The order of the three temptations differs slightly in Luke from the account in Matthew but Satan's intentions remained the same - to tempt Christ to act independently of the will of the Father. The Father had promised the Son that one day all the kingdoms of the earth would be under His ruler (Psalm 2:7-9) and that every knee should bow to Him. Now Satan was saying, "Why wait until then? I can give you all the kingdoms of the world right now." But there was a catch in Satan's words, a hidden trap. "You just worship me and you can have it all." (GNB) That would be an easy way, a quick way to win the world without His death on the cross. But our Lord knew all that was involved and replied plainly and clearly, "(The Word of God says) Worship only the Lord your God. Serve Him with absolute single-heartedness." (The Message) Satan was again defeated. The other temptation was similar. Satan suggested a spectacular action which would have given Christ enormous publicity. "Jump off the top of the temple in front of a large crowd. You'll be safe. The angels will catch you." But Jesus had come to touch people's lives and was not looking merely for publicity. Once more Christ replied by quoting Deuteronomy. "Never try to put God to the test. Never act when He has not told you to do so." It could be paraphrased, "Publicity and so called success is not my affair. My responsibility is to remain day by day in God's will." Satan left defeated. But look again at verse 13, "Satan left Him until a more opportune time." He was like a boxer stepping back to see where he could land the next punch. Satan never gave up and even tempted Christ while on the cross. But Christ stayed true to the Word and the Will of God and is now seated at the Father's right hand. What a lesson for us today. A most helpful verse to mark and to learn by heart is 1 Corinthians 10: 13. Turn to it now and read it over and over until its message has laid hold of your heart and mind. |
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