The Bible tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way like us (Hebrews 4:15) in order that we would connect with his humanity. That doesn’t mean he experienced every kind of temptation in the world, but you could categorize his temptations in Matthew 4 in three familiar ways: The first temptation was to meet his own needs quickly. Hence, Satan tempted Jesus to fill his stomach with bread. The second temptation was to test God. (Never a good idea to make God prove himself). Satan was inviting Jesus to act presumptuously about God’s blessing. The third temptation was for “all this.” How tempting is “stuff” or power or control when it feels like we are lacking?
Each of these temptations called into question God’s ability to provide and his sovereign ability to protect. Jesus understood that God is good and that he is enough so Jesus did not give in to temptation. But we struggle to believe those things deeply. We are more prone to question whether God really has our best interest at heart or if he will do what says he will do and so our commitment to him falters. We worry we will miss out or lose control so we act. In other words, we give in to temptation.
Father, I confess that I say I know you, but I don’t have a knowledge of you at a heart level. The only person who can fill me and meet my needs is you. Give me your power to detach myself from all “the stuff” and power. It’s good but it can’t fill me like you can.
