“These suggestions are all ways of distorting the true vocation: the vocation to be a truly human being, to be God’s person, to be a servant to the world and to other people.”
N. T. Wright
In our series “Encountering Jesus,” we’ve explored various encounters people had with Jesus, from Nathaniel to the wedding at Cana. Today, I want to delve into one of my favorite stories from the Gospels—the wilderness temptation of Jesus. Each time I’ve studied this story at Grace Hill Church, it has revealed new insights and provided valuable lessons on battling the temptations we face in our lives.
Before Jesus embarked on His public ministry, He was baptized by John and Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit. This wilderness experience holds significant meaning. Firstly, it serves as a model for us to confront and overcome the temptations presented by the enemy. Secondly, it is a reversal of the temptation in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve fell to temptation in paradise, forever altering the course of humanity. However, Jesus, in the wilderness, triumphed over temptation, showing He is victorious, where Israel failed during their forty years in the wilderness.
Within the text, three conjunctions— “if” in verses 3, 6, and 9—create tension in these temptations. It’s important to note that temptation itself is not sin. Jesus, who was sinless, was tempted three times, highlighting that sin lies in our response to temptation. Let’s examine these temptations and the lessons they teach us.
The Temptation to Question His Identity (verses 3-7): Satan challenged Jesus, saying, “If you are the Son of God…” The temptation was for Jesus to prove His identity by performing miraculous acts. Interestingly, Jesus was about to perform His first miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. However, the remarkable aspect of this temptation is that Jesus knew His identity. In His baptism, the Father declared, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” The enemy sought to exploit Jesus’ hunger and vulnerability to cast doubt on His identity.
The Temptation to Forsake Allegiance (verses 8-10): The devil took Jesus to a high mountain, showing Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. Satan offered Jesus dominion over all if He would worship him. This temptation challenges Jesus’ allegiance to God. It echoes the Israelites’ struggle with idolatry, particularly the golden calf incident. Satan’s promises are empty, as he cannot give what is not his to give. Jesus responded by affirming that only the Lord God should be worshipped and served.
It is impossible for us, in our strength, to resist all the temptations we face. We are constantly bombarded with messages urging us to find our identity and worship other things—wealth, career, societal expectations. However, just as Jesus triumphed, we can find victory through the grace, mercy, and kindness of Jesus in our lives. He sealed our identity as beloved children of God and gave us every reason to forsake competing allegiances. No one can love us like Jesus, who laid down His life for us.
Temptation seeks to distract us from our calling as servants of God. As God’s children, we can use the same defense as Jesus—keeping Scripture in our hearts, focusing on God, and trusting Him in all things. Remember that you are a son or daughter of God, bringing Him great joy. Temptations may come, but through Jesus, we can overcome and live in the light of God’s purpose.
Grace and peace,
Jason