temptation
17 - 01/25 /12:00
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
— Matthew chapter 4
This Bible verse raises so many questions.
Why did the Spirit lead Jesus into a place of temptation? Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Lead us not into temptation.” Yet, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into lonely places “to be tempted by the devil.”
And, who or what is the devil? Genesis chapter 3 hints that the serpent in the Garden of Eden was some type of spiritual being. Later Old Testament prophets offer more hints. In Isaiah’s vision, four seraphim ministered around the heavenly throne. In Hebrew, the terms seraphim and serpent share the same root word, suggesting that serpent in Eden had once been a high spiritual official in heaven. Ezekiel understood this being was a powerful spiritual being who rebelled against God’s authority—who desired to be like God.
Just as the serpent in the garden claimed Adam and Eve could rule the world without God’s wisdom, the devil in the wilderness claimed Jesus could be king of the world without suffering on the cross.
But take note. The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tested by the devil. Jesus prepared for that test by fasting.
Often this account is read backwards and upside down. Most of us think Jesus was tempted after forty days of fasting because that’s when Jesus was weak. Scripture states the opposite. Jesus—knowing He was going to be tempted and tested by the devil—fasted to build up His spiritual strength. Fasting did not weaken Jesus, not spiritually anyway. Fasting strengthened Jesus. Fasting empowered Jesus.
Do not be confused, Jesus suffered hunger. But fasting freed Him from being controlled by human appetites. Fasting freed Him from material dependency—food, companionship, activity, information, accomplishment. Fasting transferred His dependency away from the physical and temporary, and onto the spiritual and eternal.
Fasting and prayer is your great resource. Fasting and prayer is the great untapped resource of the church, the neglected Christian super-power.
The devil’s temptation of Jesus ended when Jesus dismissed him. “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” Then the devil left Him, and angels came and attended Him.
The New Testament portrays the devil as a cowardly bully. The devil looks for those he can pick on, but flees from those who resist him.
When you resist the devil he will flee. When you resist the devil you make space for angels to hang out with you. ~
Blessings,
Dan Nygaard