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At the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, a strange thing happened: He was led into the wilderness, by the Spirit, where He encountered the devil.
After fasting for forty days and forty nights, Jesus was hungry—taunted by the enemy to satisfy His craving for food. Essentially, Satan tried to provoke Jesus to prove that He was God’s Son by turning rocks into bread.
Can you sense the manipulation?
If you’re really the Son of God, do something. Take matters into your own hands. Give in to your desire. Provide for yourself. Is God even good if He holds out on you?
But Jesus refused to be bullied.
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4 NIV
This pattern continued throughout two more temptations—where the devil temped Jesus with protection and power, but Jesus rebuked him with Scripture.
So what are some things we can learn from Jesus’ encounter with the enemy?
- Jesus knew that life is more than having a full stomach. Though He surely longed to satisfy his physical craving, He knew that true sustenance comes from God.
- Jesus knew that engaging in debate with the enemy isn’t wise. Instead, He relied on the power of Scripture, quoting from Deuteronomy as His weapon of defense.
- Jesus knew He had nothing to prove. Unlike Adam and Eve in Genesis, who doubted God’s goodness and gave into temptation, Jesus was able to resist the enemy.
- Jesus knew He was being tempted by the devil and acted in accordance. We must learn to recognize when we're under attack, and remember to fight back with God’s Word.
So, how is the enemy tempting you this week? How is he enticing you to doubt God’s trustworthiness? Remember, God has enabled you to fight back with truth by the power of the Holy Spirit.
