Week 4_Monday

Good Morning Girls

Read Luke 4:1-13  SOAP Luke 4:4, 8, 12

Did you know that Jesus answers Satan every time by quoting from Deuteronomy?  In response to the temptation to turn stones into bread, Jesus quotes Deut 8:3.  He refers specifically to the time the Moses reminds the Israelites of God's continuous provision for them, particularly manna in the desert.  Knowing the context of Jesus' quote reveals the motive behind Satan's temptation.  Satan was trying to cast doubt on God's ability to sustain Jesus until his death on the cross.  It was not God's will that Israel die from hunger, just as it was not God's will that Jesus die from hunger.

In response to the temptation to "bend the knee" to Satan, Jesus quotes Deut 6:13.  He is referring to Moses' explanation of the Ten Commandments, specifically the Greatest Commandment - to fear God as the one true God.  God already had dominion over all the earth, and it was not Satan's to give.  Satan was tempting Jesus to doubt God's omnipotence, vying for the glory of earthly power himself.  God controls every earthly kingdom, not Satan.

Responding to the temptation to cast himself from the temple wall, Jesus quotes Deut 6:16.  Here's the scary part - Satan himself quotes from Psalm 91:11-12.  It's a frightening realization that our adversary knows the scripture better than we do.  (All the more reason to fully know the scripture ourselves, to block the fiery darts of the enemy!)  This passage quoted by Jesus from Deuteronomy refers to Moses' reminder to Israel of their lack of faith in Massah, named "Massah" by Moses "because they tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” Satan is attempting to thwart the plan of God to sacrifice Jesus on the cross.  If Jesus were to attempt suicide, he too would admit doubt of God's salvation plan. 

Knowing the context of this passage and its quotes is the key here.  This passage reminds me that, yes, Satan does tempt me to doubt God.  But it also reminds me of the connectivity of the Old and New Testament.  All biblical history ties together to culminate in God's plan of salvation.  Don't miss this one!  Father, help me know your Word well enough to fight the enemy.

 

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