The Temptation of Jesus

This morning we continue in our study through the gospel according to Matthew as we consider Matthew 4:1-11. Jesus is led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matthew shows us that Jesus is the sinless and faithful Israelite who is worthy of all of our trust and devotion. While Adam failed in the garden, the New Adam was faithful in the desert. While Israel failed to trust God in the wilderness, Jesus, the New Israel, had complete trust in God's provision.

Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. He was tempted in every respect as we are, yet was without sin. Jesus will fully and finally crush the head of the serpent when he returns and makes all things new. As we live in a world waiting for renewal, we seek to fix our eyes on Jesus as we overcome trials and temptations, and when we falter in them. We pray we would grow as humble and dependent people who are growing in our trust and appreciation of the grace of God.