Week 1, Day 3

Today’s Reading: Luke 5-6

Some thoughts from Yesterday’s Reading…

The easy passage to pick out today is the temptations of Christ.  It is interesting to take a look at the temptations that Jesus had to face, and realize that he was indeed “tempted in all points as we are” as the Hebrew writer states in Hebrews 4:15.  Please don’t think that this is the only time that Jesus was ever tempted.  It is simply the most direct, and most obvious time of temptation.  One of the things that we see in our text is that Jesus was tempted in the same manner as John warns we will be tempted.  Consider John’s writing:

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
–1 John 2:15-17

Each of these temptations of Jesus fall into one of these categories.  Notice how Jesus was tempted:

• Satan told Jesus to turn stones into bread.  Jesus was very hungry at this point, as he had not had anything to eat for 40 days.  This was a temptation of the “lust of the flesh.”  Can you imagine how tempting it would be to follow the words of Satan if you had the power to make your own food, and had not eaten for 40 days?  Obviously, those who think that Jesus couldn’t really be tempted, either do not understand, or do not believe in his humanity!
• Satan took Jesus to a high place, and showed him all of the kingdoms of the earth.  He told Jesus that he would give him all the kingdoms of the world, if He would just fall down and worship him.  This is a temptation of the “lust of the eyes,” as Satan was showing Jesus all that He could have.   Jesus’ desire was to have all mankind in His kingdom, so this must have been a temptation for Him.
• Satan took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple, and told him to cast Himself down.  This is a temptation of “the pride of life.”  If he were indeed the Son of God, then surely the angels would come and save Him!  Here it was, the opportunity for Jesus to prove who He was!  He could take away all questions–at least for Satan.  However, there really was no question in the mind of Satan of who Christ was!  This was nothing but a test, and Jesus was able to pass the test easily.

I want to point out that Jesus answered each of these temptations by quoting scripture, and that is the perfect way for us to be able to get past the temptations of Satan as well.  We must first be educated in scripture (that is, we must study God’s word, so that we will know what it is that He wants for us.  Then we must be willing to actually use the word of God when tempatations arise.  Make sure to spend enough time in God’s word to know what the answers are, and then use it correctly!

Also notice that Satan quoted scripture.  This tells us that there are those who can and do use scripture in a way that is not correct.  How many “religious leaders” do you know who will quote scripture and then make applications that are obviously not what was intended by the passage.  Just yesterday, I heard some one quote scripture, and then make a completly false application to it.  This is not uncommon, and so we must be on our guard.

Keep in mind:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
–2 Timothy 2:15

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