February 24, 2021

IF...

Matthew 4:1-11

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:

‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’

and,

‘In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ”

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Personal Challenge

When Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River there occurred a very significant event. The Trinity of God was magnificently revealed to all present. Even God spoke letting every one know that Jesus was His beloved Son. This event was immediately followed by Jesus going out into the wilderness for forty days and nights preparing for His upcoming life of ministry. After fasting for these days He was confronted by Satan with three very tempting if's. Satisfy your hunger. Glorify your health. Claim the leadership of the world. Three Temptations that every person is faced with at one time or another in their life. Jesus, as a human being, was able to say "No" to these Temptations by knowing the word of God. We too can do this. Glory be to God!