Luke 4:1-13
Engage
Genealogy of Jesus: In the verses just prior to this story we are given a list of Jesus’ descendants. We must not mistake these lists for ancient versions of our modern day family trees. Instead these lists of kinship were as much about theology and politics as they were history.
Wilderness: The wilderness had great significance for the Jewish people. It is the story of the exodus and the journey through the wilderness that defines much of their faith. The wilderness was a place of testing (Deut 8:2) and blessing (Deut 2:7) where God reminded the people of all that he had done for them.
40: Numbers have always carried significance in the scriptures. The Israelites wandered for 40 years in the wilderness (Deut 8:2), Moses spent 40 days on mount Sinai (Deut 9:9) and Elijah journeyed for 40 days to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:-9). The list goes on6 and these references to the number 40 show us it is often connected to times of testing or trials.
Devil: The greek word translated here is διαβόλου (diabolou) which means the slanderer, accuser or the devil. This is the person of evil that stands against everything that is good in the world. Much could be written but there is not time or space to do the conversation justice.
Jerusalem: The capital of Israel. The city is one of the oldest in the world and has a chequered history. The city was captured by David (2 Sam 5:6-9) and made it the capital of the Israelite kingdom but the city is much older than this date. For Jews it is of importance because it is where the temple stood and so where God resides.
Genesis 3: When reading this passage on the temptations of Jesus we have to keep in mind the temptation of Adam and Eve. Both of these stories contain similarities and it helps to read one with the other in mind.
Inspire
Into the Wilderness
As we have already seen, the Jewish people had a deep connection to the wilderness and again Jesus’ tempting there links back to the events of the exodus. It was a place of testing and temptation for the Israelites and they often failed.
Jesus now enters the wilderness and here where so often Israel failed we see Jesus succeed. With each temptation he resists the lure of quick fixes and easy answers. He is obedient and holds firm to his Father in heaven.
Bread and Stones
Jesus had spent forty days in the wilderness and is hungry. It is unsurprising then that the first temptation is to meet this present need. Going hungry was a common complaint for the Israelites (Exo 16:3) and God Provided. Here though Jesus resists providing for himself and instead falls back on the words of scripture (Deut 8:3).
Jesus was capable of turning the stones into bread, if he were not, there would have been no temptation. He could have provided for himself but this would have been an act of his own will for his own needs. By stating his reliance on God for his needs he choose the path of faith and trust.
Buy Now Pay Later
The second temptation sees Jesus shown all the kingdoms of the world. This phrase would not have been lost on the original readers. Caesar was ruler of all the kingdoms of the world but here Luke gives that authority to the Devil. The devil in turn notes the authority had been given to him, so it is only his through God’s choosing.
Jesus is offered it all if he bows down and worships the devil. As before, this is about trust – does Jesus yield now for instant gain or claim his position as Son of God and all that is his? Again Jesus turns to the words of scripture to reject the offer (Deut 6:13).
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God Won’t Let You Suffer
The final temptation takes place in Jerusalem at the pinnacle of the temple where God’s presence resides. In this final attempt to de-rail Jesus from his mission he changes his tack.
Jesus had relied on scripture to ground his rejection of the devils advances. So, the devil uses scripture against him. He quotes Psalm 91 which is a Psalm of protection to tempt Jesus into putting God to the test.
What the accuser fails to realise is the Psalm only promises protection to those who dwell ‘in the shelter of the Most High’ (Ps 91:1) and to those who say ‘the Lord is my refuge…’ (Ps 91:9). Even more, there is a failure to recognise that it is through suffering and death that resurrection and redemption takes place.8
Reflect
The wilderness experience signifies times of testing and blessing for those who go through it. Can you remember a time where you have had a wilderness experience?
• How were you tested? Did you feel blessed by it?
Each of the temptations sought to challenge Jesus into putting his faith in something other than God. At first it was in his own power, then in the devil himself and finally to test God directly.
• When was the last time you were tempted by something? • Do you struggle to trust that God will provide for you?
• Have you ever tested God?
The devil uses scripture to challenge Jesus in the final temptation. Jesus in turn answers this challenge with scripture.
• Can scripture be mis-used?
Live
Embrace the Wilderness – If you find yourself having a difficult week or you have felt distant from God for a while, – stop. Know that this is for a time. You don’t have to have all the answers and it’s ok to ask questions. Spend time praying and asking God to reveal himself in new ways.
Resist – Lent is often a time when we give things up. Challenge yourself to fast something for the rest of lent or for another period of time.
Reliance – Jesus relied on his knowledge of the scripture to give voice to his trust in God. What is your favourite verse? If you haven’t got one why not seek one out. Write it down, carry it with you and let it encourage you. Allow it to give words to the faith you have.