By His Wounds We Are Healed – The Temptation of Christ takes us to the gospel lesson appointed for the First Sunday in Lent. Jesus was tempted at once according to the Gospel of Mark. Jesus wasted no time in going toe to toe with the devil.
Hunger
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
I have never skipped a whole day without eating. Maybe a meal here or there if life gets busy. I can’t imagine what FORTY days would feel like. There are actually painful hunger contractions that happen when you don’t eat. Jesus – being true man in every way – was hungry.
If you are…
The temptation might be a little curious at first – If you are the Son of God? The devil does this in the next temptation too. What do you mean “If” – of course I am. Let’s turn it on you – if you are a child of God. Why are you struggling? You are a child of the King, and yet you are living pay check to pay check? If you are child of the king, shouldn’t life be different? Shouldn’t life be better? Can you hear the lie yet? Our let’s go to the court. I’ve heard well meaning – completely wrong Christians say – victory goes to the righteous.
This lie is one that fall under the umbrella of the theology of glory – prosperity theology. God wants me to be happy and successful – so if I’m not, there must be something wrong with God. Maybe God doesn’t love me. That’s a bold face lie. This is the same lie that got Adam and Eve! God is holding out on you. Take the fruit, come on, just a little taste – then you’ll know! Good and evil – wouldn’t that be great. Um, no – that’s terrible.
Answer With The Truth
It’s tempting you to doubt the goodness of your God. Jesus’ answers the father of lies with the truth. 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Did you know that one of Jesus’ favorite places to go is Deuteronomy? You know one of those boring old books. All of God’s word is useful for teaching, rebuking, and training in righteousness. Jesus shows complete trust I his Father’s will. Not all the bread in the world would keep Jesus alive if his Father didn’t want him to live.
Want to hear more? Watch this week’s study of Matthew 4. By His Wounds We Are Healed – The Temptation of Christ.