Scripture

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.

Observation

The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the desert where he is tempted by satan. After 40 days of fasting, Jesus is hungry so satan tells Him to turn stones into bread. Jesus rebuffs him with Scripture.

Then the devil takes Jesus to the high point of the temple, urging Him to throw Himself off so that the angels will catch Him. Jesus again rebuffs him with Scripture.

Satan then shows Jesus all the glories of the kingdoms of the world and promises to give them to Him in return for His worship. For a third time Jesus rebukes satan with Scripture.

Finally satan leaves and angels minister to Jesus.

Application

Temptation is common to all people. Right from the beginning, satan has sought to turn people away from God by appealing to the flesh, to our senses and to our pride.

It should not surprise us when temptation comes at us either right in our faces or sneaking up from behind. Even Jesus, the Son of God was tempted by the devil.

Temptation is not sin, because as Hebrews tells us, Christ was tempted like us in every way but without sin. So we should not feel guilty when the thoughts and desires come.

Even when we fall short and give in to temptation, sin is not the end of the story. God still forgives- even when we sin in the same way over and over.

The key to overcoming sin and winning through temptation is to know God. Is my love for God greater than my love for sin? When I am more passionate about walking with the Lord, then anything the devil can dish up is very poor fare indeed.

Prayer

Father I confess that my love for you is often less than it should be. I confess that I have let my flesh and satan conspire to lead me away from you. Thank you for forgiving me. Amen.