The Tempted Vs the tempter

Have you ever felt in your life that you were being tempted by the devil? Well, Jesus can surely relate. The devil came up to the Son of God and presented Him some options; to get him to change his allegiance, join the other team and leave God.

     This idea has been in my head a lot recently. Jesus was tempted far more than I ever have been. 1^st, the Spirit led Him to the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Why did the Spirit lead him? Did the Spirit want him to come face to face with the devil and tell his enemy, I am not serving you. I feel like God the Father wanted Jesus to overcome the devil before he overcame him on that cross. The devil went to Him when he was at his weakest. He fasted 40 days and was in the wilderness by himself. There are times where I am only by myself, and I give into temptation very easily.  Not even when I am hungry, tired or anything on top of that.  Christ is by Himself, hungry, and trying to rely on God alone.

    Then the devil comes to offer Him food.  Then the devil questions if Jesus is the actual Son of God. Then the devil offers Him all the glory and power in the world (earthly realm) if He would just bow down and worship Lucifer. Jesus says NO!!!! At that point, the angels come and minister to Christ – the Victor.

    Immediately Jesus began his ministry and His purpose for coming to earth. In our lives, we are not tempted by the devil himself and nowhere near to this level of temptation. Most likely we give the devil too much credit since he can only be in one spot at a time.  Jesus has power over temptation. He did not give into the pressures of this world.  Jesus answered the enemy with the sword of truth – The written Word of God. We can rely on His strength to get us through tough temptations because He overcame them.  Let’s remember Hebrews 4:14-16

¹⁴ Having then a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let’s hold tightly to our confession. ¹⁵ For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.

As an encouragement on your birthday – Jesus overcame the devil, and in Him we can overcome our temptations and live holy lives.    

Dan R

   ’96 / ’02  Jacksonville FL