Walk to Easter: Luke 4:1-13, Jesus' Temptation and Your Application

Luke 4:8 "And Jesus answered him, 'It is written, '"You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve."'"

When's the last time you were tempted? Actually, nevermind. Let me answer that question for you: the last time you were tempted was probably five seconds ago, if not sooner. The devil tempts us endlessly in ways that I think we often don't realize because we give in so quickly. But how do we stand against his temptation? Let's look to Jesus today to figure that out.

As many of you know the common story, Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for forty days and forty nights before he began his earthly ministry. The point of this was to prove that the promised Messiah was the better Israel, the better Abraham, and the better Adam. The Israelites, Abraham, and Adam all fell to temptation, but the Lord stood the test. As we often say, Jesus lived the perfect life and died the perfect death in order that we might be saved. Today we look at the first portion of that statement, as through the temptation narrative we can see that Jesus in fact did live the perfect life.

Notice quickly this morning Jesus' temptations. First, Satan tempts him with instant gratification. Jesus was hungry, so Satan temped Jesus to use his powers inappropriately in order that he might make some bread to fulfil his hunger. Second, Satan tempts Jesus with impressive standings. Satan offered him all authority if Jesus would worship Satan. Third, Satan tempts Jesus with irresponsible actions. He encouraged Jesus to throw himself from the temple mount, forget about his responsibility, and rely on God to save him. Although we don't have time to go into any more depth than that this morning, we must also note here that Jesus quoted scripture amidst temptation.

So, where's the application this morning? A few quick notes. Firstly, behold the Christ who lived the perfect life that you could not live. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Secondly, quote scripture in temptation. If Jesus defeated temptation by quoting scripture, I think its a pretty good pattern to follow! Thirdly, realize that instant gratification, impressive standings, and irresponsible actions are all things that ought not to deceive us because God's way is better. Don't fall into silly temptation, follow God like Jesus did--his way is better.

Jesus has now proved that he is the perfect Son of God who is blameless amidst temptation. He has met the requirement for being the Savior. But what will he do next...?