Jesus Resists Temptation

May 4, 2014 Background Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:13 – 16; 8:3; Psalm 91:11, 12; Matthew 4:1 – 11 Lesson Passage: Deuteronomy 6:13 – 16; Matthew 4:1 – 11 The bible plainly declares that Jesus was tempted in every manner in which we are but he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). This declaration is not that Jesus was tempted with exactly the same temptation that we encounter but rather every type or form of temptation we encounter, Jesus endured. Today’s lesson provides a great summary of types or forms of temptations. I firmly believe that every temptation that mankind faces in every society and generation can be reduced in essence to one of the types that Jesus was confronted with in the wilderness. Needless to say, Jesus resisted all of them without sin. I believe the passage from the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 4 can be classified into three distinct forms of temptation. First, there is the temptation to use one’s power, authority, or position to satisfy one’s own flesh. It is this temptation that reduces a spiritual person to one who is carnal or worldly. It is indeed a great urging upon a person to be selfish and self-serving while feeling any sense of ability or privilege to do so. This is not a learned behavior but it is, as it would seem, instinctive. As babies we quickly begin to manipulate adults and others around us to meet whatever physical or emotional fulfillment we seek. This instinct grows stronger as we age. After forty days and nights of fasting, Jesus was very hungry. The devil tempted Jesus to use his omnipotence to change rocks into food to satisfy his physical hunger. Secondly, there is the desire to test God to see if He is always true to His word or does He have strings attached to manipulate us. If I am bad, will God still be good or will He become angry at me and show what the devil would have us to think are “His true colors”. Does God bless me because it is His nature to be good or is it just manipulation to get me to do what He wants me to do? Should I devise different scenarios to test Him to see if there are any hidden agendas on His part other than just being God? The devil put Jesus in a precarious situation and encouraged him to put his life in harms’ way to test if God would be true to His word to preserve him. Thirdly, there is the temptation to possess the riches and prestige the world has to offer in exchange for loyalty and submission to the devil’s lordship. The historical records of great societies indicate that the people who lived in them had the propensity to seek after luxury and fame within those societies. Absent true spiritual leanings, people seek to be as high on the social ladder as possible. Many have lived in open shame, without pride, and without any thought for the future just to experience a brief moment of what society deems success. For many, no price is too great to pay in exchange for their moment in the spotlight. They will abuse their bodies, disown their families, destroy their own children, and utterly destroy others to have it. Worst of all, they will turn their backs on the God who created them in exchange for temporary glory or fame. The pimp has a lot to offer the one who would be his prostitute. The devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their majesty. He then offered to give them to Jesus in exchange for his worship. We can give thanks to God that Jesus did not give in to any of the temptations. Jesus showed us that it is possible to resist temptation and he also showed us how to do it. Robert C. Hudson April 28, 2014