Matthew 4:1-11 The Temptation of Jesus

Usually, demonstrations carry with them doubt. The one who asks for the demonstration is usually wrestling with doubt. At times, the one who asks for the demonstration does so with the intent to plant some doubt in the mind of the one from whom he asks the demonstration. Maybe it is both! Satan asks Jesus to demonstrate that he is the Son of God.

Satan is opportunistic. He waits for Jesus to be hungry. He takes him up to the top of the temple. He sets him on top of the world. Satan is also very biblical. He quotes the Scriptures and gives it a special twist with a tinge of deceit. Satan is also persistent. Three times he comes to tempt Jesus before he leaves.

Jesus is victorious over temptation because he did not have to demonstrate anything to Satan or himself. His hunger for God's word, his trust in God's promises, and his resolve to serve God alone keep him standing firm in the midst of the battle. He wages war with sword and shield to the end. There is no reason to doubt who he is.

Do I know who I really am in Christ? Why do I constantly test God? Do I hunger for God's word more than food? Do I truly love him with all my mind, heart, strength, and soul? When I try to appease my doubts, I open the gates for Satan to come and ransack my heart. I must live by faith and not in constant doubt.

Lord, grant me enough faith to trust you day by day. Revive my hunger for your word and give me an undivided heart of love for you alone. In the midst of temptation, teach me to stand firm against the enemy's schemes.