You will be tempted. You can be sure of that. It is helpful for us to look at how Jesus was tempted and how Jesus responded to his temptation in the wilderness. This will help us in developing our strategy of resisting our own temptation. It doesn’t get much more practical than how to respond to temptation.
One of the first things that Mark tells us about in his Gospel is the temptation of Jesus. First, he mentions John the Baptist who prepares the way for Jesus. Then he tells us Jesus was baptized by John and then he says that after the baptism immediately, at once or without delay Jesus is sent to the desert by the Holy Spirit.
Mark uses the at once or in some translations immediately over 40 times. It is why Mark’s gospel is referred to as the gospel of action because the account moves quickly.
12At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. (Mark 1:12-13)
Mark does not tell us much about Jesus’ temptation. We need to find out the details from the gospels of Matthew and Luke. It may be the reason is because the temptation brings out Jesus’ humanity. Mark does not need to elaborate on this with his primarily gentile audience. Mark focuses on Jesus’ deity in his gospel.
Jesus’ temptation and His victory over temptation are practical for us because we are so often ourselves tempted. The first Adam was defeated in temptation. Jesus is the second Adam, and he is victorious over temptation. We have a savior who can identify with our temptations.
15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
As believers we have Jesus within us, and this is our source of victory. God wants you to have victory over temptation. Temptation comes at our weakest point and at our weakest moment. That weakness may differ from person to person. One failure can spoil a lifetime of Christian witness.
Here are the three major temptations of Jesus in the wilderness.
1. Tell these stones to become bread.
2. Jump off the pinnacle.
3. Bow down and worship me (Satan).
Jesus’ temptation came after forty days of fasting in the wilderness. It is important to know that temptation itself is not sin. Jesus public baptism is followed by a private time of temptation.
We will Look at each temptation according to the account in Matthew Chapter 4.
Temptation of Materialism
The first of the three temptations was the temptation of materialism. Turn the stone to bread. When Jesus went to the desert to be tempted, He was filled with the Holy Spirit who ascended on him like a dove. The Holy Spirit led him there to be tested. It was “the tempter” the devil, Satan who tempted him.
After forty days of fasting the devil said, “Turn these stones into bread.” Jesus was undoubtedly intensely hungry. At first glance we wonder, what is even the problem of turning the stones into bread? Jesus uses his miraculous powers to feed the 5,000 when they were hungry. Why not for himself?
2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4:2-4)
The temptation of materialism comes when we are trusting our resources instead of trusting God. Feeding the 5,000 was the opposite of this. Jesus was not feeding the crowds because of his resources. He was trusting God despite the material resources.
God would provide in his way. Jesus must give unquestioning obedience to God’s plan. The devil often tempts us with the offer of materialism. You need this possession. You should not be without this there is no need to wait. You have a credit card in your pocket. It seems like a sweet offer. Credit cards charges over 18 percent interest. If you overextend it can ruin you.
Satan never mentions the consequences of materialism. For Jesus to deviate from God’s plan was to derail his mission on the cross. The one who obtains possessions ahead of God’s timing will see financial ruin.
Jesus uses scripture; “Man does not live by bread alone” For followers of Jesus material things must not be foremost. We are soldiers of a spiritual army. We should put God’s will before our material desires.
The Temptation of Selfish Ambition.
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"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.” " 7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " (Matthew 4:5-7)
Jesus is tempted to jump off the Pinnacle and have God dramatically intervene. The devil tempted Jesus to make an impressive public display announcing his kingship. Jesus’ defense was scripture before. So, this time the devil used scripture or rather misused scripture. The devil left out the parts of scripture that did not suit his purpose.
Psalm 91 is on God’s protection. Luring Jesus to force God’s hand to action on his behalf. Jumping off would be presumption not faith. The Devil wants Jesus to demand ‘proof” from God. Jesus lives a life of faith that needs no proof. His is a life of trust that needs no test. Jesus would not become king by a spectacular display.
Jesus again resisted temptation with scripture. “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” No matter how good the temptation looks we must resist. We should not let anyone manipulate us to act in selfish ambition. Part of our daily walk with Christ is to die to self and give Jesus the first place in our life.
The Temptation of Power
The devil says the cities and kingdoms of the world are yours if you just worship me. Here is a temptation to join forces with evil to help a heavenly cause. Jesus would establish his kingdom by a cross, not political power or military might.
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." 10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' " 11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (Matthew 4:8-11)
There is the temptation that if you just compromise your values, then with the results you can do so much to help God. Don’t believe the devils lie. The sin will destroy you and you will accomplish nothing for God.
Jesus’ response, “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” Jesus resisted and so the devil left him. We need people who can resist temptation. These are the only ones who can impact a crooked society that needs the values of Jesus Christ. The only way to be salt and light to the people who need the savior.
If you have already lost in the battle of temptation, then ask Jesus for forgiveness. Led by the Spirit you can commit afresh and resolve not to sin. God has a plan and a purpose for your life. Let Jesus who won the victory live through you and make you victorious.
Martin Luther said, "When the devil comes knocking upon the door of my heart, and asks 'Who lives here?' the Lord Jesus goes to the door and says, 'Martin Luther used to live here but he has moved out. Now I live here.'
Overcoming temptation will require trusting God, walking by faith and abiding in Christ. It is possible to overcome temptation when you are filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus used scripture at each point of temptation. We need to immerse ourselves with scripture as part of overcoming temptation.
Does Jesus live in your heart? Jesus was tempted more than any of us and remained sinless. Satan could not derail his mission. Jesus died on the cross the just for the unjust to bring us to God.
