2024/01/04 – Temptation of Jesus

Reading: Luke 4 – Temptation of Jesus:

“We do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

Few are tempted, though some have, to worship Satan. Fewer are tempted to jump from the top of the Empire State Building; again, some have. But have you been tempted to turn stones into bread?

Jesus was hungry; He had fasted for 40 days with absolutely nothing to eat while The Devil was tempting him. Now, major temptations are facing Him. In His hunger, Satan slyly said, “If you are the Son of God, turn these stones into bread.” I ask again, have you been tempted to turn stones into bread?

This is a common temptation to mankind. Red stones from Minnesota are mixed with black stones from West Virginia, heated to a high temperature, and pig iron comes out. This is converted to steel and is used for all sorts of materials from needles to girders. It generates money for many people. Money is sometimes called bread. All mankind yearns for money, even needs money, whether it comes from stones or crops in the field. It is in our materialistic nature.

Jesus resisted this temptation by reminding Satan, “It is written, ‘Man does not live by bread alone.”’ (Deut. 8:3) Jesus had lived for 40 days without bread. That cannot continue for much longer before weakness overcomes Him. Yet He faced two other temptations before receiving nourishment.

The Devil led Him up a high place and, in an instant, showed him all the kingdoms of the world. He said to Jesus, “I will give you all of these, if you will worship me, it will all be Yours.” Jesus had come to establish a kingdom. He did it through blood, sweat, tears, and death. Here was an opportunity to have all the kingdoms of the world without the ultimate price of those things. Yet He resisted the temptation by saying, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.”’ (Deut. 6:13) Anything less than this would compromise His integrity. Further, He knew the Devil was a liar, and it would not be God’s kingdom He would have.

Having been thwarted twice by Scripture, the third temptation in Luke’s account has the Devil quoting Scripture. He took Jesus to the pinnacle of the Temple and said, “If you are the Son of God throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “He will command His angels concerning You, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear You up so that You will not dash Your foot against a stone.”’ (Ps. 91:11-12)

Here Jesus could show a great exploit that would gain Him many followers. Yet He resisted, saying, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’ (Deut. 6:16)

“All that is in the world – the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches – comes not from the Father but from the world.” (1 John 2:16) The materialistic lust for riches, the desire for people to look up to you as a star, and the lust for fleshly pleasures are things we need to avoid. They do not come from the Father, our God, nor His Son. God has a better plan for our lives.

“I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

These plans that God has for us, for our welfare and our future hope for an eternal life of knowing Him, are far better than the things this world offers!