSB): “Then Jesus left the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days to be tempted by the devil…”
Reflecting on God’s Word
In yesterday’s article, we looked at a verse in Deuteronomy about not muzzling an ox when it is at work. We realized that it is more than simply a command about oxen. It’s a life principle: let those who work enjoy the fruit of their labor.
In today’s verse, we arrive in a desert wilderness with Jesus, who has been on a 40-day fast and was tempted by Satan. If we look closely enough, we realize that Jesus understood how the Old Testament (and Bible) works. He looked to the commands, saw the primary meaning and deeper principle, and used them as His weapon against temptation.
First Temptation
Satan’s first temptation was to turn stones into bread. Given that Jesus’ fast was intended, among other things, to prepare Him for the temptation, it would make sense that His fast should end AFTER the temptation and not BEFORE. So, Satan’s temptation was that of timing. Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3…
Luke 4:4 (CSB): “But Jesus answered him, ‘It is written: Man must not live on bread alone.'”
In other words, even though Jesus was starving after a 40-day fast, His true nourishment could not be satisfied with mere bread. His true hunger was for God … so the bread would wait.
Second Temptation
Satan’s second temptation was to have Jesus obtain the world’s kingdoms by having Him bow in worship to Satan. The temptation was to take a shortcut. Rather than gain the kingdoms from His Father after completing His work of redemption, Satan offered a shortcut to the end result without the cross. Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy 6:13…
Luke 4:8 (CSB): “And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'”
Jesus was unwilling to take a shortcut to gain the world’s kingdoms, and He certainly wasn’t going to bow in worship to anyone other than His Father.
Third Temptation
Satan’s third temptation was to encourage Jesus to jump from the highest point of the Jerusalem Temple. The temptation was for Jesus’ incredible worth to be affirmed by getting Heaven to come running if He did something so reckless. Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16…
Luke 4:12 (CSB): “And Jesus answered him, ‘It is said: Do not test the Lord your God.'”
Jesus did not come to make a name for Himself but, instead, came to exalt His Father. He would certainly not presume on Heaven’s protection to demonstrate His own importance.
Conclusion
Notice that Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy all three times. That tells us that the Old Testament book of the Law is still relevant and powerful to ward off temptation. Maybe we need to rethink how we view that book, which is filled with stories and laws. Maybe it’s not so boring after all!
Spend Time in Prayer
- Ask God to help you desire to study, meditate on, and enjoy His Word.
- Ask God’s Holy Spirit to bring to your mind Bible verses and biblical principles when you are faced with temptation.
Going Deeper
If you want to dig a little deeper into the what and why of Jesus’ temptations, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:
“What was the meaning and purpose of Jesus’ temptations?”
Sharing
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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)
Matt’s Musings 