Tempted

In Matthew 4:1-11, we are introduced to one of the more puzzling passages of Scripture.  Verse 1 says, “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (CSB).

How do we reconcile with our conscience the idea that the Holy Spirit led Jesus into a situation to be tempted?  Here is something to consider as we prepare to study this passage on January 7th:

Because of who Jesus is, He likely was tempted in ways you and I are not.

Satan saw an opportunity to belittle the work God was doing through the God-Man, Jesus.  At the very moment when Jesus was displaying His humanity (hunger pangs from fasting), Satan tempted with a simple temptation...food.  The temptation was deeper than that, though.  The temptation was not just food, but for Jesus to forsake His humanity.

Verse 3 says, “Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”  What “the tempter” was truly trying to do was to get Jesus to reconsider humbling Himself in His humanity.  However, Jesus’ response was direct and powerful:  “It is written…”

 Pastor Brandon