A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day – June 28, 2019
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
We continue today with the third and last temptation of Christ which was presented to Jesus by the devil in the wilderness. Just remember again, all things that happened in the scriptures were for our benefit to teach us how to fight the good fight of faith and walk in victory.
To summarize our last two devotionals, the first temptation of Jesus was aimed at the screaming flesh (hunger and thirst) from fasting. That did not work, so the devil went the religious route and attacked the beliefs of Jesus with a second temptation. That did not work either, so now the devil has to pick another direction for his third temptation.
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (Matthew 4:8-9)
This is like winning the biggest lottery ever or being the first draft pick in the biggest game ever. This is Satan’s crowning and ultimate offer. Surely Jesus cannot pass this up thought Satan. He is the Son of Man with the same feelings as a man and I am offering Him all the Kingdoms of the world. I am offering Him all the money and riches; all the luxury and comfort; and all the power and influence. He could even avoid going to the cross and dying for all those sinners if He would just bow down and worship me. I can just imagine that Satan was thinking this at this point. Surely He can’t reject this grand offer!!!
Wrong again Satan!!! Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. (Matthew 4:10-11)
How did Jesus fight this last temptation? He fought it the same way He fought the first two. He fought it with the Word of God, “for it is written.” I don’t think many believers realize the power that is available to them through the Word of God.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. (Psalm 107:20, ESV)
So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11, ESV)
In summary, Satan tried his best to tempt Jesus through His human flesh; through His manipulation of the Word; and through material possessions. He has not changed. He is still a liar and deceiver. He is still crafty as ever and will use every trick in the book to get us off course. Don’t buy it! Know the Word of God so well that when he comes with an offer you can say, “it is written” and then quote the Word of God to him and tell him to get behind you.
