We have just passed over one of the most precious and powerful verses in our deep study of the incredible book of Hebrews. Chapter 4, verse 13 states:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
Today’s reading is the most famous retelling of Jesus’ temptation. What was at stake?
As Dallas Willard so well put it:
If Satan could prove that it was impossible for a flesh-and-blood human to do the will of God, he would have defeated God’s great project that began with creation.
We have to remember that Jesus in his earthly form is the firstborn of all creation. He literally shares some of the same DNA as you. So how did He -- in the flesh -- resist the devil? By going in prepared. Luke 4 says that he was “full of the Holy Spirit” and “was led by the Spirit into the wilderness”. As Jesus did, through fasting (Acts 13:2), through the Word, and through prayer, we have access to God’s Holy Spirit to defend us from the wiles of the Devil.
What are you being tempted with? As you read today, know that there is no temptation that is too great for you to resist. Today’s scripture exists as a blueprint for action, not for us to just “sit on the sidelines” and read. Resist. Prepare yourself. Call on His Holy Name and the devil will leave you. That is a promise (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Matthew 4:8-11
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,
“‘You shall worship the Lord your God
and him only shall you serve.’”
11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ What aspect of the flesh was Satan playing to in tempting Jesus in verse 8?
+ What is noteworthy about verse 9? What, exactly and physically, is Satan asking Jesus to do?
+ In verse 10, what did Jesus utilize (that you have access to) to end the devil’s siege against Him?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Are you making time for prayer? Are you in the Word? Have you thought about fasting from foods or anything else that will bring your body closer to the Lord? Know that these are arrows in your quiver in the battle against Satan. Do not neglect them.
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?