Numbers 34-36 and Luke 4

Before He began His ministry, Jesus was led into the wilderness for forty days. In that forty days, He fasted and was temped by Satan.

“The Devil said to him, ‘If you are the son of God, command this stone to become bread.” (Luke 4:3 ESV)

In other words if Jesus was so powerful, why didn’t He made turn things into food so he wouldn’t have to be hungry?

“And Jesus answered, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone.” (Luke 4:4 ESV)

Jesus showed His dependency on the Father. He was surviving despite the fact that His flesh hungered. Life is about more than physical needs. That temptation didn’t work so the Devil tried again.

“And the Devil took Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to Him, ‘To You I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If You then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” (Luke 4:5-7 ESV)

Jesus already had all authority. He didn’t need to worship the Enemy to get it. There was only one God and He was it.

“And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.” (Luke 4:8 ESV)

Finally, the Devil attempted once more.

“And he took Him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to Him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angel concerning You, to guard You, and on their hands they will bear You up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” (Luke 4;9-11 ESV)

Satan was daring Jesus to show His power. But He didn’t need to prove Himself to anyone.

“And Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Luke 4:12 ESV)

Perhaps during this time of Lent, we too can follow Jesus’ example when temptations of the Devil are whispered in our ears. When we decide to give up something that is bad for us, will we be tempted to savor it “just one more time” or will we use self control? When we are insulted for not following today’s culture, will we compromise our convictions just to fit in or will we stand our ground on what we know to be Truth? Will we worry about tomorrow or will we trust God to daily take care of us by asking us to wait for the daily “manna?”

What will you do?

Kellie

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