We were easily identified as Americans while we were in Bolivia.Īmericans are different than Bolivians. That is the idea these verses communicate to us. We stood out because we were so different in appearance and language and conduct. On a mission trip to Bolivia I noticed that Americans stand out very boldly. In the same way being born again into everlasting life through Jesus Christ makes you a citizen of heaven. Be ready because the Bad Guy never sleeps! (Tim McQuade)īeing born in the United States makes you an American citizen. There are little showdowns every day of our lives If you follow Jesus’ example you will walk into those showdowns well armed and with a deadly aim. We win this showdown not with a trusty six-shooter, but with the scriptures! That’s what we must draw and use when we’re tempted! The scriptures must be the foundation and a shield for our faith.
#Jumpstart 3rd grade botoven how to#
We likewise need to know how to prove what we believe in the scriptures. He knew also when the scriptures were being misused and misquoted. Jesus knew that what He believed could be proven in the scriptures. The second thing we learn is how we should deal with times of temptation. That is the first thing these verses teach us, Jesus was tempted and knows what you experience in temptation. It was a very real temptation that Jesus felt. In that hunger the devil tempted Jesus to misuse His power. Jesus stomach hurt with hunger just as yours would if you fasted forty days. Remember the verses say that after forty days of fasting Jesus was very hungry. These were real feelings of temptation for Him as they would have been for us. Let us not forget that Jesus was fully human as well as fully God. So, you might think that these offers roll off Jesus like water off a duck’s back. The first thing we learn is that Jesus knows what your experience of temptation is like because He has experienced temptation as well. We learn two important things as we watch Satan tempt Jesus. What do we learn about temptation from this account? True - but that is only partially correct. The devil failed because Jesus is the Son of God. Why did he fail? A simple answer is that he was up against the Son of God. Then we read, “The devil left Him until an opportune time.” In this account the devil knew when, where and how to hit with his temptation. The Son of God was not about to put God to the test. Jesus saw through the Devil’s thin argument. “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself off this pinnacle because the Bible says that God won’t let You hit the pavement! Doesn’t it say that He has given His angels charge over You? You believe the Bible, don’t You? As the Son of God You trust God, don’t You?” Such a method is as old as the devil himself. Imagine the power, wealth and glory of ruling the entire world! Can you imagine ruling the world? We remember Jesus’ words in another time and place where He said, “What would it benefit a man to gain the entire world, yet lose his soul?” No, Jesus wasn’t going for it He held firm.įinally, Satan tempted Jesus to test God. If You bow down and worship me, I will give all these to You!” He said, “They are mine to give to anyone I please. In the flash of a moment the devil showed Jesus the entire world with all its kingdoms. Next, Satan tempted Jesus with worldly power. One fist went to Jesus’ ego while the other went to His hungry stomach.
The devil hit Jesus doubly hard with a one-two punch.
Maybe You’re not really what You say You are! Anyone who was the true Son of God could do it!” You must be very hungry after forty days with only water. “If you are the Son of God, turn these stones into loaves of bread.
The idea of food was more than a simple, passing thought. Remember, Jesus had been fasting for some time. The devil tried to hit Jesus where it hurt. The devil knew exactly where and when to hit Jesus. The good guy and the evil guy are facing off. There’s a showdown afoot in these verses.