a portrait

of

jesus

A PORTRAIT OF JESUS –

Triumphant in Temptation

“Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” - Mt. 4:10

It is in the deserts of life that we feel alone and vulnerable. Immediately after Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness. He went there to be alone with His Father, to seek direction for His next three and a half years. For forty days and nights, He communes with His Father and fasted for forty days and nights. Then, when hungry, Jesus being physically weak and vulnerable, the devil attacks.

The first attack was not only one to get Jesus to doubt Himself but was an attempt to get Him to depend solely on Himself…”If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus does not take the bait and quickly answers, “Man does not live by bread alone, but from every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Foiled, Satan attempts to push Jesus further, “If you really believe that God will take care of you and your needs, prove it, and throw yourself off the pinnacle of the temple.” In one single move, Jesus could prove to the world who He really is, but Jesus has just spent 40 days in intimate communion with His Father and He knows the plan…not one you or I would choose, but it is His Father’s plan, and He knows it is the best plan and answers, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Jesus did not need proof that God loved Him and would provide for all His needs; He knew it without a doubt.

Satan retreats, regroups, and attacks one more time. It is his final offer. “All you see I will give you if You will bow down and worship me.” Jesus doesn’t even hesitate, “Away from Me, Satan!” Though it may appear to Satan that Jesus had been abandoned; Jesus knew Who to trust. He trusted His Father, and He obeyed His Word completely. When He did, the angels came to minister to Him.

Jesus knows what temptation is, and He triumphed! He is right there beside each of one of us in the desert places of our lives. His victory is ours. We need only trust and obey to find God’s peace. He is right beside us to comfort and reassure us. God knows what is best for us and His plan, through Jesus, gives us hope. We need only remember His words, “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only,” and all will fall into its proper place in our lives.

D. Mathewson