We’re Strongest When We’re Weak (Matthew 4, Mark 1 and Luke 4)
Do you ever practice the discipline of fasting? Jesus did and expected his followers to do the same. In fact, it was after a time of fasting that Jesus experienced his greatest form of testing.
Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Do you ever practice the discipline of fasting?
Jesus did and expected his followers to do the same. In fact, it was after a time of fasting that Jesus experienced his greatest form of testing. Luke 4:1-2 says, 1 “Then Jesus left the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over, he was hungry.”
Those last three words are no doubt an understatement. Forty days is a significant number in the Bible, but a long time to go without food. And Jesus also likely spent this time with minimal water. Unlike Adam, who experienced his great temptation in a garden rich with nourishment, Jesus experienced his temptation in the wilderness. By noting that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, Luke shows his readers that this account all took place according to the providence of God.
From there, Jesus faced three significant temptations. First, the devil tempted him to turn stones into bread to satisfy his hunger, but Jesus responded that man lives by every word from God. Second, the devil took him to the pinnacle of the temple and urged him to throw himself down, challenging him to test God's protection, to which Jesus replied not to test the Lord. Third, the devil offered him all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship, but Jesus refused, declaring that only God should be worshiped.
Rather than arguing, Jesus responds to the devil each time by quoting from the book of Deuteronomy—passages that refer to Israel’s own wilderness experience. Leon Morris writes, “It may well be that Jesus had given a lot of thought to these passages as he reflected on the mission to which God was calling him.”[1]
The significance of these three temptations was that each challenged Jesus' mission and identity. The temptation to turn stones into bread tested his reliance on God's provision rather than using his divine power for personal needs. The challenge to throw himself from the temple pinnacle tested his trust in God without resorting to sensational displays of power. Lastly, the offer of all the world's kingdoms in exchange for worship tested his loyalty and commitment to God's plan over earthly power and glory.
“Jesus is taken to the temple in Jerusalem—probably on the Royal Porch on the temple’s southeast corner, which looms over a cliff and the Kidron Valley some 450 feet below.”[2] According to Josephus, those who looked over this edge became dizzy.[3] For this final temptation, Satan quotes Psalm 91:11-12, which says, 11 “For he will give his angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways. 12 They will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
While some might think that Satan merely struck Jesus when he was at his lowest, according to Jon Mark Comer, “this is a gross misunderstanding of the reciprocal relationship between fasting and spiritual power. Forty days in, Jesus was at the height of his spiritual power and was able to wisely discern the devil’s lies and dismiss his temptations with adroit skill.”[4]
A Meditation to PRAY
Praise | Jesus, I praise you for your strength and faithfulness in the face of temptation. I praise you for your unwavering commitment to God's word and will. I praise you for demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming the devil's schemes.
Release | I release my doubts and fears about facing temptations, trusting in your example and strength. I release my reliance on my own abilities and choose to depend on God's word and Spirit. I release my desires for worldly power and comfort, seeking the kingdom of God instead.
Ask | Jesus, I ask for the strength to resist temptations as you did. I ask for the Holy Spirit to fill me and guide me in times of trial. I ask for the wisdom to respond to challenges with God's word and truth.
Yield | I yield my will to your guidance, trusting in your perfect plan for my life. I yield my desires to seek first the kingdom of God and your righteousness. I yield my heart to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, following your example.
