Revelation - Matthew 4:1-11

Scripture

Matthew 4:1-11 ESV

Summary

Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil. After fasting 40 days and nights, He was hungry. The devil came and said, "You're God's Son, turn some stones to bread and eat!" But Jesus responded saying that the words of God are of more value than food.

So the devil took Him to the pinnacle of the temple. The devil said, "Prove you're God's Son, throw yourself down, God's angels will protect you!" But Jesus responded by saying that we shouldn't put God to the test.

So the devil took Him to a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of world. He offered them to Jesus, in exchange for Jesus worshiping him. Jesus responded telling Satan to leave, that we should only serve and worship God

After the devil left, angels came and ministered to Him.

Observations

• Jesus was led by the Spirit to a place where He would be tempted. Does anyone else find this interesting? The Holy Spirit knowingly put Jesus in a place where He would be tempted. Think about that the next time you are sking, "Why me, Lord?"
• Jesus turned water to wine, so what would be wrong with turning a few rocks into bread? It's not like he was making a seven-course meal! On the surface, I see a couple of issues. Jesus may not have been ready to end His fast. I think breaking the fast early would have been a big deal to Him. Also, think about the purpose behind the turning of water to wine, that being to glorify God and reveal His divine self to the disciples. No such purpose here, only the serving of selfish needs.
• Satan offered to give Jesus what He wanted, all the kingdoms of the world. No cross needed, just worship him (Satan). This was not God's plan, and in fact, would have had the opposite effect. 

Comments

It appears that Satan, while understanding some of the mission of Jesus, did not grasp the whole picture. Or else he just viewed Jesus as being potentially weak. 

I see Jesus as understanding that God works in a cause and effect type of way. The cause of Jesus' strength was His relationship with God. The effects of that relationship were played out in the events of His life. Satan took those effects, and made them primary. "Here, eat something, Prove who you say you are, take all of these kingdoms." But the effects are meaningless without the cause. 

Modern day example: A pastor sees his job as building the kingdom (an effect, not a cause). He works hard all his life, a beautiful building is built, many people come and say the sinner's prayer or are baptized. But the message is weak, lest the people be offended by the cross. There is no real repentance, few hearts are turned to God. All because the pastor sold out. Instead of focusing on his relationship to God (cause), he focused on the results of his ministry (effect). 

Imagine Jesus walking down from the mountain, the king of world. All recognize Him, all follow His words and example. And all He had to do was a brief moment of worshiping Satan to get it. But at what cost? Did Jesus come to become a king of this world, or to lead us into the kingdom of God? Something He could not have done had He paused to worship Satan.