(Note: When I teach, I learn more than my students. The next three Thursday posts will cover 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.
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him… (Matt 4:1-3a)
At the end of chapter 3, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist and publicly recognized as God's Son, well-pleasing to the Father and beloved. It was a great moment, kicking off Jesus' earthly ministry.
But Satan didn't go after Jesus when the crowds swirled around Him, while He was energized. Satan waited until Jesus was alone. And hungry.
Victories often make me feel self-confident, and satisfied. After Jesus' victory, He was led to a time of intense communion and preparation for the next phase of His mission. I, on the other hand, have a tendency to soak in all in, and rest in "my" accomplishment. That's when it hits. Temptation is most effective when I am isolated, when I am physically depleted or when I'm relying on my own strength.
Next week we'll look at the substance of those temptations.
A very good reminder that we should be on guard after the biggest, most influential moments in our lives. Thank you.