Dear Explorer,
We can learn much about Satan's modus operandus (way of operating) by studying the temptations of Jesus. Mark really didn't tell us much, so I'm glad that Matthew and Luke recorded more details. The two detailed accounts list the 2nd and 3rd temptation in different order – but I don't think that that is significant. Apparently, Jesus told His disciples about the temptations and they later wrote it down. I don't think the order is important or God would have led them to make the change.
We looked at Mark's record yesterday. Today we'll study Matthew's account and then later we'll look at Luke's account.
Read Matthew 4:1-4
The first thing I want you to know about temptation is that Satan doesn't play fair. He attacks when we are weakest, sickest, hungriest, loneliest, most emotional or most stressed out, etc. He's not looking for a fair fight – he just intends to win!
So, he waits until Jesus is hungry – 40-days-worth of hungry.
What does Satan tempt Jesus to do?
What could possibly be wrong with that? I mean He had the power to do it. He certainly had the need.
Read Matthew 4:11
This verse shows how God met Jesus' need. Now can you answer the question: Why not turn stones to bread?
Matthew 4:11 says that after Satan left the angels came and brought Jesus food and ministered to Him.
The temptation here is one Satan uses over and over again with us. He's tempting Jesus to look out for numero uno because God obviously can't or won't. That's a lie! Jesus certainly could have turned the stones to bread, but that was not God's will. God had apparently told Jesus that He would provide for Him and Jesus had to decide whether to trust Him or not. There's the struggle. Satan often tells us to use our own SELF or brains or logic or reasoning and figure out what is best for us. We don't need God to guide us – we can figure this out! He gave us brains to use! But Jesus chose to trust God's plan. He stood up to Satan and said, “No!” When you place your trust in yourself – it 100% of the time leads to trouble.
Satan will tempt you to take care of #1. Make sure you get the biggest piece, the best for yourself. Make sure no one takes advantage of you! Fight for your rights and make a big stink until you get your own way. All of this is straight from the Father of Lies – Satan. Jesus says to relax and trust God to work it out. He will look out for your needs – you don't have to. This is contrary to everything that the world teaches you. It was a NEW WAY. It was radically different – it still is -- but it is what Jesus taught.
Remember that Satan's goal is to destroy you, destroy relationships, destroy your marriage, destroy your future. Don't fall for his lies! If you watch ads on TV or the computer, you'll hear one lie after another – you deserve this, you have a right to this, you need this. Look out for numero uno. NO! Jesus taught that our goal is obedience to God's will – not glorification of ourselves. Watch out!
We'll look at 2 more temptations tomorrow.
Keep an eye out today for ways that you are tempted to serve yourself instead of God.
In His service, dale
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