Satan tempts Jesus in the desert:
Matthew & Luke give almost the same account, but in a different order. Does this make them less true? No, in fact, it helps to establish the truth. Detectives will tell you that questioning witnesses is a tricky business. People remember things in their own way, focusing on the events that most stand out to them. This account of Jesus in the desert is given second hand under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The main points are the same, but the timeline varies - exactly like it should. If the accounts were identical, then this is a rehearsed story, not the retelling of an actual event.
Jesus went out the desert under the direction of the Holy Spirit. He fasted for forty days & nights. Fasting is a period in which a person doesn't eat in order to focus on his relationship with God through prayer. It is possible to fast this long. Many people have done it. However, it is very difficult & it zaps your strength. Notice that Satan came around at Jesus' lowest point. Satan isn't stupid, he knows exactly when & where to target you. He is a master manipulator & a scavenger. He will take advantage of you however he can. Here he waits until Jesus is weak from hunger & he offers him bread. Yikes! Talk about temptation.
But Jesus keeps His wits about Him. Notice He doesn't name call, insult, disrespect, or use sarcasm. He simple uses Scripture. Satan can and will use your human wisdom against you. He did it to Eve in the garden. BUT - he cannot fight against the Word of God. So, he changed his tactics. He starts to goad Jesus. "If you're the Son of God, prove it." How many times have you allowed yourself to be goaded by a simple insult. Why do we care so much about what other people think of us? Really, there is only one person to please - God. You please God & the people that really matter won't need you to prove yourself. They will see character and compassion at work in you. Those that can't see it, frankly aren't worth your time.
This time, Satan even uses Scripture. However, he twists it to meet his own purpose. Don't ever do that! God's Word is God's Word. He wrote it just the way it is for His purpose. You can't make it what you want. It doesn't work that way. You conform to Him, not Him to you. Jesus once again comes back with Scripture in the correct context, leaving Satan to once again change tactics. Satan offers power. Ah, power - it's what we all want deep down inside. That's why so many people want fame & fortune. They are seeking power. And, yes, Satan has the ability to give it to you. But at what cost? Do you really want to give yourself to someone who is only using you to hurt someone else? That's all this really is about. Satan wanted God's power. He wasn't satisfied with the incredible power God had already given to him. He wanted more & he was willing to go to war for it, so God threw him out of heaven. Now he is on a quest to destroy God's creation. He wants to hurt Him, by destroying us. So, to Satan you are just a pawn, a plaything to throw back in God's face. Satan is having one big temper tantrum & you are the toy he's throwing back at his creator. Is that what you want to be?
Jesus told him to go & Satan did. You have that same power. Don't let Satan use & abuse you. Tell him to flee! Get to know your Scripture so you can easily fight your enemy. Notice how Jesus didn't wonder, question, or even break a sweat? He was confident & self-assured. He used three Scripture versed & sent the devil running. You can do the same. And follow Jesus' words: "Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only." You won't ever go wrong with that.
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