Read: Luke 4:1-13
Without tests, we wouldn’t know if we’ve learned something or if we’re ready to move onto the next level in various areas in life. Jesus took a test right after a major spiritual milestone, prior to starting his work in ministry. Fresh out of the waters of baptism, He was harassed by his enemy for 40 days. Multiple lessons can be learned from each test that Jesus passed with flying colors. We’ll dive into one from each.
A TEST OF PRIDE
This enemy started off by challenging Jesus, testing his pride by saying, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Basically, “why are you struggling like this if you’re the Son of God? Get what you need. Take care of your own needs.” This temptation was a set up, and it’s the same set up that we can find ourselves in as well. Perhaps where God has you doesn’t match with what you expected it would be like and the thought that can come up is, ‘this is beneath me so let me take control and change this’. Jesus could have easily fallen into this trap, especially because he was in a very vulnerable state of hunger. However, Jesus passed that test with flying colors by referencing what he knows about his situation.
“It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone.” Luke 4:4 “…but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4
A TEST OF INTEGRITY
Jesus was presented with the chance to gain the grandiosity of the world and to acquire it with ease–no hardship involved. But to do this, Jesus would have to forfeit the very purpose that he came to earth for, which involved a very challenging sacrifice. Jesus knew this moment was a set up as well, and he had a rebuttal at the ready. Jesus was committed to his purpose.
When we’re given an opportunity that looks attractive but doesn’t line up with our purpose, it’s a red flag of potential danger. The too good to be true scenarios can also be too good to be good. Though it may be difficult to pass up, we already know the right answer for that test.
“It is written: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” Luke 4:8
A TEST OF FAITH
The final test presented Jesus with a dare to call onto His Father’s power but, disrespectfully, challenging God’s faithfulness.
“The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”” Luke 4:9-11
Have you ever played the game of trust where you turn around and willfully fall back, testing your partner’s ability to catch you? Imagine doing that off of the highest mountain and saying to God, ‘prove to me that I can trust you–catch me!’ Aside from this being disrespectful which is a whole other lesson, it shows a lack of faith.
Take a look at Psalm 78:18-20 to see how this previously played out.
“They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved. They spoke against God; they said, “Can God really spread a table in the wilderness? True, he struck the rock, and water gushed out, streams flowed abundantly, but can he also give us bread? Can he supply meat for his people?”” Psalm 78:18-20
Do we know of God’s goodness but still question if he’s going to show up–if he’ll continue to be good? This is a test of faith in God’s faithfulness to his character, his promises, and his children. However, no matter how unfaithful we get, God will always be faithful to his Word. “if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13 When you question if God will show up for you, use Jesus’ confident rebuttal.
“It is said: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Luke 4:12
Jesus could have called onto his Father and had Satan smote from his presence from the very first test, but he didn’t. He could have called on 12 legions of angels (that’s 72,000 angels), but he didn’t. Jesus proved to us that there is more than enough power in the Word of God to make Satan leave you and stop taunting you with destructive temptations. Jesus used the Word to fight back. How much more should we use the Word to pass our tests?
Practical: Name the tests that you’re facing right now. Find a scripture for each one as a rebuttal, a come back–just like Jesus did, so you too can pass with flying colors.
Rise and Shine Bright.