Jesus shows us how
March 16, 2009 (Monday)
God promised a savior for the world, and when the time came, he sent his own son. The Bible gives us snapshots of his life: his miraculous birth, his precocious interview with intellectuals at age 12, and his baptism at age 30. The first detailed account of a personal encounter of his describes an incident that takes place after his baptism. He goes to a lonely deserted place and fasts for a long time. Then he is tempted by the devil to pervert his mission as Messiah. The temptations try to get Jesus to satisfy his own desires rather than denying them for the sake of sinful people (Matthew 4:1-11).
It is a contest that Jesus wins, hands down. In winning that victory in behalf of lost humanity, he also sets an example for his followers. He shows us how to overcome temptation.
Jesus is first tempted to abandon confidence in his father. “Turn the stones to bread,” purrs Satan. Then he is tempted to become overconfident: “Throw yourself down and the angels will catch you.” Jesus answers both threats with words from Scripture.
How can we overcome temptation? The same way Jesus did: resist Satan, and refuse to abandon our purpose in life.
After these unsuccessful attempts to tempt Jesus, the devil abandons pretence and offers Jesus the world with all its power and wealth in return for absolute obedience. “Fall down and worship me!” How bold, brash and contemptible. And what a liar! He was making a false offer, because Jesus already owned it all. He created it. Jesus’ answer to this arrogant offer of a deal between God and Satan is strong: “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'”
Believe it or not, you have that authority in Christ today. I love the Message translation: “Beat it, Satan!” Our purpose in life is to glorify God.