Matthew 4

Matthew 4:1 "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."

What an interesting verse. Listen to how this chapter begins. Jesus, just after the inauguration of His public ministry, gets led away for a time of testing. But even more interesting to me is that it is the Spirit which leads Him into this time of testing.

In this opening account in Matthew 4, Jesus is led by the Spirit of God into a time of temptation. It is important to see that the Spirit does not tempt Christ, that is the devil's activity (James 1:13 "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone."). But it is still intriguing that God would knowingly and willfully send someone into a time where they might be tested. Yet Jesus is not the first person to experience this; Job, from the OT, had a similar experience of testing.

Two questions I ask as a result: "Will it happen to me?"and "Why?".

Here are some ideas. The first answer is obvious, yes. Scripture never guarantees any believer to be free of temptation. Rather it continually references it usefulness to God and ourselves... which leads to the second question.

I believe that temptation provides a time of proving oneself faithful, strong, or ready. Job proved himself faithful by never cursing God. Jesus demonstrated His strength and readiness for the task ahead of Him.

But, I believe there are two more reasons for temptation. First, that we might remember that we must rely on God! Our spirit is willing, but our flesh is so weak. (Matt 26:41) 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." (emphasis added) 2 Peter 2:9 adds this "...the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation...". It is by His grace and His power that we stand against (or flee from) temptation! Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Temptation is certainly one of those times of great need.

Further, I believe that temptation also allows us to check our relationship with Christ. Where do we stand in our commitment to God? Want to find out? Think about the temptations with which you have struggled lately. How did you respond? Did you give in or stand by His grace? It is a time to personally prove to ourselves where we are.

If you are struggling with a temptation in your life right now, (Honestly, we all are! ) consider that God is permitting this challenge that you might learn how to lean upon Him to a depth which you have never before. Remember that He never abandons us to these temptations but always offers His power and indwelling Spirit's guidance.

Temptation comes. How we respond reveals where we stand with our intimacy with Christ. May we flee and resist, by His strength, and may we never disqualify ourselves from His service by our indulgence in sin.