We are studying the temptation of Jesus by the devil in the
wilderness just after beginning His public ministry. To encourage us as we face
our temptations, Hebrews 4:14-16 reminds us of this about Jesus and His
temptation: “For
we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was
in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly
to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time
of need.”
In 1 Peter 2:21-22, tells us that Jesus is our example: “For
to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an
example, that you should follow His steps: "Who committed no sin, Nor was
deceit found in His mouth". Jesus shows us that we do not need to yield to
the devil’s temptations and that we can overcome them by the grace of God, by
the Spirit of God, and by the Word of God! The problem is not the temptations,
but the issue is whether or not we yield to them.
One of the best illustrations of dealing with temptation is
that of putting bait on a hook to entice the fish to swallow it. The devil
knows what will tempt us and shows us the pleasure of yielding, but never shows
us the hook and the frying pan afterwards. John tells us what appeals to us in
1 John 2:15, which is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride
of life.
The devil’s first temptation for Jesus dealt with lust of
the flesh and the will of God. Jesus was hungry because the Spirit and will of
God was for Jesus to fast, to abstain from food for a period of time. The devil
wanted Jesus to exchange God’s will for the immediate pleasure of satisfying
the flesh. Now this second temptation
deals with the lust of the eyes and worship.
In looking at this second temptation where the devil offers
Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if He will bow down and worship him, we
need to remember that the Father had already promised to give the Son all the
kingdoms of the world (Ps. 2:7-8). But first the Son had to suffer and die
(John 12:23-33; Rev. 5:8-10). The suffering must come first, then the glory
(Luke 24:25-27). The adversary offered Jesus these same kingdoms if He would
once worship him, and this would eliminate the necessity of His going to the
cross (note Matt. 16:21-23). Satan has always wanted to take God's place and
receive worship (Isa. 14:13-14).
As the prince of this world, Satan has a certain amount of
delegated authority from God (John 12:31; 14:30). One day he will share this
authority with the Antichrist, the man of sin, who will rule the world for a
brief time (Rev. 13). Satan's offer to Christ was valid, but his terms were
unacceptable; and of course, the Savior refused.
Again, Jesus quoted God's Word, this time Deuteronomy 6:13.
Satan had said nothing about service, but Jesus knew that whatever we worship,
we will serve. Service to the Lord is true freedom, but service to Satan is
terrible bondage. God's pattern is to start with suffering and end with glory
(1 Peter 5:10), while Satan's pattern is to start with glory and end with
suffering. Satan wants us to sacrifice the eternal for the temporary and take
the "easy way."
There are no "shortcuts" in the Christian life,
and there is no easy way to spiritual victory and maturity. If the perfect Son
of God had to hang on a tree before He could sit on the throne, then His
disciples should not expect an easier way of life. Peter says it best in 1
Peter 5:10-11, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal
glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish,
strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and
ever. Amen.”
God’s promise for us is if we “suffer with Him, we will
reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:12). And Paul reminds us to: “Consider that
the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the
glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).
God bless!
