The Devil You Say!
-Matthew 4:1–11
Linguists insist the Greek word in this passage translated tempted, “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil,” should be translated “tested” rather than “tempted.” Such a translation is more consistent with God‘s nature.
Commentators usually discuss this passage exegetically, line by line. That is a proven method of Bible study. However, there are universal issues here that one would do well to note.
1. God calls humans to serve and thrive with Him. The list of the God-called in the Bible is long---Abraham, Moses, David, John the Baptizer, Jesus, Paul . . .
2. If you accept God’s call to serve Him, you must expect opposition. The world’s evil is strong, fast, and conscientious. Note the Bible says “immediately” following Jesus’ baptism, Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. The world’s evil is so present and so powerful the Bible gives it a name---Satan, Devil, and others.
3. God does not run to protect you from every evil. Note Jesus’ crucifixion, Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.”
4. While God does not always run to our quick and safe rescue, He guides our lessons today to prepare us for what He knows about our tomorrows. Jesus responded to the Devil with truths He probably learned in childhood. When I was young, my parents arranged swimming lessons. At first, I was excited; but the water seemed deathly cold, and I soon thought, “I don’t need this; our family never goes near the water.” Fast forward about ten years---I have gone for a July 4 picnic. I took a date, and my intent was for us to swim. However, my date could not swim. “No problem,” I said, “we will rent a canoe and paddle around.” A canoe was rented; and an attendant brought it to the dock for us to embark. The lake accommodated some large boats, so the dock was at its deepest part. When my date stepped into the canoe, she stepped on the side. She and the “ship” disappeared in the deep, dark water. I promptly dove in and rescued her. However, I could never have done so had I not learned to swim “yesterday.” What you are experiencing today---some of which you may not like---is probably your training for tomorrow.
Be assured, you will be tempted. The Devil is efficient. It might help you to remember this cliché: “You cannot keep the birds from flying over your head, but you do not have to let them build a nest in your hair.”
