Jesus Tempted in the Desert - Matthew 4:1-11

Have you ever wondered why Satan spent time trying to tempt Jesus? It seems like a fools errand, doesn't it? Jesus was baptized, He fasted for 40 days and nights in the desert, then Satan approached Him in an attempt to get Jesus to do three things:

1. Satisfy His hunger
2. Use His heavenly power to do His earthly bidding
3. Bow to Satan and be rewarded with material things

What Satan didn't count on was Jesus recognizing Satan and using Scripture to combat all of the evil one's schemes. Do you recognize any of these tricks? Does Satan try to get your attention with food or power or compromise?

Satan was hoping to convince Jesus to work independent of His Father. Satan knew Jesus was God and understood the power He has. He wanted Him to go rogue. Can you sometimes relate as well? Do you feel under attack when you are most vulnerable? That is how Satan works. We can learn much from this scripture text; lean on the Word of God, call upon familiar verses from your reading time and God will show you a way out. Satan always wants us to work independent of the Father.

The final scene in this story finds the angels attending to Jesus' every need. "The Test was over. The Devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus' needs." (Matthew 4:13 MSG)

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