The temptation of Jesus Part 2

"If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."  

                                       Matthew 4:3  NKJV

One can almost hear the taunting and arrogance in how Satan speaks to Jesus. He was actually questioning the provision of God to take care of Jesus while He was undergoing this time in the desert. The desert can be an incredibly hot place during the daytime and practically freezing in the nights. Jesus would have been hot one moment, cold the next and suffering tremendous hunger pains. We don't know everything that was said that day but, we can imagine that the devil was taunting Jesus with such things as, 'I thought God loved You; you're kidding yourself. He doesn't care at all, otherwise He would have fed you, at least.'

To fast is to give up your comforts, such as eating, to fulfil something more important at the time. This is a special time with God, one in which prayer and fellowship is shared with Him. The effort of doing this, shows God that we are determined.

Just look how callous the devil can be with us, 'If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.' Sometimes, some larger stones can look very much like a small loaf, especially when you are in the state that Jesus was. It shows us how difficult it had been for Jesus in His humanity by what verse 11 tells us 'Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.' Note the plural.

Just look at Jesus' reply 'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' v4. 

Note how evil the devil can be. He knew Jesus was suffering severe hunger pain and took advantage of His condition by taunting Him in this weak condition. This is what he does to you and I. He is constantly watching us to see if we will give him a way in through the hedge of protection that we should have around us (Ps 91). And if he can find away in, he'll come and tempt us with all sorts of things that he knows we need or crave for. He will make it so easy to take part in things that we know are wrong but at the time, seem quite pleasurable. Be very careful and do what Jesus did. He challenged Satan with God's Word. This is our weapon that the devil does not like. v4 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

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