Snake on a Pole

The Savior’s Weapon Here’s some Bible trivia for you… other than Psalms, Deuteronomy is the most quoted Old Testament book by Jesus. In fact, in the famous scene when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness (Matthew 4), Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy each time. In the first of three temptations, the devil tempts Jesus to turn stones into loaves of bread. Jesus had just fasted 40 days and nights so it must have been quite the temptation. But Jesus resists in v. 4 by saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” It’s a quote from Deuteronomy 8:3. What’s interesting is that the verse before in Deuteronomy talks about God faithfully leading the people 40 years in the wilderness. It’s not a coincidence that Jesus was faithfully lead in the wilderness 40 days before this temptation. Jesus is saying that God will provide all His needs and that He didn’t need to trust in anyone else.

In the second temptation, the devil tempts Jesus to jump from the temple and let the angels catch Him. This would have shown how special Jesus was. But in vs. 7 of Matthew 4, Jesus resisted by reminding the devil, from Deuteronomy 6:16, that “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” Jesus is saying that we don’t test God’s love or plan for us, we trust it and live in obedience. In the third temptation, the devil tempts Jesus by offering the kingdoms of the world if He would just bow and worship Satan. And in v. 10 of Matthew 4, He quotes Deuteronomy 6:13 by saying, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” The Deuteronomy passage is in a chapter where Moses reminds the people that all they have comes from God. The devil tried to offer Jesus everything, but Jesus knew, it’s the Father who really provides all things. The devil offers a cheap imitations of the real thing.

Jesus gives us an incredible example of understanding the significance of the Old Testament and how the teachings still have impact for us today. Jesus found His strength in the truths of Scripture. And it’s no different for us today. Let’s learn from His example and draw strength from Scripture and from the Savior. Hebrews 4:12, 15-16 says it best…

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart… For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

• How is it an encouragement to know that Jesus also faced the powerful temptations that Satan throws our way?
• Which of the three temptations do you most identify with? What response does God want from you in light of it?
• Will you memorize some verses dealing with your temptations this week? Will you take your weaknesses to the Savior in prayer?