Matthew 4:1-11
After fasting for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness, Jesus was hungry, weak, tired, vulnerable, and alone. The tempter (the Evil One) came to Him three times with lofty temptations, and three times Jesus responds with God’s Word by saying “For it is written...”. After this, the devil left Him and the angels came to take care of Him.
Jesus resisted and did not give in to the temptations. Instead, Jesus gave in to — and trusted in — God’s faithfulness, love, and promises. When we are hurt, alone, isolated, forgotten, and drowning in our weaknesses and failures, God wants us to be reminded of His abounding and unconditional love for us. Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
Let us surrender and humble ourselves to God. If we resist the devil’s temptations, he will flee from us (James 4:7). Temptation entices and deceives us to please and gratify our selfish desires. However, as we purpose in our hearts to resist and flee from temptation, we are pleasing and honoring God.
When we fast from food, from our favorite activity, or our electronic devices, our natural urges are to break the fast to gratify our fleshly yearnings. Instead, we ought to draw near to God, still our hearts, quiet our minds, and focus our eyes on Jesus, His Word, and His Spirit. Therefore, say “NO” to temptation and say “YES” to Jesus who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
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