Come Follow Me - A Journey Through Lent

Matthew 4:1-11 The Temptation of Jesus

“The Temptation of Jesus” -- sounds like the fruits of a sensational paperback, perhaps: a best seller!

Believers know, however, that Jesus did not yield to temptation when, alone in the desert, He faced the age-old battle between right and wrong -- a battle He knew He could win with the swipe of His hand, but that is not His way.

Enter Evil, and Satan’s challenge to change rocks into bread, to throw Himself safely down from the highest point, and to forsake His Father with the promise of worldly gain.

Many might consider that Jesus had an unfair advantage over sin and temptation because He is God’s perfect Son and knows His role among God’s people.

Perhaps His biggest temptation would be to bring all people to the Father with the swipe of His hand! But that is not His way. He wants us to come freely by faith to follow Him.

What temptations are we facing today? Jesus taught us to pray often about recognizing and resisting temptation, and offers His help to do it.

Prayer: Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. Psalm 6:4

Ric Swihart