[Manny Varela]

MATTHEW 4 – THE TEMPTATION

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:5-7)

What greater example of overcoming temptation than the one demonstrated by the incarnate God, himself?

Jesus is in the wilderness; he has been fasting for 40 days. At Jesus’s weakest moment, the tempter, satan, is there to tempt Him with physical satisfaction, worldly glory, and global rulership; something the devil could only offer for a season.

Does Jesus yield to the tempters’ request? NO! Jesus responds, “thy shall not tempt the Lord your God”… and, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God”!

No matter what deceptive plan satan devised, Jesus would not falter. Jesus would not sin against the Lord. Why may you ask? Because it was impossible for Jesus to sin. For the Lords, nature was “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” Hebrews 7:26 It would be easy to say, “Well, I’m not Jesus. I sin all the time. So, what does it matter?” We must remember that through Christ’s sacrifice we are empowered by the same Holy Spirit that empowered Christ to face temptation and choose to do the right thing.

CHALLENGE

Are you at a place where your temptation seems to be insurmountable? Jesus was there. Do you feel overwhelmed by your trials and tribulations, Jesus is there! Never forget, no matter how big the mountain is, no matter how deep the ocean may feel, Jesus is right there for you 1 John 5:4 “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

[Marcena Davis]

It’s truly an inspiring example of strength and faith. When Jesus faced such intense temptation, it shows us that even in our weakest moments, we can draw on our faith and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome.

The post highlighted Jesus’ response, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” It reminds us that our spiritual nourishment is just as important as our physical needs.

Temptations and trials can often feel insurmountable, but knowing that Jesus faced them too and overcame gives us hope and strength. 1 John 5:4 reinforces the idea that our faith in Christ empowers us to conquer the challenges we face in the world.ns and trials.

[jpurdy@ohiochristian.edu]

Yes, as in so many ways, Christ sets a great example for us when he was tempted and had trials. It serves as a great reminder that even though we have trials, God is always there for us.

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