Luke 4:1-13

content/bible_journal/luke_4:1-13.md

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+title = "Luke 4:1–13"
+date = "2022-10-29"
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+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk4.1-13)
+
+After being baptized by John at the Jordan River, Jesus is led by the Holy
+Spirit to the wilderness to fast and be tempted by the devil. This is an
+important event in redemptive history, because Jesus needed to remain a sinless
+sacrifice in order to justify sinners, but if He did not experience the
+temptation to sin He would not be the "high priest who is able to sympathize
+with our weaknesses" (_Heb 4:15_).
+
+The specific temptations that Jesus endured in this passage are also important.
+In each case, Satan is offering Jesus something He already deserves, or has a
+right to. The sinfulness of these temptations isn't the offered things in
+themselves, but in the timing, the method of aquiring them, and the motives of
+Jesus's heart if He accepted them.
+
+Jesus had the power and authority to change stones into bread. But it was time
+for Him to fast on this day, and until His death it was not time for Him to
+exercise His divine rights as Creator. All of His glory was set aside for the
+moment.
+
+Jesus has authority over all the nations and will one day receive their glory
+and worship. At that time, Satan even had the right to offer them because
+humanity came under his control when Adam sinned, but he did not deserve
+Jesus's worship at all.
+
+Satan accurately quoted Scripture when tempting Jesus to jump off the roof of
+the temple, but he twists the intent of the passages. In Matthew's account,
+there are indeed angels that come to serve and aid Jesus after these
+temptations are over. Yet that's not a reason to take them for granted and
+behave foolishly.
+
+In each case, Jesus quoted Scripture (each time from Deuteronomy) to rebuke the
+devil, bringing God's truth to mind and remembering that what He wanted in his
+flesh was less important than being obedient.
+
+* * *
+
+Help us remember the truth You have given to us when we are tempted so that we
+may act rightly.