It is Written!
Luke 4:1-12
It’s kinda shocking that we’ve already arrived at the First Sunday of Lent. But here we are! And as we begin this season together... we have the opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness—a time of fasting, prayer, and even temptation.
Of course, it’s the temptations of Jesus that we seem to remember most. Lent is our opportunity to walk with Jesus in the wilderness, to face our own struggles, and to deepen our trust in the One who sent Christ to redeem us... the God to loves us so much that He sacrificed all to bring us to Himself.
=> In our Lesson today, we see Jesus (immediately following His baptism), filled with the Holy Spirit, being led into the wilderness where He was tempted by the devil himself.
Now, before we go any further... let’s be clear about something. 99.8% of the time, when you and I are tempted to sin... the devil has nothing to do with it. Now don’t get me wrong: I believe the devil, Satan, is real... and I believe Hell is real. Satan prowls about like a roaring lion looking for souls to devour (1 Peter 5:8), and Jesus talked about Hell as being a REAL place... why would Jesus (God in the Flesh) talk about Hell as being real if that’s not the case? Is Jesus a liar? No! BUT... most of what you and I call “sinning” is simply the result of self-centeredness and the casual appeasement of our carnal appetites.
We like to blame Satan, just like Adam blamed Eve for his sin in eating of the forbidden fruit; and Eve blamed the devil. The truth is, “Eve (and Adam) saw that the fruit was good for food, pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom...” Carnal appetites.
But Satan is not God. He’s not even God-like. He’s a created being... a fallen angel, who is NOT omnipotent, nor is he omnipresent. And he has already been defeated. Satan has NO AUTHORITY over the life of a Child of God. And when we’re walking in Christ, the devil has no hold on us. James 4:7, “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you!”
Now... having said that, we are specifically told the Jesus encountered Satan on his spiritual journey into the wilderness; where Satan attempted to tempt Jesus into sinning against God.
We’re told, Jesus rebuked Satan and his attempts to distort God’s truth, and one of His responses is especially powerful for us today: Luke 4:12, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
What does it mean to test God? And how can we learn from Jesus’ response as we journey through Lent?
The devil tempted Jesus to turn stones to bread to satisfy His hunger; but Jesus said, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone.’” Satan then presented Jesus with all the kingdoms of the world, offering them to Jesus in exchange for worship. Jesus replied, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Satan then challenged Jesus to throw Himself off the temple, again quoting Scripture to suggest that God would save Jesus. Satan twisted God’s Word, implying that if Jesus really trusted the Father, He would prove it. Satan was daring Jesus. Again: Jesus responded with God’s Word.
Now. I don’t know if you ladies ever dared one another when you were kids... but we guys did. And if you didn’t follow thru on a dare, you were labeled a sissy or a mama’s boy! And that wouldn’t do. Especially if you were “double dared” or even worse “double dog dared!” The pressure was on at that point to prove you were up to the challenge.
But Jesus refused to “take the bate.” He refused to test God—because faith does not demand proof. Faith demands trust... without manipulation.
We, too, are tempted to test God. We may demand signs, question His timing, or expect Him to work according to our plans. Yet true faith means trusting that God’s promises are sure, even when we cannot see the outcome.
Lent is a time to step away from distractions and strengthen our reliance on God. Through fasting, prayer, and reflection, we shift from testing to trusting. We surrender our need for control and learn to rest in God’s provision.
Instead of saying, “God, if You love me, You will fix this,” we pray, “God, I trust You, no matter what.”
Instead of seeking signs, we seek His presence.
Instead of manipulating circumstances, we surrender to His will.
Of course, Jesus is our example. Christ is our model of faithful obedience.
Jesus shows us how to resist temptation. He didn’t rely on his own physical strength or mental acuity. He resisted with Scripture, and with obedience, and with unwavering trust in God. He didn’t demand or expect signs or proof at all... He simply remained faithful to what He knew to be True.
As we walk through Lent, may we follow Christ’s example. Let us resist the temptation to test God... and instead... may we grow in trust, and faithfulness... knowing that our God is always faithful.
Let us surrender our doubts, release our need for control, and walk in faith... as we echo Jesus’ words: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test,” and instead say with confidence, “It is written.”
Let us pray.
Gracious God, in this season of Lent, teach us to trust You more deeply. Help us to resist temptation; especially the temptation to test You. Help us to desire more and more of your Word, as we have faith and assurance in Your perfect plan for our lives. Strengthen our faith, guide our hearts, and lead us forever, in the way of Christ. For it’s in His powerful name that we pray... saying, “Amen”.
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