Jesus Tempted

Jesus goes into the wilderness after His baptism. He fasts for 40 days, and is tempted by Satan before emerging victoriously.

I know, I should have put a ‘spoiler alert’ there for any who haven’t read the story. But, if you are here with me, you probably already know the outcome. Jesus is on His ‘second stage’ of preparation for His ministry. He is probably in the same wilderness His cousin John exited not too long ago.

Let’s rejoin the story as Jesus steps into the wilderness. Holy Spirit, lead me on this journey. Show me the things You would have me see. Draw me a picture and let me see the richness of Your story. Show me what I should take from it for my own life.

♥ ♦ ♥

Jesus hears the voices of the people as He walks away from the Jordan River. A few of them are asking to know more about the sign they just saw. Only those who are truly seeking were able to hear and understand the words spoken from Heaven. Most simply heard what sounded like thunder rumbling.

John’s voice rises above the rest. “Leave Him be. It is not time yet to follow Him. That day is coming though and we must all be ready.”

Jesus smiles as He continues His journey. He is going to the wilderness for time alone with His Abba. The Spirit is leading Him to make this journey, and He is going quite willingly.

Jesus takes no bread or water with Him. He has only his robe and tunic and the sandals on His feet when He enters the wilderness. By day, he walks and talks with His Abba. Jesus is drawing strength each day. Each night, He sleeps under the stars or in a cave if it is raining. He loves gazing up and seeing the wonders of the heavens.

There are animals in the wilderness that could distract Jesus if He allowed them to. But His focus is singular; strengthening His earthly mind and spirit for the work that lies ahead. This is a private time for Him. A time for Him to look both forwards and back. Having lived this long in human form, and having experienced much, is He still willing to fulfill the rest of the requirements?

This is also a time to test His body and His own spirit. Forty days is a long time to go without food. His body complains and tries to convince Him to surrender. But Jesus’ spirit is firm. He WILL complete this time.

Father and Son never seem to run out of things to ‘talk about’ during this time together. Jesus has been spending time in prayer with His Abba from a very early age, but this time together is different. The amount of time and the decreased distractions allows for a closeness not attained before. One that Jesus will carry with Him the rest of His days.

The days fly by, and before He realizes, their special time together is ending. One way Jesus knows this is that the hunger He initially drove away is back with a vengeance. Jesus’ physical body is in starvation mode. If not fed soon, it will begin consuming its own muscles and organs.

And this ‘point of weakness’ is the EXACT time the enemy strikes. Satan has been sending little distractions Jesus’ way all along, but Jesus has turned a blind eye to them. To Him, it was as though they didn’t even exist. Now. Satan stands up and DEMANDS attention. He comes at Jesus ‘face-to-face’ with temptation.

Satan hits Jesus with the easiest and most essential temptation first. “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread” (Matthew 4:3).

Without batting an eye or giving any attention to His grumbling stomach, Jesus replies. “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).

Satan doesn’t waste a second before proceeding. He is hoping that, if he hits Jesus hard and fast enough, He will eventually break. He whisks Jesus away from the wilderness to the city of Jerusalem and places Him on the highest peak possible. “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone’” (Matthew 4:6).

Jesus doesn’t even consider this temptation for an instant. Immediately, He responds. “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Matthew 4:7).

Satan is frustrated but he doesn’t stop there. He takes Jesus to a high mountain where He can look out and see all the cities and countries of the earth. Satan makes certain the his favorites are front and center for Jesus to view. “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4:9).

In a voice FILLED with authority, Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve’” (Matthew 4:10).

Satan flees from Jesus like he is scalded by boiling water. He cannot stand before Jesus’ authority.

Jesus is returned to the wilderness. He chuckles to Himself. “He has been reading the scriptures again. Did he really think he could trap Me with My own words and those of My Abba? Foolish to the last.”

The moment Satan flees, the angels bring mana from Heaven to revive Jesus’ body. Cakes and bread are spread before Him. Meat is also provided, along with sweet water. Jesus sits down and thanks His Abba for the meal.

“Abba, Father. Thank You for this time together and for this meal to restore My body. You have already restored My soul and filled it with Your presence. I am overflowing. Let this food nourish My body and make it overflowing with energy as well.”

After reviving His body, Jesus left the wilderness and returned to the region of Galilee.

(to be continued)

I have never tried more than a single day fast. I was weak after a single day. I can’t imagine doing 40 days!

Did you notice that Satan attacked Jesus with God’s word. He pulled things out of context and twisted them to suit his own needs. Jesus fought back with God’s word, IN CONTEST and applied rightly. There are too many people twisting the word of God to suit their own agendas. We all have to be careful swallowing, or acting on, pieces snatched and strung together to support man’s ideas.

Father God, thank You for letting me see Your stories. Help me learn to ‘fight right’ when it comes to Your word and using it against Satan. I pray I’m not taking ANYTHING out of context in Your stories and twisting it to suit my imagination. Keep me learning Your truths every day.