The barren places in our life are where our faith flourishes the most. After the glorious launch of Jesus’ ministry at his baptism one would expect him to immediately embark on a world-changing ministry tour. Instead the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for forty days to be tempted by the devil (4:1). A wilderness is a barren place where all the good things of life are absent. No food, shelter, or creature-comforts. In our life God leads us into places and seasons where we lack the good things of life, whether it be financial, health, or relationships. When we are put in such situations we often wonder if it is due to some flaw in our character or conduct for which God is punishing us. Clearly that cannot be the case with Jesus. God had just pronounced Jesus to be the beloved Son. Since Jesus is his beloved Son, and he has done no wrong, why would God afflict such suffering on him? This is actually a comforting question, for the hardships in our own lives are often due to our righteousness, not our sin.
A troublesome aspect of this story is that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted. This seems to contradict those portions of Scripture that teach that God does not tempt believers (James 1:13), and that we ought to petition God to “led us not into temptation” (Matthew 6:13). This tension can be resolved when we understand that the Greek word for “to tempt” (peirazo) also carries the sense of “to test.” The one event involves two purposes. The devil is tempting Jesus with the intention of ruining his faith; God is testing Jesus with the intention of refining his faith. One’s intentions matter. Jesus was put to the test in order to prove his obedience (Hebrews 2:10; 4:15; 5:8). Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness is patterned after the nation of Israel who was tested for forty years in the desert to see “what was in their heart” (Deuteronomy 8:2). What an awful place for Jesus’ obedience to be put to the test. It is very difficult to stay faithful in harsh circumstances. Such a contrast to the temptation of Adam and Eve, who failed in the midst of the paradise of Eden.
The three temptations of the devil strike at core aspects of true faithfulness. In this first attack upon Jesus, Satan leads with a reference to Jesus being “the Son of God.” Most people assume this is a reference to Jesus’ divinity. The title “the Son of God” is derived from Psalm 2 where God will install his Son to be the king of the universe. Thus, “the Son of God” moniker primarily refers to Jesus’ authority in this world. By faithful obedience to the Father Jesus will be crowned the King of Kings, having absolute power over everything. Thus, Satan is provoking Jesus to use a tiny portion of that power to fix his awful circumstances and alleviate his hunger. There is no need to submit to the Spirit’s leading. As Fleetwood Mac sang and Isuzu trucks promote, Satan suggests, “Go your own way! Go your own way!” This strikes at the core issue of whether we are willing to submit to God’s will in our life when it leads us into tough places. How temping it is to invoke our own will and authority to chose our own better path.
Satan’s suggestion of turning stones to bread seems such a small, harmless thing. Sometimes the small things can be the most dangerous (one bite of fruit or one night with Bathsheba). Jesus was hungry and it would meet his need. You’ve got to eat to live, right? How easy it is to rationalise doing your own thing when needs are at stake. It seems like a perfectly reasonable suggestion. But where is the line between needs and wants? We tend to throw a lot of wants into the need category, and wants expand until they encompass the world.
Jesus responds to Satan with a Bible verse. All of Jesus’ responses to Satan begin with “It is written,” and all three quotes are from the book of Deuteronomy. The only real defence against Satan is the word of God, which is the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). And unlike Eve who was unclear about God’s commandment (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-6) Jesus knew God’s word precisely. Knowing the Bible accurately in all its contents and doctrines is absolutely necessary to withstand the onslaught of temptation that Christians face in this world.
Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” The key issue is what does life consist of? Life is more than just bread. “Bread” is used as a synecdoche for all the good things of this life that we need to live. As physical beings we need things to live, but we are more than just physical. Made up of body and soul we also have needs which affect our inward being, and these should be given the priority of importance. Jesus would later teach that “life is more than food, and the body more than clothing” (Matthew 6:25) so “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). However, the vast majority of people presume that obtaining more money, and all the “bread” it purchases, is the key to having a good life.
In contrast, Jesus holds that life is found through submitting to “every word that comes from the mouth of God.” The contrast between “bread” and “word” should not be reduced to a choice between reading the Bible or eating pizza. Attaining life through God’s word has a number of facets. God’s word should serve as the ultimate authority and source of truth in your life. God’s word is the means by which we enter into eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. God’s word instructs, transforms, and rejoices our soul. God’s word also is God’s revealed will for our life which informs us in all manners of righteous and wise living. Lastly, God’s word also refers to the sovereign decrees which govern the course of our life. The word of God determines all things in life and grants us good things by which we live. This last facet of God’s word is perhaps the toughest word to live by. Our faith must trust in God’s will for our life. Our wills must submit to God’s plans, even through the hardest times. With Job we must say, “Though he slay me, I will hope in him.” (Job 13:15).
The wilderness puts your faith to the test, so that your faith will grow. If you had to confront Satan on your own he would make mince-meat of you. The gospel hope is that Jesus’ victory enables your victory. Since Jesus has prevailed over every temptation he is able to aid you when you are tempted. Since you are united to Christ, the triumphant Jesus gives you support through his Spirit within you. You too can persevere in your time of testing. In the wilderness when Satan tempts you to no longer trust in God’s will and go your own way, Jesus will help you say, “I will live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
