Stronger Faith through Temptations
Jesus was incredibly hungry; after 40 days alone and without food he’d reached the limits of what his human body could endure, when he came face to face with another significant challenge. We often have trouble facing challenges if we’re even slightly hungry, and feel we must do something to make us feel better, even if it’s having or doing something wrong. But Jesus was so connected to his Father by his strong faith, that he didn’t fall.
“If you are the Son of God”; this is the opening attack of the first two statements. Just like the serpent in Genesis asking ‘did God really say?’ these words are deviously aimed at the heart of faith and trust, subtly but unavoidably asking; do you really believe this? Jesus recognises this. We also need to recognise those thoughts which question if we are really one of God’s children.
The first assault is aimed directly at Jesus’ hunger, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” And Jesus’ responds that there is something more vital, more life giving than bread. “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”. Jesus believes strongly, to the point of knowing, that bread and food are not the only thing that keep us alive; even more vital is every word from God’s mouth. How much more do we need to take into our lives and our hearts the vital, life giving words from God.
The second attack comes after Jesus is set on top of the highest point of the temple. It is aimed at chiselling open any weakness, any small crack, in the strength of Jesus’ faith; “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” The choice is his, as to whether to throw himself off, to prove to himself and to others who he is.
But even though the words spoken to Jesus are from his scriptures, Jesus also recognises this attack for what it is, and retaliates with Moses’ words from Deuteronomy 6 when the Israelites were questioning God’s presence. He replies, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”. Jesus’ faith that he is God’s Son is strong enough that he doesn’t need to put this to the test. Throwing himself off would suggest there was some uncertainty, some weakness requiring that he prove who he is.
How many times does something similar happen to us? “If you are one of God’s children” ...you should be able to do this without getting angry …you should be able to keep your focus on the task and not get distracted …you should be able to pray for someone and they’ll be healed. But no, a stronger faith means a more confident belief that even when these or similar things happen, our adoption as children of the living God is solid.
And then the final assault on the excruciatingly hungry Jesus - he’s taken to a high mountain and shown all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. “All this I will give you” the devil says, “If you will bow down and worship me”. We sense the attraction of possessing all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour - won’t it make us feel good, won’t it make us feel important? The appeal of wealth, fame, power. And it tests for any chink in Jesus’ faith and belief that trusting his Father is the way to go. There is no weakness in Jesus, and he dismisses the devil and quotes back to him more words from Deuteronomy, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Stronger faith is growing in confidence through the tests and trials of life that we are God’s adopted children, that nothing, and no-one, can come between us and his unfailing love.
Peter Iles
Guest Writer