Lessons:
The Temptation of Jesus
1. This Temptation of Jesus by the devil shows us that Jesus was human. It therefore gives us an example to follow when we are tempted.
2. Though Jesus was tempted, he didn’t sin. Although we may feel dirty or let down after being tempted,we should remember that temptation is not sin. We sin when we give in and disobey God.
3. Jesus was tempted at such a high point of his life, just after the heavens were opened to him and the Spirit descended on him and he was declared the son of God. We must remember that no matter the height we may have attained in our walk with the Lord, nothing can secure us from being tempted.
4.Jesus was not tempted inside the temple,or even at his baptism but in the desert where he was alone, hungry and thus vulnerable. The devil often tempts us when we are vulnerable- when we are under physical or emotional stress. He also tempts us through our strengths, where we are most susceptible to pride. We must guard at all times against his attacks
5. Jesus was hungry and weak after fasting for 40 days. He chose not to use his divine power to satisfy his natural desire for food. It is one of Satan’s wiles to take advantage of our outward condition to plant his temptations. Turning stones into bread was not necessarily bad. The sin was not in the act but the reason behind it.
Sometimes what we are tempted to do may not be outrightly wrong. But it doesn’t mean also that it is good for you at a given time.
6. Jesus was able to resist all of the devil’s temptation because he not only knew scripture, but he also obeyed it. Knowing the Bible is an important step in helping us resist the devil’s attacks but we must also obey which is evident in Satan’s example. He can quote scripture but did not obey it.
7. Satan tried to convince Jesus to sin. Sometimes friends or colleagues will present attractive and convincing reasons why you should try something you know is wrong. They may even use Bible verses to support their viewpoint. Study the Bible carefully to understand God’s principles for living. Through studying, you will recognise errors of interpretation when people take verses out of context and twist them for their own use.
8. Temptations are fiery darts, thorns in the flesh, buffetings, siftings, wrestlings, combats, all which denote hardship and suffering; therefore Christ submitted to them, because he would humble himself, in all things to be made like unto us, his brethren;
Jesus knows firsthand what we are experiencing, and is willing and able to help us in our struggles. When tempted, run to him for strength.
