Temptation’s Appeal
Some major characteristics of temptation are noted in the account of Jesus being tempted by the devil. Jesus had no need to be tempted other than to demonstrate His identity with us. He was the God/man-man God, but He emptied Himself (Philippians 2: 7) of His God nature regarding using it for Himself. He used it for others only. Therefore, He was in all things tempted like us (Hebrews 2:18 and 4:15). The wilderness temptations demonstrate the versatility of temptation and how to deal with it.
The Holy Spirit cannot tempt us (James 1:13), but He often leads us to places of service wherein a sidebar is temptation. Be assured “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” 1 Corinthians 10:13. Jesus had come from the spiritual high at the Jordan and had fasted 40 days and 40 nights. He was physically drained and spiritually isolated “when the tempter came.”
Jesus would later in His ministry miraculously feed 5,000, but He would not do what he had the power to do, command the stones to turn to bread at the behest of the Devil.
Jesus used Scripture as His response. He answered him from the Word of God by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, to show that man does not live by bread alone. We are to live rather by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
Next, the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down.” That was about a 200 foot drop into the Kidron Valley. Satan challenged Him to jump and prove Himself. Again Jesus’ responded by quoting Scripture.
Satan pretended to borrow from God’s word as he perverted it. Jesus knew the devil was using a twisted version of Psalm 91. Jesus refused to engage in the spectacle of jumping from the pinnacle. It would have been an egotistical event. Like Him we should avoid feeding our ego.
Then the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. From the mountain top the Kings Highway along the visible mountains of Jordan could be seen. Along this road traveled caravans representing the kingdoms of the world. The offer was great wealth and human preeminence.
Temptation is strong when the improper means are used to get a good end. It is then we are counseled to not do evil that good may come.
Once more Jesus quoted Scripture. We, too, must use Biblical truth to resist sin. It is no sin to be tempted as long as the temptation is resisted as it was by Jesus. Succinctly it has been said, “You can’t keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building their nest in your hair.”
Jesus offered us this wise council: “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.” We are to trust, not tempt, God.