Faithful on Fridays Blog

Part Five

Last week we arrived at a cliff-hanger with the conflict of Jesus and Satan and why the story is recorded but it doesn’t end there; we need a resolution. How does the story end? I know it’s not a ‘w’ word but it’s valuable nonetheless. The falling action from the top of the cliff (climax) tells us how it all worked out; the problem was resolved and we wrap up the story.

Matthew wrote the devil simply ‘left Him’ with angels arriving to minister to His physical needs, however, Luke adds the ‘devil ended every temptation until the next opportunity came (NLT).’ If we simply stopped there we would’ve gained more understanding of the story but keep reading: there’s more to the resolution.

All three synoptic gospels (telling the same story) launch the reader into Jesus’ public ministry. He began to preach, teach, heal, and deliver people from demons. Mark (at Peter’s direction) wrote that Jesus began to proclaim gospel of the Kingdom of God including two directions: repent and believe. That’s good news and it’s not complicated. 

Luke adds that Jesus ‘returned in the power of the Spirit’ with His Word providing evidence of His astonishing authority and power by those messages that changed lives, healed physical needs, and delivered people from demonic oppression. Now there’s the resolution; He’s the same today, with the same power and authority, but now He’s imparted it to believers.

What did you learn from this story; what’s your ‘take home’ that can change your life as well? First of all, if Satan tempted Jesus then he’ll tempt you as well. He’ll choose the right time and right place even knowing you’re filled with the Spirit because he desires to bring you down. Remember, he’s your enemy … not people.

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 

What was the one strategy Jesus used to endure His time of temptation? Scripture. He knew the Word and quoted it aloud to His enemy. That teaches us how critical it is to read, quote, study, meditate, and memorize His Word: it’s a powerful weapon.

… take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17

For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword,

Hebrews 4:12a

Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands—Psalms 149:6

Understanding the Jesus Story will change your life giving you encouragement, comfort, strength, and authority over the devil to lead a God-pleasing life reigning victoriously until He returns: we have it already but not yet completely.