How Jesus Handled It
We are constantly faced with choices that test our character, our faith, and our resolve. These choices often come with the temptation to rely on our own strength, wisdom, and abilities. But what if we took a moment to reflect on how Jesus handled similar temptations? Unlike us, Jesus never chose pride. His responses to the temptations in the wilderness offer profound lessons in trust and humility that are as relevant today as they were over two thousand years ago.
The First Temptation: Self-Sufficiency
The first temptation Jesus faced in the wilderness was to provide for Himself. After fasting for forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. The tempter came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread” (Matthew 4:3). The underlying message was clear: “You don’t need God to take care of you. You have the power. You can work hard enough. You can be good enough. You can earn your salvation. You can be someone important. You can work hard enough to be loved and cherished. Jesus, you do it on your own.”
How often do we face similar temptations? Pastor Drew said in his sermon, “The world tells us that we need to be self-sufficient, that we need to rely on our own abilities to succeed. We are bombarded with messages that glorify self-reliance and independence. But Jesus’ response to this was profound: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
Trusting in God’s Provision
Jesus’ response reveals an intimate relationship with His Father. He understood that true sustenance comes not from physical bread, but from the spiritual nourishment that only God can provide. He recognized that God is the ultimate provider, the same God who provided for Elisha in the middle of a drought and for the Israelites in the desert. This God, Yahweh, is the creator of everything we know, understand, and experience. He alone is sufficient to meet all our needs.
In our own lives, we often struggle with the temptation to take matters into our own hands. We worry about our finances, our careers, our relationships, and our future. We think that if we just work hard enough, we can control the outcome. But Jesus teaches us that true provision comes from trusting in God. When we rely on Him, we find that He is more than capable of meeting our needs, often in ways we could never have imagined.
The Second Temptation: Testing God
The second temptation Jesus faced was the temptation to test God. The devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone'” (Matthew 4:5-6).
Drew explains that this was a challenge to Jesus’ identity and trust in God’s protection. The devil was essentially saying, “Prove who you are. Prove that God will take care of you.” But Jesus responded, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test'” (Matthew 4:7).
Humility and Obedience
Jesus’ response to this temptation teaches us the importance of humility and obedience. He did not need to prove His identity or God’s faithfulness. He knew who He was and who His Father was. He trusted in God’s plan and timing, refusing to manipulate circumstances to force God’s hand.
In our own lives, we may be tempted to test God, to demand signs or proofs of His love and care. We may find ourselves saying, “If God really loves me, He will do this or that.” But true faith does not require tests or proof. True faith rests in the assurance of God’s character and promises. It is a humble and obedient trust that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do.
The Third Temptation: Worldly Power
The third temptation Jesus faced was the temptation of worldly power. The devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me” (Matthew 4:8-9).
This temptation was an offer of immediate power and glory, bypassing the suffering and sacrifice that lay ahead. But Jesus responded, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only'” (Matthew 4:10).
The True Source of Power
Jesus’ response to this temptation underscores the truth that real power and glory come from God alone. He rejected the shortcut to power, choosing instead the path of obedience and sacrifice. He knew that true exaltation comes from humbling oneself before God.
In our own lives, we may be tempted by the allure of power, success, and recognition. We may be tempted to compromise our values or take shortcuts to achieve our goals. But Jesus teaches us that true greatness comes from serving God and others. It comes from humility, obedience, and a willingness to sacrifice for a higher purpose.
Conclusion: Following Jesus’ Example
The temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness are the same temptations we face today: the temptation to rely on ourselves, to test God, and to seek worldly power. But Jesus’ responses to these temptations offer us a blueprint for how to live a life of trust, humility, and obedience.
When we are tempted to rely on our own strength, let’s remember that our true provider is God. When we are tempted to test God, let’s remember that true faith does not require proof. And when we are tempted by worldly power, let’s remember that true greatness comes from serving God and others.
By following Jesus’ example, we can resist the temptations of life with grace and faith, trusting that God is with us every step of the way.
Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes invites you to join us in this Sunday. Together, we can experience God’s Grace and share the love of Jesus with those around us.
