This chapter includes Satan tempting Jesus in the wilderness, and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry (many instances of teaching and healing).
“And [the devil] took him to Jerusalem and 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 will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,” and “On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” ‘ And Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” ‘ And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.” (v9-13)
Satan is the ‘lord of lies’ – he masterfully twists God’s word(s) into meaning something it shouldn’t, and then uses that as a weapon against Jesus and His followers. This has been happening since Genesis 3 when Satan asked Eve ” ‘Did God really say…?’ “
How did Jesus avoid the devil’s temptations? By knowing His Father in Heaven, and knowing His Father’s word(s). Two thousand years later, we as Jesus’ followers can still use this same defense against the masterful temptations of the devil.
Avoiding Satan’s traps is impossible on our own, and God knows this. He blesses us with His indwelling Holy Spirit and His word(s) as lights unto our feet and paths. The Spirit helps us discern the difference between God’s actual word(s), and the twisted versions from Satan. We just need to remain rooted in God and His word, drawing as close to Him as possible, so we’re not inadvertently led astray.
Father God, our Source of Absolute Truth, and our Trustworthy Lord, thank you for Your Spirit and Your Son. May we hold fast to their guidance, and draw near to You, so You can deliver us from temptation. Please guard our hearts and minds against evil, and lead us on the paths of righteousness, so we glorify You, our Father in Heaven. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training