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Jesus the Perfect Example: Avoiding Temptation
11 Comments | Posted by Jeff Mercadel in Matthew, New Testament
I think we can all agree that we have been tempted before and have given in to it at times. Why is that? Why is it that sometimes we do really well in fighting temptation and sometimes we give in so quickly? How about this: 1 Jn.2:6 says Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did. Thats easier said than done right? When Jesus was temted what did He do? How did He respond? Lets look into it.
In the reading of Matt. 4 we see Jesus being tempted by the devil three times and in three different areas. Satan, knowing that Jesus had just fasted forty days and forty nights approaches Jesus and says: “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” Jesus’ flesh would be the first attempt and the first area of temptation. Satan then tempts Jesus with the pride of life, when he tries to persuade Jesus to throw himself down from the pinnacle of the temple and says the angels will save Him. Satan then shows(temptation on the eyes) and tells Jesus, he will give him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory if Jesus worships him.
We now have the three times and areas Jesus was tempted, the flesh, the eyes and the pride of life. Jesus’ response for all three attemps was the same. Jesus shows us the importance of knowing the word of God, proper interpretation of the word, and correct application of the word. For every attempt of Satan, Jesus perfectly held on to the word of God. We see that Satan attempts to use the words of scripture to tempt the Lord, but that attempt also folds. The word can never be used properly and tempt us to lust in the flesh, the eyes ,or the pride of life because 1Jn.2:16 tells us such things are not from the Father. This is the point; to only memorize scripture is not enough, we have to not only know it, but also interpret and apply the word correctly just as Christ did. If we allow the word to penetrate the deepest areas of our heart and mind we can come out victorious when we are tempted as well. Jesus is our perfect example in all things let us learn from Him in every situation. Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.
11 Comments for Jesus the Perfect Example: Avoiding Temptation
Christfollwr | January 4, 2010 at 10:15 am
Christopher | January 4, 2010 at 12:46 pm
This post is very encouraging! Going off of what you have already said, I have always found it interesting that Satan tried to tempt Jesus, in the second temptation used Scripture. Satan has the Scriptures memorized as well. If we are going to fight against the wiles of the devil we must know the true meaning of Scripture. Awesome point!
Author comment by Alan Knox | January 4, 2010 at 1:05 pm
As the author of Hebrews told us, because Jesus was tempted, he can empathize with our own temptation. Because he did not sin, he is a perfect high priest and perfect sacrifice.
I like the end of Matthew 4 also. We see Jesus teaching, proclaiming, and caring for people. So, Jesus was not only a perfect example of avoiding temptation, he’s also the perfect example of how we are to live – by teaching, proclaiming, and caring.
-Alan
Author comment by Jeff Mercadel | January 4, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Christopher: Amen!!!
Alan, excellent point on the end of Matthew 4.
Laura | January 4, 2010 at 1:59 pm
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Prov 4:23 esv
The heart-life connection is deep and direct: what we truly know and believe/trust–not merely what we think we know and trust–determines how we behave and feel.
How can we be sure we are knowing and trusting truth? Jeff speaks to this when he says, “This is the point; to only memorize scripture is not enough, we have to not only know it, but also interpret and apply the word correctly just as Christ did” and Alan adds an unpacking of “apply” by reminding us that following Jesus involves “teaching, proclaiming, and caring” like he did.
In the past six months or so, this idea of the heart-life connection has been impressed upon me more times than I can count. I have come to learn that changing my heart beliefs is not just difficult; it is impossible to do directly. I have also come to learn that this does not mean I can sit idly by and merely trust the Spirit to do his work. I must participate by fessing up when I see the disconnect, admitting my inability to change myself, immersing myself in God’s truth, and trusting the Spirit by acting on what I do know.
It’s a beginning…
Author comment by Javetta Mercadel | January 4, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Wow J! This is a very important topic to divulge. Even in one of His greatest times of physical weakness, Christ exuded self-control…I sometimes have a hard time when I’m at my physical best. But I think Christ fully understood God’s strength in His weakness; pray for me that I come to understand the same.
shelly | January 4, 2010 at 6:07 pm
good reading. be blessed
Steve Scott | January 4, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Jeff, good point about Jesus being tempted at his weakest moment. At 40 days’ fasting, it’s hardly something that we can even fathom.
Interesting question for all: Satan said, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus didn’t correct Satan. Q: how did Satan gain ownership of all the kingdoms? Doesn’t Psalm 24 make it clear that the Lord owns the earth? How can Satan make this claim?
It’s also interesting that God essentially repeated to Noah what he told Adam and Eve. There are a few additions, though. He also allowed all animals and plants as food (no dietary laws yet).
Hutch | January 5, 2010 at 6:45 am
Thanks Jeff-
Good lesson/devotional, I also particularly liked this: This is the point; to only memorize scripture is not enough, we have to not only know it, but also interpret and apply the word correctly just as Christ did. If we allow the word to penetrate the deepest areas of our heart and mind we can come out victorious when we are tempted as well. Jesus is our perfect example in all things let us learn from Him in every situation. Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.
Jeff & Javetta-
I like the point about self control, thank God for the internal motivation and divine enablement of the Holy Spirit as when we “walk in the Spirit” or are “led by the Spirit” we will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit part of which is self control.
Author comment by Lionel Woods | January 5, 2010 at 8:11 am
Alan,
There is a lot to talk about in your comment. Often times we see Jesus as God and forget that He was fully 100% man! His temptation is real, genuine and could have had real consequences, it wasn’t a sort of temptation but it was the same temptation as the first Adam, yet He did not sin!
Steve,
You bring up a good question. I think Satan had real authority to grant Jesus those kingdoms before He paid the price for His kingdom. Paul says he is the “god of this world”. Paul also calls him the prince of the power of the air. We have a real adversary who can still do a bit of damage.
Author comment by Javetta Mercadel | January 5, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Lionel and Steve-
Lionel, that’s a good answer to Steve’s question…and might I add that (in reference to Psalms 24) yes, the earth is the Lord’s because He is the Creator and the ultimate Governor of all its affairs…Yet I believe that because of sin, the creation (namely earth) was subjected to captivity and thereby is under temporary management and groans for freedom (See Romans 8:19-20). One day, God is going to restore it all and Satan will have no more control.
A very encouraging post, Jeff, it’s the first one that actually seems devotional instead of a lengthy, technical writing. Short and to the point it tells me to focus on using Gods word properly with others and apply it properly to my life. Thanks you for this reminder, i will focus on this truth today.