Christ—Pivotal Events, 1of3

~ 3 Events in the Life of Christ Where He Fought Alone On Our Behalf: The Wilderness Temptation ~

The Situations  ~  Jesus Christ stood alone against the power of darkness on three distinct occasions.  The first may be thought of as primarily physical, the second mental, and the third spiritual.  In each case it was a spiritual battle against the unseen forces of evil (Ephesians 6:11-13).  In each of these situations the “Light of the World” waged war on our behalf against the unseen forces of evil.  In conquering each situation He was tackling basic problems of fallen mankind on earth. 

The Result  ~  Jesus Christ provided, and provides, the solutions to the sin problems which we encounter today. “We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). 

The First Event Was The Temptation In The Wilderness (physical) ~  “Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil.  And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.  And the devil said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.’  But Jesus answered him, saying, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”’  Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.  And the devil said to Him, ‘All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.  Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.’  And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Get behind Me, Satan!  For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.”’  Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here.  For it is written: “He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you,” and, “In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.”’  And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘It has been said, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”’  Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:1-13). 

Comments  ~  (1) Dr. Luke just prior to recording this event presents the genealogy of Jesus Christ.  Since the Gospel of Luke presents our Lord as the Son of Man it is the genealogy of Mary—the side from which He received His humanity. 

(2) The beginning of this passage notes that Jesus Christ was “filled with the Spirit” and “led by the Spirit.”  Do we dare to think we can win spiritual battles when we are not filled with and led by God’s Spirit?  Without the Spirit we have no chance of standing.  “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). 

(3) As often noted Jesus Christ answered each of these three temptations by quoting Scripture. 

(4) Satan knows Scripture—and quoted it to Jesus—pointing out the need for proper interpretation and application of Scripture. 

Our Responsibility  ~  “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:11-13).

the key question:  “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).  This is the most important question you will ever answer.  If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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