August 12, 2024

Matthew 4.1–11 (NIV)

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. . . . Then the devil left him, and the angels came and attended him. (Please read the entire passage in your Bible before proceeding.)

Temptation is a tough business. It is managed by a real pro.*

This passage of scripture raises more questions in my mind than it answers. If the Spirit led Jesus to be tempted, does he also lead us into the desert of temptation? How was it that Jesus was hungry after he fasted? How did the devil transport Jesus from one vantage point to another? 

While these questions remain unanswered for me, what is clear is Jesus’ method of resisting temptation: He quoted scripture. In his case, the Old Testament provided a shield for every scenario presented by Satan.

Memorizing Bible verses is a forgotten discipline (no pun intended!). As a kid at camp, I learned Bible verses for points – in the King James Version no less. Some might question the validity of the motivation but more than 50 years later I still remember a lot of those verses. If I don’t remember them word-for-word, I at least have a grasp on their meaning and a clue as to where to find them in the Bible. It comes in handy when trying to prove a point or offer words of comfort. Or, as Jesus demonstrated, to resist the temptation to sin.

Are you susceptible to a particular sin? Arm yourself with the Word. Find a few verses that speak directly to you about your weakness and how to overcome it. Memorizing used to be called, “learning by heart.” With the Word of God tattooed on your heart, you invoke the power of the Holy Spirit and equip yourself to resist the devil.

God never intended for us to sit helplessly and take Satan’s attacks.*