I graduated from seminary 52 years ago and have studied the Bible nearly every day since 1968. In spite of my devotion to Bible study, I am convinced that the devil is a better Bible student than I am. The difference between the two of us is that I read the Bible to learn how to follow the Lord, and the devil does just the opposite.
During His first temptation, Jesus resisted the enemy by quoting Deuteronomy (Matthew 4:4). The next temptation from the evil one revealed his ability to quote the Bible as well.
Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,
‘He will command his angels concerning you,’
and ‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” (Matthew 4:5-6)
If Jesus had followed the devil’s advice, He would have turned His relationship with the Father on its head. Jesus would have been in control, demanding that God fulfill His word in the Psalms.
On one occasion, Jesus was confronted by the religious leaders about His authority. His response revealed how He viewed the relationship He had with the Father.
“Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own but only what he sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.” (John 5:19)
Jesus did nothing on His own initiative. He remained in close contact with the Father and aligned His attitudes and actions accordingly.
Returning to the temptation in the wilderness, Jesus’ response was to quote a verse that countered the evil one’s scheme.
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'” (Matthew 4:7)
Unfortunately, we often don’t follow Jesus’ example. We eat too much of the wrong foods and exercise too little, only to ask God to heal us after we have abused our bodies. We sow our wild oats and expect God to give us a crop failure. We choose our own pathway, yet ask God to bless our plans.
The best choice is not to take the devil’s bait, but to follow Jesus’ example.
Power and Glory
Jesus didn’t fall for Satan’s last temptation in the wilderness, but multitudes of humans have accepted his offer.
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:8-9)
Power and glory are very seductive desires. While I think most people would shy away from overt Satan worship to obtain those goals, many may unwittingly serve Satan’s interests in their pursuit.
We may not knowingly worship Satan, but if we adopt his attitudes and actions, we have fallen for his trick.
Jesus was aware of the deception and rebuked Satan with another quote from the Bible.
Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written,
‘Worship the Lord your God,
and serve only him.’” (Matthew 4:10)
My father had a long career in politics. In an interview, he was asked what he liked about being a state senator. He replied with frank honesty, “I like the power.”
I like to think that my father used the power entrusted to him to better life for Missourians. His signature legislative accomplishment was providing quality mental health services in the state.
As the saying goes, “like father, like son.” I, too, like the power and glory of public service. The only way not to be seduced by the offer of notoriety and power is to remember Jesus’ humility and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to be like Him.
At the beginning of the temptations, the devil wanted Jesus to use His power to turn stones into bread. At the end of this time of testing, the Father sent angels to minister to His Son.
Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. (Matthew 4:11)
As we do things God’s way, we can always count on His help.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 