I just read Matthew 4:1-11. This is an interesting passage about the Devil tempting Jesus. However Dr. Richard Carlson and Dr. Mark Vital Hoffman taught me a few things in seminary which do not come across in our English translations of this text which impact its meaning and how we should live greatly. The littlest biggest word in the English language is if. If only I had… If we had the time, I would do that if. We all know these sayings, and have probably said them hundreds if not thousands of times. The problem is when we use if in the way it is used here in the Gospel of Matthew. I believe this is translated incorrectly. The way it reads is the Devil is asking a question. “If you are the Son of God…”However this is not a question. The word translated here as if can mean if, however it can also mean since. Is the Devil questioning Jesus’ divinity, or is he proclaiming it? “Since you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” The Devil knows exactly who Jesus is, that is why the Devil is trying to tempt Jesus into giving up the divinity. The Devil proclaims him as the Son of God.
I wonder how many of us question Jesus’ divinity and say, “If you will do this then I will…” Or if I could only see a miracle then I would believe. If If If. Know that Jesus is the Son of God, the Devil doesn’t question it, and neither should you. He died on a cross to set us free, so don’t use the smallest biggest word in the English language to describe or ask about Faith. Believe. Trust and know that Jesus is who he says he is and tell the Devil to just take a hike.
aSacredRebel 