In today's devotional, we draw some very lessons from the temptation of Jesus. In my opinion all temptations in our lives follows the same strategy the devil tried to use to get Jesus to fall.
"Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry."
Luke 4:1-2 NLT.
Why was the devil able to tempt Jesus? Temptation comes when the devil perceives or sees a need, a desire or weakness in our lives. Here, the devil knew Jesus would be tempted by food because he knew Jesus had not eaten anything for 40 days. The devil can only tempt us with something or someone that has become a want. And it doesn't have to be for as long as 40 days like it was here for Jesus, the devil can use something to tempt us when he sees a weakness in us for that thing.
Next, let's take a look at the temptations themselves;
"Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’” Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.” Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came."
Luke 4:3-13 NLT.
If you take a close look at all 3 temptation, it came down to identity, did Jesus know who he was? The devil asked him twice; "if you are the son of God." Ultimately, it is whether you know who you are.
Also, we see Jesus correctly quote, interpret and apply the scriptures to each temptation by quoting from the book of Deuteronomy. That tells me he prepared for this temptation, he had the word of God ready for each temptation. I don't know the temptations that you are currently facing but I can tell you this, you will overcome them if you realize who you are; you are child of God, your father is the creator of heaven and earth, your life is hidden in Christ, in God, etc. Become aware of who you are. Secondly, you need to know what the word of God says about that thing that is tempting you, and have it at a ready to wield as a sword.
I pray for you, you will overcome every single temptation in your life in Jesus name.
