Matthew 4 Click on the link to read this passage online
The Greek word that translates to tempted can also mean tested. God led the children of Israel through the desert for 40 years so that they could be tested. Jesus is experiencing a similar test, there is nothing that we have or will experience that Christ has not gone through himself.
When God tempts/tests us, it is different in comparison to the temptation of the devil, as he tempts people to do evil. Gods testing leads to humility, strength in Him, and a closer relationship with Him. The devil tried to tempt Jesus three times and each time Jesus used the word of God to show the devil that he was not going to be fall for his tricks.
In verse three the devils asks Jesus to provide food for himself since he is hungry. The devil will use our circumstances to try and cause us to turn away from God or do what is outside of his will. He was telling Jesus to use his powers for his own benefit. Jesus tells the devil that there is something more important than food, and that God is our provider and all we need comes from Him.
In verse six the devils asks Jesus to throw himself off the temple in order to prove/disprove God's word and faithfulness. Jesus points out that we should not put God to the test. God does not perform on demand just to prove who he is, we shouldn't put ourselves in dangerous situations to try and prove Gods faithfulness or even our faith in Him. If God wants to do it, He will do it, and He has already told us that He will, that is all we need to know and believe.
In verse nine the devil tries to tempt Jesus by offering Him the world in exchange for worshipping him. Jesus tells the devil that God is the only being that should be worshipped. God should be first in our life, second to none. There are some who worship Mary because she was the mother of Jesus, some worship angels and some worship saints. However, here Jesus clearly states that worship if for the Lord our God. He created us and meets all our needs, so all glory should go to Him and Him alone. We need to remain strong and not turn from the way of God because something looks appealing or beneficial. Always remember that the value of salvation is far greater than anything the devil or anyone else can give to us.
Jesus began his ministry in the same way as John the baptist, this shows a unity in the message that they brought.
When he called Peter, Andrew, James and John, one important thing to note is that they went immediately, they didn't ask to pray and fast, or talk it over with their families. Something in them connected with Jesus allowing them to know that they should follow him. We also have to have that same connection with Christ so that when he speaks we will hear and obey.
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