Recap from last week, Jesus sets an example for us to follow. He humbled Himself to be baptized to show His submission to God’s rule and righteousness. Then, the Holy Spirit came on him and led Him to the wilderness to counter the temptations of Satan by using God’s Words.

Today’s reading: Matthew Chapter 4:1-11 ESV

1st Temptation:

After fasting for 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus was hungry. Satan approached Jesus and challenged Jesus to turn the stone into loaves of bread if He is truly the Son of God. But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”

Matthew 4:4 ESV

This response is written in Deuteronomy 8:3.

Truly, we cannot live by bread alone. Life is more than physical food. Real life depends on God’s Word.. His Word (the Bible) is our guide to any situation we are facing. It is important to hear, obey and meditate upon God’s Word. It is our spiritual food. After all, everything we own or have are gifts from God. Our sustenance is not in the gifts but it is in the Giver.

2nd Temptation:

Satan then also used God’s written Word to challenge Jesus…

“and said to him, ‘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 4:5-6; Referencing Psalms 91:11-12 ESV

Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'”

Matthew 4:7 ESV

This response is written in Deuteronomy 6:16.

We cannot do foolish things and expect God to protect us. Satan is the father of lies, the great deceiver. He will even quote verses from the Word of God! This is the ultimate reason why we have to read God’s Word – to know the truth.

3rd Temptation:
Satan promised to give Jesus all the kingdom of this world and its glory.

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.'”

Matthew 4:10 ESV

The response is written in Deuteronomy 6:13.

Then the Satan left Jesus. Jesus won. And He was ministered by the angels.

Again, Jesus sets an example for us. He has shown us that the Word of God is the best way to counter temptations. By reading, meditating, and having God’s Word in our hearts, we will be able to recognize temptations are lies. And when we endure temptations, God will make a way to minister to us just as He did with Jesus.

I hope and pray that we can learn the power of using God’s Words when being tempted through His example. Let us always seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit that we may have the mind of Christ as we go through His teachings, for His name sake. Amen.