Everyone faces different temptations, and everyone reacts to temptation differently. Although some are more harmful than others, temptation of any kind can spin out of control if not handled properly. The way we respond to temptation may seem unimportant in the face of small, almost meaningless decisions, but the pattern of behavior we set for the small things will become the behavior we partake in during the big decisions. Let’s take a look at the perfect example, Jesus, and see how he reacted to temptation.
In Luke 4, we see Jesus suffering under fierce temptation from the enemy. Jesus is God, but we tend to forget that Jesus was also human. He was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit, and spent 40 days being tempted by the devil. He didn’t eat, so he was pretty hungry. He was probably tired and physically struggling from a lack of nourishment. Even under the best circumstances, most of us still struggle to ignore temptation. Jesus, under the frustration of physical stress, had even more reason to give into temptation than we often do.
The enemy didn’t start slow, but first attacked Jesus by questioning his deity. He challenges him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus could’ve taken the bait and proven Himself. He’s God, for goodness sake. He could’ve done a whole lot more than simply turn a rock into some bread, but he chose to do nothing. In fact, he responded with Scripture: “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone.’” He combats the temptation to satisfy his pride with God’s Word.
The enemy then appeals to the human desire for power. He tells Jesus, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So, if you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus responds, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” Again, Jesus responds not with his own words, but with those of the Almighty God.
Satan makes one last appeal and challenges the validity of Scripture and the power of God’s angels: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus simply responds “It says: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Jesus didn’t fall for satan’s deception and tricks; he recognized the trap and avoided it.
Jesus, even as the very Son of God, recognized that his earthly words didn’t have power against satan. However, the words of the Lord and Savior of the world carry quite a bit of weight. This is why studying and memorizing Scripture is so important. We can’t face the enemy when we aren’t properly equipped. Ephesians 6: 10-18 describe how we can prepare ourselves for such an event. I won’t include the whole passage here, but there are some main points I’d like to highlight:
- If we equip ourselves with the belt of truth, we can better discern when the enemy is selling us lies.
- If we pick up the shield of faith, we can help prevent satan’s arrows from finding us.
- If we fit our feet with the readiness that comes from delving into the Gospel, we can run and fight as needed.
Lastly, I’d like to point out the last sentence of the Luke passage: “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” The enemy doesn’t just leave us alone outright. He prowls around like a roaring lion, waiting for ways to devour us. Yet another reason we must be ready with Scripture in our hearts and minds. We can’t let our guard down, but must stay ready at all times.
“Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.” - Ephesians 6:19-20
