Matthew 4:3 And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
WHAT DOES IT SAY?
First, let’s remember, this is a real event and that Jesus is both leading by example and giving us lesson and a warning as His disciple.
The tempter begins by asking “IF You are…” , tempting Jesus to question Himself, His position as the Son of God, and His authority.
The first test appears to be about the survival of Jesus’ physical body. However, it is really about “who has the authority” and this temptation reaches past the body into the mind and soul and spirit.
We will now see if Jesus is worthy and will pass this test.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Secondly, let’s remember that Satan is a liar and has always been crafty with his lies. Such was the case with Eve in the garden of Eden when he said, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’” The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die!”
But, they did die, in unfathomable ways – and all of mankind still suffers under that curse of the devil.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?
Satan has been given access to the Son of God and is casting doubt, tempting and daring Jesus to misuse His authority by commanding stones to become bread.
Next, let’s remember, John 1:12 tells us that “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,” and that we, too, as the children of God, will be tested.
In the most difficult of times, Satan will agree, in part, with the Word of God, then create doubt to tempt and dare you to put misuse the authority God has granted you so will put God to the test.
It is not within the authority which God has granted us to demand nor to command anything. “For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13
Finally, let’s remember that we are His servants, surrendered to His Will and His Ways, only and always. Anything more or anything less, is separation from God, which is a dangerous and deadly place to find yourself.
Temptations are coming, and like Jesus, we will be tested to see if we pass this test.
Know His Words. They are the way to life.
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land
He hideth my life in the depths of his love
And covers me there with his hand – The Cleft of the Rock
I pray that God cover us, protect us and strengthen us.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
The Next Teaching from Matthew 4:4
It Is Written
Whitestone Fellowship 