Reasons for Reading God’s Word Daily: The enemy aims to separate you from God’s presence. Stay alert and anchored in Him.
As we open Luke 4, we see many lessons to glean from. Today, let’s focus on Jesus’s temptation. In Luke 3, John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. When Jesus came out of the water, the heavens were opened, and the Spirit descended upon Him as a dove. Then He heard a voice saying, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Talk about a radical baptism! But be aware: After a spiritually high time often comes a hard time; trouble frequently follows on the heels of a triumph. Consequently, here in chapter 4, we see Jesus, having been baptized and heard the voice of the Father, facing a difficult time.
Let’s examine verses 1-2 differently. Notice that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, where Satan would tempt Him. Why? Was the Spirit trying to do Him in? Not at all. The Spirit led Him into the place of temptation not to do Him in but to show Him off. Think of it this way: If you were to show some interest in a Jeep, the salesman would tell you to take it for a drive in the mountains or the dunes to show you its power and durability. So, too, the Spirit could show off the power, ability, holiness, and tenacity of Jesus. The same is true for us! Why does the Lord allow hardship in your life? He’s out to show His strength in your life that the devil might be defeated again.
Lessons for us:
Jesus lived and ministered out the fullness of the Spirit. How pervasive is the Spirit in your life and ministry?
The devil quoted Scripture as he tempted Jesus (vv. 10-11). Can you discern when people are misusing Scripture to lead you astray?
After Jesus’s successes, he typically rose early to spend time processing events with his Father (v. 42). How often and thoroughly do you process your successes and failures with God?
