Matthew 4:1-11 (#2)

Matthew 4:1-11, Submitted by Chris Barnes

As you read this passage, you find the devil at work in his attempts to get Jesus to fall or take a misstep. The devil is clever, using Jesus’ hunger to challenge him to perform a miracle to satisfy his hunger. Jesus uses his response as an opportunity to show the devil there is more to hunger than food alone. He reminds us the the words of God are more satisfying than bread alone. Bread will fill our stomachs but God will fill our spirit. It is important to remember that God has many things to share with us, and there is an importance to taking time to share with him in prayer and devotion. God will fill your spirit as the bread would fill your stomach.

In the devil’s second test, Jesus quotes the Scripture, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” This response brings us the very nature of testing God. What does it mean to put God to the test? How would one test the Maker of the universe? It seems simple to think of testing God in terms of sin. Remember that God has more grace and mercy than anyone can imagine. Putting God to the test to show his power is unnecessary, but he has already proven willingness to give his Son.

Finally the devil attempts to give Jesus the world, if he would only bow. How often does the temptation to have it all, bear the cost of serving a false god? Think in terms of money, possessions, and desires. How often do you see people losing their families over those things? Once you put something in front of God, everything else falls away. Take comfort in the fact that God is there for you and me. He is always willing to meet with you. You don’t need an appointment and don’t have to bring anything. Just take the time to worship God and look and the world he has given you.