Matthew 4, Luke 4 – 8, and John 1:15 – 51
In Matthew 4, we see the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Note that he was led to the wilderness to be tempted. This was planned by God. Jesus was in a weakened state, having fasted 40 days and 40 nights.
Recognizing his hunger, the devil says, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” Can’t you just hear the devil’s sneering tone? Either he was trying to get Jesus to doubt he was the Son of God or trying to get him to eat when he was intent on fasting.
Jesus shows that life is not a battle about flesh and blood, but is a spiritual battle. We are to feed ourselves on the Word of God.
Can you imagine what would have happened if Jesus had jumped off the highest point of the Temple? Would God’s angels have protected him? What would have been the response of the people that saw this happen? Jesus would have had instant notoriety, but from what we’ve read, Jesus tried to keep people from announcing what he had done for them. Jesus tells him you must not test the Lord your God.
Then, the devil offers Jesus all of the kingdoms of the world and their glory, if Jesus will just fall down and worship him. Jesus knew we are only to worship the Lord our God and serve only him.
In all three instances, Jesus answered the devil with Scriptures. It is so important that we read and study the word so we can answer the devil with Scriptures when we are tempted. Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus knew his Scriptures and knew what they meant.
In Luke 6, we see a list of the disciples of Jesus: Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alpheus), Simon (called the zealot), Judas (son of James), and Judas Iscariot. Please note that two of the gospels were written by men who were not disciples.
Tomorrow, we’ll read John 2 – 4.
Taken 2
Today, I saw the movie Taken 2 at AMC. It was an exciting, action-filled movie with lots of car chases.
Until next time…
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