"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil."
Matthew 4:1
Matthew 4:1
My Take Aways
Something Old:
Jesus was led/compelled into the wilderness so He could identify with me and my temptations. He proved to me that I could, through the power of the Holy Spirit, flee the devil and resist temptation.
We are going to be tempted.
We are going to be tempted again.
Something New:
I love how Jesus disciples' followed him. Each one told another and they were all compelled to follow Him. Compelled just like me, just like you.
driveth out- to command or cause one to depart in haste without the notion of violence; to lead one forth or away somewhere with a force which he cannot resist.
Something to Do:
Read these verses allow. Believe their truth.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Hebrews 4:15
James 1:14-15
1 Peter 1:6-8
26 Comments:
Good morning all,
Fall has come with a vengeance in Switzerland! It is a balmy 2C (36F) outside right now. I saw heather in the flower stalls over the weekend. I am tempted to replace what is currently in my flower containers with heather.
Wendy, thank you for your words this morning. One thing that struck me from the accounts of the temptation in the wilderness, was a phrase in Luke's account: (Luke 4:13) "When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came." In the NASB this is phased "an opportune time"... The Greek word for opportune time here is "kairo" and it means in part (Strong's):
a. a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for
b. opportune or seasonable time
c. the right time
Some commentators point to the "opportune time" as the time in the Garden of Gethsemane.
"The conflict foretold so precisely can be none other than Gethsemane. ‘This is your hour and the power of darkness,’ Jesus said at that very time (Luke 22:52); and a few moments before, he had said, ‘The prince of this world cometh’ (John 14:30)." (Dummelow)
It is important to note that Christ was not only tempted in these two occasions, but that this occasion was the "decisive battle". Coffman in his commentary says this:
"These three temptations in their basic appeal to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16), repeated the pattern of the temptation of the first Adam, and are, in essence, the sum of all temptations. By his magnificent triumph over Satan in this confrontation, Jesus made certain the final victory. When all the keys of a piano have been struck, the total capacity of the instrument is revealed; and when every note in the chromatic scale has been sounded, its total content is presented; and, in the same manner, when Satan tested Jesus in the three basic areas of temptation, his true character was fully revealed, with no necessity whatever for every conceivable instance of temptation to have been confronted by him. In testing a piano, there is no need to play every conceivable melody upon it; just strike all the keys; and, here, Satan struck all the keys of temptation." (cont.)
Another new for me was how many times Isaiah 40:3 is used to describe John. Mark describes him this way when he introduces John (Mark 1:3), Matthew describes him this way (Matt. 3:3), Luke describes him this way Luke 3:4), and John describes him this way (John 1:29). In John's gospel, John the Baptist self-describes his ministry using these words.
Matthew Henry makes several good points about this set of statements recorded in John 1: 19-28; but with respect to the statement from Isaiah, here are his main points:
[1.] He gives his answer in the words of scripture, to show that the scripture was fulfilled in him, and that his office was supported by a divine authority.
[2.] He gives in his answer in very humble, modest, self-denying expressions.
[3.] He gives such an account of himself as might be profitable to them, and might excite and awaken them to hearken to him; for he was the voice (see Isaiah 40:3), a voice to alarm, an articulate voice to instruct. Ministers are but the voice, the vehicle, by which God is pleased to communicate his mind. What are Paul and Apollos but messengers? Observe, First, He was a human voice. The people were prepared to receive the law by the voice of thunders, and a trumpet exceedingly loud, such as made them tremble; but they were prepared for the gospel by the voice of a man like ourselves...
Lastly, a brief "wedding at Cana" thought; When Mary noticed the situation with the wine, she immediately goes to her son and says “they have no more wine" ... Why did she do that? Jesus' miracle of the wine was the first public revelation of His glory. Did he perhaps as a boy show to his family some of His glory? Did Mary have a different expectation of how Jesus would handle the lack of wine? Did He surprise her too? I think not because she tells the servants to "do whatever he tells you". This indicates to me that she knew He could provide the wine... How did she foreknow that?
Lots to ponder today.
Have a wonderful fall day wherever you are!
Karen, Basel
Good morning, GIGs,
I new day, a new week, a new chance to do it the Lord's way. Thank you, Almighty Father, for your faithfulness.
My nugget today was the final line of the reading, John 2:25 But Jesus didn't trust them because He knew human nature. No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like. His faithfulness to us is all the more amazing because of this. Amazing grace is what he gives us! And oh, the peace, when we allow his generous grace into our lives.
GIGs, I may have found a church home. I worshiped at a Methodist church one town over yesterday. From beginning to end, the experience was everything I hoped it would be, and left me with a blessed peacefulness with which to head out and face the world today. I am definitely going again next Sunday.
Have a blessed, 4:8 day, all.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
My verse for today was the last line. John 1:51. "Then he said, I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the One who is THE STAIRWAY between heaven and earth."
I saw a children's sermon once that made this a visual. A ladder was used, and on each rung a child was to put something that represented good works that people could do to climb the ladder to heaven. A can of soup to feed the hungry; an offering plate; a paper heart representing loving others; a piece of clothing; etc...then it was discussed how high is the ladder to heaven? Could we ever possibly do enough good things to get there? NEVER! That is why Jesus is the do-er..He came down all the way from heaven so that we, who believe He did this for us can go up the ladder with Him to heaven.
Sometimes the children's sermon is the best part of the church service!
Amen, and amen.
Morgen
Wendy, Karen, and Michelle, I’ve eaten up your posts today! (Michelle, excited for you and your new church!) Karen, I want to go back and check out everything you wrote, it is intriguing to me today, and Wendy, I hope to re-listen to your teaching, which spoke to my heart! I, too was drawn to the fact that Jesus never did sin, not even once!
Oh, girls to abide in Christ, to be filled to the brim with His Holy Spirit – walking in victory, - it’s the only way to remain sinless. Like Wendy said, we do have the power within us to do this! Today we see a perfect man, Jesus – modeling to us, the way he steered himself of sin. What a role-model He was as he came down to earth to teach those around him. Satan in all his power could not cause him to sin; not one single time – if he had, even just once, he would have opened himself up to sin again. How many times are we tricked by Satan – to just make that one exception? Which invariably turns into just one more time, etc.
We see first hand what a trickster the devil is! He is no fool, he knows exactly what he’s after, and today, he’s still out in full force looming the world, waiting to pounce at the perfect opportune time. Today, we read the variety of endless tactics used as Satin tried to get Jesus to sin:
(1) Appealing to the flesh of Jesus – as he tried to trick him into eating, [verse 3]
(2) Appealed to his pride, [verse 6] and
(3) even through an easy way- a way out where Jesus would not have to suffer on the cross –but still be able to rule the earth, - the Devil “showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. I will give it all to you” [Matthew 4:8].
Today I see how God’s Word is even more precious! Girls’ it is a tool we have – a power within us to resist the enemy! It is our offensive weapon – the more we read it, the more it WILL be apart of us – down to our core, the marrow of our bones! The devil is not going to stop attacking us – it is just part of his day. But, we have the indwelling Spirit, and God’s Word – we can and must force him to flee!
God’s Word – I love it - it remains living – full of life! Thank you dear Lord for your precious Word. Bring it alive to each one of us today as we read it and spend time with You. Allow it to guide us and point us in accordance to your perfect will for our day.
Love you dear sisters! Lori
PS Morgen, just read your post – I too was pondering over the verse you mentioned. I love the picture in our mind of Jesus with us here on earth, and with our Father, up in heaven - interceding on our behalf to God.
Karen: I thought exactly the same thing about the Wedding in Cana. Mary MUST have known, had seen, what her Son could do or she would likely never have suggested to Him that they had no wine. Imagine the things that are NOT captured in the Holy Bible! Maybe we will get to know all of that when we go to heaven.
PS Lord, thank you for your angels going up and down the stairway (John 1:51) on our behalf!
"For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go" (Psalm 91:11).
Enjoy His presence today! Lori
Good morning FIGs,
Wonderful, rich teaching this morning, Wendy - as always..thank you! Thank you Lord, for your Words of Life! There is so much power in The Word, which we know from reading John 1 that Word is Jesus Himself and the written Word of God.
It is so difficult to be obedient to God in our own strength. We simply can't do it apart from Him. I am walking a difficult path right now of obedience to God and not seeing things get any easier as I continue to do what God is calling me to do...it's so tempting at times to just "take the easy way out", give into my flesh which at times so desperately wants to stop doing what's hard (the right thing which God is calling me to do), and just do what's easy.
Oh, but I will not give in to that temptation. I am more resolved than ever after today's reading to abide in Him, knowing that through Jesus I have victory!
Remember these beautiful words today dear friends from Jesus...
I love this verse in the amplified Bible:
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]"
Thank you Jesus, for depriving this world of the power to harm us, and for conquering it all for us! Through You we can do all things - we can withstand any temptation, overcome any obstacle, persevere through any trial!
Amen!
Michelle - great news that you have found a church home! Thank you, Father God for leading Michelle to a place of worship where she can grow closer to You and the body of Christ.
Blessed Morning!
Yes Wendy, through tears of joy, I remember that morning of June 28th, being “driven” by the Spirit to tell my husband that we needed to find our son. So rare but powerful is this kind of urge! We HAD to go— I could not have suppressed it. I was practically being ushered out of town. There was nothing more important-- my mind was singly fixed on this one and only task. I was compelled to drop everything, leave work immediately, and travel to his city to find him.
It was this powerful Spirit that began the motions that day, to create a new transformation and a new life for Michael! Now, seeing the work that has been done in the last 90 days, I just praise and thank God for His power! The enemy tries to tempt me into thinking this is just temporary and that he will ultimately fail. But I can witness by the preparations that were laid through everyone’s dedicated prayers, and the chain of events that followed, that only the Almighty could have orchestrated this change! I had to go upstairs this morning and share this truth with Michael, and when we talked, he said he agrees and also sees the Spirit working in his life now. I am filled with inexpressible and glorious joy!
I am just so thankful that the Spirit’s power is here for me, to assist me in times of trial and to urge me in the ways that God wants me to work for Him.
Thank you Wendy for helping me to daily incorporate God’s Word in my life! Thank you friends for your continuing prayers!
Michelle, peace be with you as you find your new church "home," and also in coping with any trials as you begin this school week. I am praying for Denise.
Blessings and prayers for all,
Jacque
Girls’ just gotta pop back in to share one more thing:
When the enemy was testing Jesus, did ya notice how he actually used a SCRIPTURE? “so that you wont’ even hurt your foot on a stone” (Matt.4:6). Certainly, he is something else, isn’t he?!!!
How sneaky is this? To try to attempt Jesus, he actually appeared religious by using the scripture, “so that you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone” (Psalms 91:11,12). I’m telling you, he will do whatever he can to win us over, and get us to sin! What do we do? Abide in Him. Praise Him. Thank Him. All day long.
I absolutely love the idea of Jesus disciples’ following him – they were compelled to do this. Like you said, Wendy – us too! I had to re read this again to get it! I am compelled to follow Jesus, too! I can’t help it, the Spirit in me is compelling me to stick to him like glue! And, I love it! smile. I want to be His disciple, following after his own heart!
Girls’ the reading today is alive! Loving the N.T.
Lori
Karen,
Excellent post, sister! Thank you for pointing out the connection between the temptation in the wilderness and the one in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Michelle,
Praise the Lord for a home church! Yay!!!!
Lori,
I also noted that the devil uses scriptures. He knows them (Psalm 91 even, one of my favorites)! What does that say about us? If we know the scriptures and do not follow what it says, then we are just like satan himself. Eeek!
Also, notice how satan offered the kingdom of the world to Jesus? It proves that right now, this world we live in is under the enemy's control. Oh, for that day when Jesus finally returns to claim the Deed for the earth (Rev).
The last one was John 2:5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” These are the last recorded words of Mary in the bible. It would help us tremendously if we listen what Mary says: Do what Jesus tells you. Just Jesus.
Okay, this is really the last one: I love that Jesus' first miracle is at a wedding. It means He values marriage and the family. That gives me great comfort.
Lots of treasures today, GIGs!
Lori, if you could bottle and sell your enthusiasm,Dave could retire, ha ha ha!
G&P, awesome point about the first miracle being at a wedding. I love that!
Jodi, hang in there. My spiritual mentor, who has been living a new life in Christ for over 10 years, and I were discussing just yesterday how very hard it can be to be obedient. But once we know that's the way to go, hard as it is, could we ever go back?
Jacque, I'll pray BIG prayers today that satan DOES NOT mess with Michael and his progress.
Michelle in New England
I feel that I haven't "given the devil his due" for far too long, I often ignore him and the power he actually has in the world in which we live - both in this age and throughout the ages. In Luke 4:5 I was stunned (even though I've read it countless times) to realize that the devil, "revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time." In a moment of time! He had the power to reveal all the kingdoms of the entire world in a moment! Those few words truly made me wake up and pay attention. I've always known and believed that the devil is real and has power, but I have never truly realized what power he truly has in this earthly realm. In fact the ability to do that sounds like something that only Christ would be able to do. I know that he has been allowed to use his power until he is bound, but we are assured that he cannot tempt us more than we are able to overcome if Christ truly lives in us. I praise God and Jesus my Saviour, because the Holy Spirit given to me through the blood of Christ, and that alone, empowers me to resist the unearthly powers of the devil. He is much stronger than I am and my will, but he is no match for Christ who LIVES IN ME!
I saw so many new things that I had never noticed before too, Wendy! Amazing!Thank you for this great teaching today.
G&P--I thought about how the devil used Scripture as well. This means that we truly need to be in the Word and KNOW His Word! Satan can twist words and phrases to suit him. And, it we don't know the Truth....it's difficult to be obedient! I want to share this with my kids to encourage them to read His Word each day--which does not always happen.
Hugs!
Susan
Make it a Happy Monday All!!
The Wedding at Cana….John 2:1-11
Wendy was like you….Lots of Great News…so I will focus on the The Wedding at Cana….I always knew this was the first miracle Jesus performed…but the meaning today as I read the commentary from my husbands: Workbook for Lectors, Gospel Readers, and Proclaimers of the Word. Brought much more understanding.
Lots of “Good News” from you all….While the New Testament contains four writings called “gospels,” there is in reality only one gospel running through all of the Christian scriptures, the gospel of and about Jesus Christ. Our English word “gospel” translates the Greek term Euangelion, meaning “good news.” This noun was used in the plural by the Greek translators of the Old Testament to render the Hebrew term for “good news” (2 Sm 4:10; possibly also 18, 22. 25). But it is the corresponding verb euangelizomai, “to proclaim good news,” that was especially significant in preparing for the New Testament idea of “gospel,” since this term is used by Deutero-Isaiah for announcing the great victory of God that was to establish his universal kingship and inaugurate the new age (Is 40:9; 52:7; 61:1).
The Commentary for The Wedding at Cana:
The revelation of Christ to the world continues in this Gospel reading. Just as he was disclosed to the Magi under a shimmering star, and a voice from heaven named him the “beloved” at his Baptism, so today the transformation of water into wine reveals the initiation of Jesus’ sacred mission of manifesting the kingdom of God.
This story comes from the Gospel according to John. It is a poignant and engaging narrative, but also full of theological meaning on the symbolic level. Like the rest of John’s account, the Cana story is layered with levels of meaning we don’t find in the other evangelists. Water for Old Testament ceremonial washings changes into superabundant wine, symbolizing the dawn of the messianic age, and even prefiguring Christ’s Passion. As here water is changed to wine, wine will eventually change to blood, the new means of purification. So in a sense, Calvary starts at Cana. When Jesus tells Mary his “hour” has not yet come, he uses a word that in John always refers to his Passion. The miracle at Cana is the first of the “signs” that manifests Jesus’ glory, but it only fore-shadows the greatest of the signs that manifest his glory: his death on the cross.
The oral reading of a story can’t communicate all those theological layers. Substrata of theology are the stuff of homilies, not readings, As proclaimed, what you can do is highlight the words, phrases, and images that point to John’s deeper meaning: “My hour has not yet come,” “Jewish ceremonial washing,” “brim,” “revealed his glory,” disciples began to believe in him.” In John, washings, abundance, transformation, glory, and the response of faith all point to the hour that is yet to come. Now the clock has started ticking.
Side notes: “Do whatever he tells you” signals that Mary somehow heard a “yes” in Jesus voice.
Jacque…God Bless you…the wedding cake…the grandchildren…your daughters headache…Michael …….Peace to you today.
Jodi NE…I will be praying for you extra…extra hard those two special gifts of yours Luke and Charlie also for your husband. I like how you are keeping positive. You will reap a harvest if you do not give up!!
Jesus, Purify Me/Us,
Rhonda
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Jennifer Renee...We are missing YOU!!! ((((HUGS)))) for you if your are in need of one.
Rhonda, thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement. Also, thanks for sharing the commentary on the wedding at Cana - such deep symbolism there that I had never thought about!
Michelle, you are so right...obedience to Him, though it is often difficult, it's always worth it and always brings forth something good in His time. Thank you for your encouragement, sisters!
Jodi...My guys didn't have school today...schedule somewhat off balance...Did manage to give them haircuts. Anyway where am I going with all of this. Right now they both headed up to school for there sporting event practices. So to rejunivate me I like to visit this 3-minute retreat. Through it you were on my mind. Be Blessed. Go give yourself a little 3 minute retreat. the title (Making Hard Decisions. It's at http://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer.htm
Rest in the loving presence of God.
Rhonda
Thank you Wendy for your encouraging message.
As I was reading today in the NT i was reminded of how powerful the HolySPirit's prompting is. How God always makes a way for us to escape from temptation and being close to Him and his word allows us to see things from a different perspective.
In spite of being tempted so much we have our Jesus that understands what we are going through.
Thank you Lord, Hallelujah!
Happy MOnday gigis, eventhough I don't get to blog so much I am always enc by all of your comments.
Good night!
Paola from Long Island, NY
Thank you Wendy for your encouraging message.
As I was reading today in the NT i was reminded of how powerful the HolySPirit's prompting is. How God always makes a way for us to escape from temptation and being close to Him and his word allows us to see things from a different perspective.
In spite of being tempted so much we have our Jesus that understands what we are going through.
Thank you Lord, Hallelujah!
Happy MOnday gigis, eventhough I don't get to blog so much I am always enc by all of your comments.
Good night!
Paola from Long Island, NY
Wendy, praying for you my sweet friend. You are not the only one who is walking temptations road. You really caught my attention with the thought of the evil one looking and waiting for that "next opportunity". He's watching for a favorable combination of circumstances, when our resistance is down and we are weary, or our desires great and we forget to count the cost. Sometimes we make it just too easy to justify.
John 1: 26 said, "...right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize." I wonder how often I've failed to recognize the Lord's presence with me.
Lord, make me very aware of Your abiding presence,
Joy
Hoping this will post from my phone...in an ambulance right now with Claire. She had a really bad seizure after preschool today and needed intubated. We are being transferred to childrens hospital. I NEED YOU ALL TO PRAY like crazy! I need to feel His arms around us right now because I am trying to go in the strenght and courage I know He gives,BUT oh my Jesus this is hard stuff! I know He has her,I know He has us. Thank you all for what I know your prayers will do and please pass this request along. Love, Tina
Hoping this will post from my phone...in an ambulance right now with Claire. She had a really bad seizure after preschool today and needed intubated. We are being transferred to childrens hospital. I NEED YOU ALL TO PRAY like crazy! I need to feel His arms around us right now because I am trying to go in the strenght and courage I know He gives,BUT oh my Jesus this is hard stuff! I know He has her,I know He has us. Thank you all for what I know your prayers will do and please pass this request along. Love, Tina
Father, please be with Tina and baby Claire right now. They are scared and confused. Please Jesus be there for them. Be their strength, be their peace, be their comfort. In the buzz of that Children's Hospital, lead them to the right doctor who can help them. Please cast out any fear Tina or Claire may be having at this moment. We thank you that we can call on You at any moment and You hear our cries. You never slumber nor sleep. Thank You, Father for the work You are doing in their lives. May they glorify You, Father. In Jesus' precious name we pray. AMEN.
(((HUGS)))))
Wendy,
Thank you for yesterdays post (I'm a day behind) The reminder that the "same power that raised Jesus from the dead" is alive and active in me, refreshed my weary soul. Its there to compel me to move, to work, to share, and to run from temptation.
Looking forward to todays nuggets of truth.
Love you,
Susan
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