Jesus returned from the Jordan River full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. There he was tempted for forty days by the devil. He ate nothing during those days and afterward Jesus was starving. The devil said to him, “Since you are God’s Son, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread.” Next the devil led him to a high place and showed him in a single instant all the kingdoms of the world. The devil said, “I will give you this whole domain and the glory of all these kingdoms. It’s been entrusted to me and I can give it to anyone I want. Therefore, if you will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It’s written, You will worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” The devil brought him into Jerusalem and stood him at the highest point of the temple. He said to him, “Since you are God’s Son, throw yourself down from here; for it’s written: He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you and they will take you up in their hands so that you won’t hit your foot on a stone.” Jesus answered, “It’s been said, Don’t test the Lord your God.” After finishing every temptation, the devil departed from him until the next opportunity. (Luke 4:1-13, CEB)
The Devil never questioned Jesus’ identity. The Devil knew he was the Son of God and knew what He was able to do. The question was, would Jesus fall onto his own power and do what was “best” for him at that moment or follow through on what had been set in place to be done?
Jesus could have made stones bread, but it is not about physical food. The kingdoms of the world really in the end aren’t the devils to give, and Jesus will get them any way, and yes the angels will protect Him but does that need to be tested?
And even after all of these things, the Devil did not concede, but left to return. You see we are never done fighting evil until the Kingdom of God is fulfilled and so there is always an opportunity for evil to rear its head. BE ready for evil’s next opportunity but following and living in the light of God.
Trust the promises are true and that God is always with you.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 