Wed.’s Devo - Temptation One

Read Luke 4:1-4 After Jesus received his baptism in the Holy Spirit, he was led to the wilderness to fast for 40 days. Matthew wrote that he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Jesus had to be tempted in all the points that we would be tempted (Heb. 2:18), yet not sin to show us that if we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can be tempted and not sin. Jesus had an earthly mother and a heavenly father, just like we do if we have been adopted into God’s family. We have access to the same power, miracles, and relationship if we pursue it with all our heart like Jesus did. Jesus had to learn obedience through the things he suffered, just like we do (Is. 50:4). Jesus was willing to pay the price to have that relationship which is evident in him spending 40 days without food or water to be alone with God in the wilderness. After the 40 days, he was hungry. It is now time to eat so Satan has prepared a quick answer. He says, If you ARE the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Satan will always tempt you with truth with a twist. Jesus was the stone turned to bread. John 1:1 says that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus was the bread sent from heaven. The first Word was written on stone tablets and the people couldn’t “eat” it. Instead of it bringing them life, it brought them death. Jesus came as the living Word and gave them truths they could eat. The devil wanted Jesus to command this truth now - before the cross. God’s way is always the slow way that evokes us to mature through the process. The devil’s way is always the quick way that causes the least amount of growth. Jesus’ reply to his suggestion was, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Jesus could wait for his bread because he had been sustained by God’s. Lord, help us to turn from temptation that gives us an easy fix, but by-passes the cross. The way to life is always through death.