Matthew 4

One of the most interesting things about the word for “test” in the Greek is that it can also mean “tempt.” Its translation depends on the context. Satan surely wanted to “tempt” Jesus to sin, but Jesus was “tested” and passed with flying colors! Jesus’ encounter teaches us some important lessons about testing/temptation:

• God allows us to be tested. Notice that it’s the Spirit that leads Jesus into the wilderness.
• Others (including Satan) will try to get us to sin.
• We should pray so that we can withstand “temptation” (fasting implies prayer).
• We can also fast (be careful here). Start small and understand your motives.
• Knowing the Bible can help us to resist temptation. Jesus used the Bible to counteract
  Satan at each point of temptation.

Scripture is not only predictive (Matthew 4:14-16), but it is protective! Hopefully we’ve all felt that initial call to follow Jesus and obeyed it, but then we have a responsibility to continue in discipleship. A big part of that is knowing Scripture, because Scripture helps us to resist both sin and Satan.

Psalm 119:11 (WEB) “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

Notice that in the list of illnesses and afflictions that were brought to Jesus we have a differentiation between “all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics.” Some skeptics try to claim that in NT times people thought that everything was caused by demons. Not so! But this should also show us that there are some things that happen and have a demonic component. God is real. Satan is real. Angels are real. Demons are real. The natural is real. The supernatural is real. We would do well to remember that in our day and age!

Thought for the day: Since Jesus was tested, we can go to Him for strength and understanding.

Hebrews 4:15-16 (WEB) “For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.”