temporary satisfaction at the cost of eternal condemnation

Matthew 4 – the temptation of Jesus

Jesus had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. He was hungry.

The devil comes in and tries to use the human need for food against Him.

Satan tells Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” (Matthew 4:3)

I imagine in that moment, the human in Jesus would have loved nothing more than 2 loaves of bread. 40 days is a long time to be hungry. But He knew what that bread offered Him was only temporary satisfaction at the cost of eternal condemnation. Jesus denied the temptation – He denied the tempter power over his immortality.

He replied to Satan, “It is written. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

What I have noticed from reading this is a pattern. Satan showing up, convincing us that this thing of temporary satisfaction – whatever it might be – is worth it. That it will fix all of our problems and make us whole.

It might – for a few minutes, maybe even a few hours. But the consequences that come after it are gonna hurt worse than that short period of relief felt. I wish my mom were here to vouch for that statement. I watched her so many times – hate herself for going off the rails, drinking, making poor decisions. It hurt me, it hurt us all, but I can’t imagine how much more it hurt her than anyone. I can vouch for that statement myself too.

To an alcoholic – satan offers a few drinks to kill the pain of earthly sorrows.

To a cheater – temporary distraction from the problem that is communication or a lack of effort in your marriage.

To the greedy – more money for more earthly power.

I would say without Satan’s ability to use distraction as a method of keeping us from God, then he has absolutely nothing. That is the only power he has over us. Temptation. The devil is cunning. He knows the your weaknesses. If you’re hurting, if you’re lonely, if you’re hungry – he is watching you. and he is waiting on the perfect oppurtunity to swoop in and snatch an enterity of happiness out from under your feet.

But we are supernatural beings – we are children of God. With the power to overcome those temptations. The power to overcome the devil.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the tempation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

You are able.

You are His.

You are GOD strong.

– Kristen Denton