Matthew Chapter 4 and Luke Chapter 4 record the account of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. There are many things we can learn from this account, and I would like to point out a few.

First, Matthew 4:1 says, “Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted there.” Sometimes even when we are doing the right thing and following the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we will be brought to a situation where we will be tested. I believe we experience challenges and tests in our lives for one of two reasons, either we bring it on ourselves by making bad choices, or God is testing us to make us better.

Second, the account lists three specific temptations, hunger, protection, and power. In each of these temptations Jesus resists the temptation with scripture as his weapon. For instance, Matthew 4:10, Jesus said, “Away from me Satan, for the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” The more scripture we know and remember, the more ammunition we will have to resist our temptations.

Third, after Jesus resisted the temptations, the devil went away. Matthew 4:11 writes, “Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.” If we resist, with God’s help we can over-come all temptation. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

Dear Lord, We know that all temptations can be overcome if we rely on you. Help us build up our ability to resist temptation with knowledge of your word and trust in your power to overcome any temptation we may experience. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.