Right after Jesus' baptism the Spirit leads Him into the desert to be tested. The Spirit leads Him. I find I need to think this thought through. It wasn't that Jesus happened to be in the desert and the devil came upon him by chance - he was there to be tested. Why? It would seem from the devil's opening statement that he wanted to push Jesus to prove He was indeed whom God claimed Him to be, "the Son of God". However, perhaps it was God who wanted to solidify Jesus' identity in our minds, in the minds of the people back then. In Jesus' mind? Right at the onset of His ministry Jesus faces what He will face in Gethsemane - will He do God's will? And right at the onset Jesus does... He wins the battle right at the beginning!
In reading about this passage a couple of authors relate this temptation scene to that of Adam and Eve. They see that whereas Adam did not resist the tempter and sin entered into the world, Jesus did resist and from Him we have freedom from the power of temptation.
One of these authors, Michael Green, also commented that temptation after a significant spiritual experience is quite common. I think this is often true. When we speak out for God, or make a public profession of faith oftentimes we find ourselves struggling with some issue. Green points out that the Christian life is more than just a verbal profession but that it involves the difficult situations of life; the temptations. Jesus faced temptation of the flesh, the temptation of testing God's capability and the temptation for supreme rule. It seems these areas are all ones in which we are tempted. And because of Jesus temptation - in this passage and throughout his earthly journey - we know He is able to understand our situation. Just as the writer to the Hebrews claimed about Jesus ...
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
As we continue to resist temptations (says Green) we grow our 'spiritual muscle'.
This passage not only cements Jesus' identity but Jesus' response provides us with a living example, with proof, of 1 Corinthians 10:13.
13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.1 Corinthians 10:13
We need not submit to temptation. Although we all are faced with it - yes, we are all faced with it aren't we? - we are not alone in our battle. Jesus provides us with the proof that we can pass up the devil's offers. Jesus has provided us with the direct connection to God because He didn't submit to the devil's temptation. It is this connection - this God - who enables us to not sin.
Resisting the devil Jesus set an example for us. Which makes me think now, who is watching me and seeing me resist temptation? Will my life of resisting temptation help to point someone to the One who resisted for me? I hope so.
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