After Jesus is baptized by John at the Jordan River, he is led by the Spirit into the wilderness. At the end of forty days of praying and fasting, the Messiah was then tempted by the Enemy.
There are three temptations that we read which he offered to Jesus: turning the stones to bread [lust of the flesh], his (Satan's) authority over the world [lust of the eyes], and defying God's will [pride of life]. In response to each, Jesus quotes scripture; and the Enemy departs.
[Though I am by no means proud to say this...] I've often regarded this passage as fallacious;
of course He resisted and was victorious -- He's GOD.
How on earth am I supposed to relate to that?
On Sunday, October 31st. that all changed. A floodgate of light was opened that gave me complete understanding. And it was so simple.
In order for temptation to be a temptation it has to be a temptation
Pastor Eric gave a simple analogy: at the grocery store, he has...
never been tempted to over indulge on asparagus.... but it is temptation to walk down the icecream aisle... indulge, be a glutton.
Because [Christ] was human there was an aspect of these temptations that looked good to him, where it got his attention.
Wow. Why didn't anyone ever just tell that to me before?
Now I can truly agree that Christ is not only a "model to follow.... [but] a Savior to rely upon."
Yes, He was 100% deity... but [and O! what a glorious mystery it is] 100% human.
Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid to those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18 4:14-16
I shouldn't undermine the Word of God.
Resist the devil and he will flee from you
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