Tempted with power

Tempted with power.  Matthew 4.5-7

First the evil one tempted Jesus to satisfy his hunger, knowing how physically weak was Jesus.  Jesus response to the jeering of Satan,  “It is written, ‘man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” ¹ Every time the Gospels use “it is written,” including Jesus himself, it was understood that the sacred Scriptures were being quoted. 

  Scripture alone has the answer to that which besets us.

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “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.’”

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”²  Matthew 4.5-7

Did you catch that?  Before Jesus replied with a scriptural retort, Satan quoted Scripture to Jesus!  He quoted the psalmist, saying, ‘Go ahead, Jesus—remember what David said, ‘the angels will take care of you!’  The verses of Psalm 91, familiar and loved so much, ‘Surely he will save… He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.’  The very words of David that have comforted generations seeking holy strength, such as ‘You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.’ 

The tempter took the beloved psalm and used it to provoke Jesus. 

This second temptation could be categorized, as it was by John, ‘the pride of life’.  It is an arrogance in self, ostentation, and self as large and in charge, seated on the throne.  John described, “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father, but of the world.³

Satan appealed to Jesus’ manhood at the same time he challenged his divinity.  What—did you think Jesus did not have testosterone?  ‘IF you are the Son of God, do this . . .’ Jesus knew he could destroy Satan with only a thought, or just cast him out of his presence, or do just as Satan dared and he would have been caught up by angels.  It must have been so difficult to stay his own power, keeping in mind his weak state.

Yet Jesus again answered with words from Deuteronomy, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord thy God.’  And the strength of the Father enabled him to resist the challenge of the deceiver.

Are you in a position, maybe you’re a manager, or a teacher, or a parent of impressionable children, where you could be high-handed or prideful in relating to folks?  Are you like our Lord, willing to humble yourself and know your strength comes only from God?  Humility lived out is much more powerful than arrogance.

It is the holiday season; many will see difficult family members . . . will we choose quiet strength, a gentle answer, compassionate response rather than uttering words that are ready to come blasting past our teeth, because someone deserves it?!  Or will we submit our thoughts, words, attitudes and behavior to the God who gave Jesus strength to resist the temptations that beset him?

Let us do as Paul suggested, 

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”⁴

1 – Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8.3

2 – Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6.16

3 – 1 John 2.16

4 – Colossians 3.12