November 4 – Matthew 4:1-11, Ephesians 6:17b-18
Temptation and Trials
In the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, the wilderness temptation of Jesus is recorded. These scriptures tell us it was the Spirit who led Jesus there, not the devil. Jesus was put there on purpose to be tested. Satan knew who He was and approached Him after 40 days and nights of fasting. Jesus was weak and literally starving to death. Then Satan took Jesus to the top of the temple, telling Him to throw Himself down. Satan knows scripture, as he quoted God’s word (Psalm 91), daring Him to do it, using this passage to bait Him. Taking Him higher, Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world over which he has some authority and offered to give it to Him if He would worship him. Each time, Jesus responded to Satan with scripture (Deuteronomy 8:3, 6:16, 6:14, 10:20) which was given to the nation of Israel. Israel failed, Jesus did not – He remembered and resisted the devil, using the Word of God.
Later, in Matthew 26:36-46, when the time had come for Jesus to fulfill His mission, He took His disciples to Gethsemane to pray with Him. He was in agony and despair, knowing He was about to feel the full weight of divine wrath from the one who can kill the body and soul. He stepped away three times to pray. His disciples fell asleep. They had no idea what events were soon to take place. The entire time He was with them, He had prepared the disciples for the events that were unfolding at that very moment. They failed to see what was right before them.
I recently heard a message that tied these two events together, using Ephesians 6:17b-18. The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and prayer on all occasions are two weapons Jesus used in His own battles. When we are shaken by events that come upon us, He is with us, just as He promised His first followers. He will always be with us, right to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). He was alone when He suffered. We are not. Jesus left us an example to follow in His footsteps.
Oh Lord, Jesus! You have been with me and proved Yourself over and over to me! Thank you, that I can count on You to remain faithful to me when I lose faith. Help me to be faithful in reading and meditating on Your word daily so I am able to stand against Satan’s temptations and attacks. Oh, may I remain watchful and praying as I wait for Your return.
