Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin.” Those temptations began immediately after Jesus was baptized. Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness, where He fasted and prayed. The struggle manifested itself in the difference between the human and the divine. The human part craves food, the human part likes to boast about what we have done, and the human part looks for an easy way to get something done. Those were the temptations Jesus was faced with. They are expressed this way in 1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
The example Jesus gave us when Satan tempted Him is one we desperately need to learn. With each temptation, Jesus quoted scripture. When Satan comes against us, our most powerful weapon is the Word of God. It’s interesting that Satan also tried to use scripture, but in his case, he misquoted scripture and took it out of context. Jesus rebuked him and corrected him. That’s why we must learn the truth of Psalms 119:11, “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” With all the false doctrines in the world of our day, it is vitally important that we know what the Bible really says, not just the words of some charismatic and influential individual. God’s Word is powerful.
When Jesus walked out of the wilderness, He forever changed the world. There was no disease He could not heal. There was no demon He could not cast out. He defied the laws of nature when He walked on water. He proved He could supply all our needs when He took five loaves and two fish and fed the multitude. He proved the wisdom of man is foolishness when compared to the wisdom of God. He proved we can love our enemies and we can forgive those who mistreat us. He proved that even death was subject to Him. His life is an example of how we should live.
But most importantly, Jesus came to save us from our sins. When Adam and Eve sinned, a death penalty was imposed on the world. The consequences of our sins are far-reaching. The covering God provided for them only served as a temporary solution. Jesus provided the perfect sacrifice when He willingly laid down His life for us. Satan probably rejoiced when Jesus died. Knowing the scriptures as he does, you would think he knew Jesus would be resurrected, but apparently, the resurrection even caught the devil by surprise. 1 Corinthians 2:7-8, “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”
Having completed His earthly ministry, Jesus ascended to heaven, where He took His place at the right hand of the Father. As much as we anxiously await His return, I think Jesus longs for that day even more than we do. We know His heart is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. He proved while He was on earth that the sins and troubles of this life cause Him to weep. It may stretch our imagination a little farther than we can comprehend, but I believe Jesus is sitting on the edge of His royal throne, just waiting for God the Father to say, “Son, go bring My children home.”
Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I am come that you may have life.” The choice we have is simple; it’s life or death. So many people cannot see beyond the temporary pleasures of the moment. Sex, money, fame, and possessions are all fleeting. Here one moment, gone the next. But eternity is forever, and where we spend eternity will be decided by our acceptance of Jesus, or our rejection of Him.
How about you? Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sin? Have you asked Him to come into your heart and make you a new creation in Him? Right now, old things can pass away, and all things can become new, all because of Jesus. Please don’t wait; none of us are promised another day. Choose Jesus, choose life.
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