(Note: When I teach, I learn more than my students. This is the second of three Thursday posts about some things my boys and I learned as we studied Jesus' temptation.)Matthew, Mark and Luke all relate the account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. While I love the affirmation that we have a Great High Priest who was tempted like we are (Hebrews 4:15) as I studied, I flipped this around.
Am I ever tempted like Jesus? Are there patterns or similarities I can draw from? The first element I considered was timing. Next, I looked the substance.
He was tempted to turn stones into bread. He'd been fasting for 40 days and who wouldn't want to satisfy that basic human need under those circumstances. And yes I've been tempted, and given it, to eating things I shouldn't for quantity and content. However, this temptation is bigger than that. Am I ever tempted to let go of faith in favor of my comfort?
Jesus was tempted to throw Himself from the pinnacle of the temple and prove God's promises of protection. There's nothing wrong with taking God at His word and resting in His promises. In fact challenges us to do that. To trust Him. This wasn't about trust. This was a throwdown. Am I ever tempted to demand God prove Himself to me to earn my faith? Have I ever proposed that He do "this" THEN I'll respond?
Finally, Jesus was tempted to receive now instead of later. The kingdoms were His as part of God's eternal plan. Have I ever been tempted to shortcut God's plan? Have I chosen to make something or someone else the center of my life – even for a short time – to get what I wanted, what I believed I was entitled to? Have I ever decided there has to be a "better" (faster, easier) way to do things than the way God plainly laid out? Or to trade eternal rewards and blessings for temporary satisfaction?
Yes. To all of them.
Next week we'll look at the response to temptation.
Love Psalm 27!
Yes, we are all tempted in these ways. Good points. I’ll be thinking about this today! Psalm 27:14. Thanks for writing/sharing (: