Matthew 4:1-11
“Remember how the LORD your God led you
all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in
order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his
commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with
manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does
not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the
LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:2-3).
God’s son. The voice from heaven spoke and declared
its truth at Jesus’ baptism. He was the son of God. Some heard the voice and
believed, while others sought more reasonable explanations. It was a ridiculous
claim. How could God have a son, in human form, an ordinary man with dusty feet
and humble affinities? It didn’t make sense.
While the people debated the validity of the voice,
the incident raised the attention of another. In the spiritual realm the voice
thundered through the earth, its proclamation reverberated down into the depths
and alerted something sinister—a being that did not question the truth of the
voice, but rather shuddered at its implications and then awoke, fully conscious
and ready to do battle. God’s son was on earth in human form and vulnerable.
Now was the time to make a move, a strategic attack against an ancient enemy.
“Then Jesus
was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew
4:1). Jesus fasted for several days. “He was hungry” (v. 2). Satan saw his
opportunity and approached.
“Are you hungry Jesus? There is a simple solution.
Turn from your fasting and focus on your physical need. It is valid. Every man
has to eat. And with your supernatural abilities you could solve your problem
very quickly. Look at these dry stones. They are everywhere. Strewn about. Why
don’t you simply speak the words and change these little pebbles into something
more substantial. Perhaps a loaf of bread? You are the son of God. It is within
your power to do so. Just a piece of bread? Come on – turn from your prayers and
have a little picnic.” But Jesus saw through him and responded, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread
alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (v. 4).
Satan changed his tactics. He took Jesus to Jerusalem
and brought him to the top of the temple, perched atop its massive wall.
“What are you going to do now Jesus? How are you going
to get down? You are a now a mere man . . . the son of God in a lowly human
body. You have limitations. How does it feel to be mortal? Does this height
scare you, you who made the universe? Isn’t it ludicrous that the one who once
held the earth in his hand, and formed the highest peaks and lowest valleys
could now be destroyed by a simple fall from a few hundred feet? But you are
still God’s son. I’m sure he would take care of you—if you were to jump down.
Yes, I’d like to see that. Perhaps you would float to the ground like a
feather. Yes, yes, I’m curious how would your father save you? Go ahead and
see.”
“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’” (v. 6). Satan cleverly
threw in a Scripture reference and now paused, his silky voice briefly silent,
waiting for a response. “Jesus answered
him, ‘It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’” (v. 7).
Frustrated, Satan again took Jesus and traveled higher
and higher up a steep mountain peak. The view from the top was expansive with
city after city and all earthly realms visible and spread out before them.
Satan looked out at the impressive sight. “This all belongs to me – the wealth,
the power, the inhabitants. They are all mine” he said smugly. And yet he did
not appear entirely satisfied. It was not enough. He wanted more. One more
devotee. One more conquest. One more soul. He turned to Jesus. “‘All of this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if
you bow down and worship me’” (v. 9).
The final temptation. Satan played his last and most
powerful card. It was, after all, what lured him away from his angelic place
beside Jesus’ father. Satan looked at Jesus in anticipation and waited for
God’s little lap dog to whimper and crumble before him. But Jesus did not roll
over. He did not bow down. No, instead of acquiescing to the dark prince’s
demands, “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’” (vv. 10-11).
From the series, "Matthew: Back to the Beginning."
Photo from Microsoft Word Clip Art
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