February 22

Enduring Temptation

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. — Matt 4:1 BSB

Notice the timing of this event. It happened immediately after the wonderful experience of Christ’s baptism. The heavens opened, the Spirit descended and rested on Him, and the Father’s voice was heard in approval. Yet, immediately afterward came the intense trial described here. Spiritual blessings do not shield us from fiery trials. In fact, Satan often comes with his strongest temptations just after we’ve experienced a season of spiritual blessing. When we leave the prayer closet, filled with the sweetness of communion with God, the devil is often waiting at the door with a temptation. It’s after we’ve been closest to God that Satan is most likely to attack. He is not as concerned with tempting lukewarm Christians as he is with those who are fervent in spirit.

An old writer noted, “While our Savior was in His father’s shop, meddling only with carpenter’s chips, the devil troubled Him not. But now that He is entering His public ministry, the tempter pierces His soul with many sorrows by tempting Him to sin.” The same is true for us. When we’re quietly going about our daily routine, Satan may leave us alone. But when we awaken to a new level of consecration and activity in God’s service, Satan attacks, trying to destroy us. This is why, during times of greatest spiritual growth, we must also be most watchful.

We also learn here that we should expect to face temptation in this life. Jesus grew stronger through His conflicts. His life was made perfect through suffering. He became more capable of sympathizing with us in our temptations because He was tempted in every way that we are. Temptation, when resisted, always brings new strength. Victorious struggles prepare us to help others in their battles.