Scripture

He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry.

Observation

Immediately after His baptism, the Holy Spirit direct Jesus into the wilderness where He is tempted for forty days.

At the end of this time, when Jesus is very hungry, the devil provokes Jesus to turn some stones into bread to prove His Sonship. Jesus rebukes satan with scripture.

Next, the devil takes Jesus up to a high place to reveal to Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. This will be given to Jesus if He worships Satan. Again Jesus rebukes him with scripture.

The devil takes Jesus to the highest place of the Temple and says He should jump off so tha the angels will come and rescue Him. Again Jesus rebukes satan with scripture.

Finally the devil leaves Jesus.

Application

I can’t imagine what forty days of temptation must have been like for Jesus, alone with satan in the wilderness. It must have been intense as satan tried to get Jesus to sin or even just deviate from the path that the Father had set for Him.

I have been through times of torrid temptation. It would seem to be so easy to walk away from God’s calling, but I recognised what was happening.

Less obvious, and so easier to miss, are the lesser temptations. Satan entices us to seek something, to compromise just a little, to lose control or to give in to our passions.

Jesus is our great High Priest. He has been tempted in every way, just like us, but he did not sin. He understands the pressures that satan and the world put on us. He has compassion and forgives us readily when we turn back to Him.

Prayer

Thank you Jesus for this assurance that you know what temptation is like and you understand my weakness. Please help me to stay strong in you. Amen.