Scripture
Jesus said to him: “Away from me, satan! For it is written: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'”

Observation
The Son of God is tempted by the Devil.

The audacity of it!

The Son of Man confronts satan in a challenge failed by the first man. This time it's a desert not a garden and three temptations not one.

The temptations are remarkable similar to Adam and Eve's, focussing on the flesh, testing God and pride.

These temptations remain in various guises the tests that lie before every christian.

Application
Two principles for beating temptation come out of this passage?:

1. Jesus saw temptation and identified it. Satan does not approach us in open evil. Usually, temptation comes disguised as an “angel of light” designed to catch us off guard.

2. He appropriated and correctly interpreted the Scriptures. Satan twists the word of God, but Jesus uses the word to defeat satan.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that temptation is common to all people and that God provides a way out. James tells us “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Prayer
Lord I look t you for the defeat of temptation today. Help me to see it when it comes and to say “NO”. Amen.