Daily Devotions
Luke
Luke 4:1-13 "THE PROBLEM OF "DECEPTION"
Day 46 – Luke 4
Text: Luke 4:1-13
THE PROBLEM OF “DECEPTION”
The temptation offered to Jesus, of turning stones into bread was subtle and powerful. If Jesus had succumbed to the feigned concern of the Devil, then He would have been deceived!
Revelation 12:9 well describes the devil’s way of working. He is described as the “one who deceives the whole world”. The Apostle Paul also noted this same observation about “the working of Satan…” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). He will always practise “unrighteous deception” (2 Thes. 2:10).
SIN IS NEVER A SIMPLE, SINGLE ISSUE!
The Devil never just tempts a person simply. There are always complex implications involved! The temptation may seem to be a simple one, but Jesus knew better. He understood that the devil’s way of working is “deception”. He will try and disguise his temptations in such a way that his suggestions actually sound “good”.
Sin and Satan have trapped many, because they cannot see the complex web that the Devil seeks to spin. Let us take a look at how complex this temptation really was:-
1. Jesus would have misunderstood and abused His position as “The Son of God” if He had succumbed to the temptation to turn stones into bread.
2. He would have reduced Himself to being nothing more than a “survivor” when He was destined to show that it is possible to maintain human dignity expressed in faith and trust in God amidst a severe trial.
3. He would have disregarded and disobeyed His Father and the Word of God.
4. He would have listened to the Devil, and He would have believed him, rather than God!
5. He would have been disqualified from His assignment to be the Redeemer of mankind, if He had succumbed to the Devil’s temptation.
6. He would have shown that He was essentially very weak in His character, if He could not overcome this temptation to feed and satisfy His hunger pangs!
7. The Devil never suggested that his temptation was “sin”.
NOT JUST A MATTER OF QUOTING THE SCRIPTURES AGAINST THE DEVIL
Yes, Jesus defeated the Devil by citing Scripture. However, we must not imagine that Jesus was merely spouting Scripture against the Devil!
When Jesus quoted from the Scriptures, He was in fact doing a number of things. Let us take note of the following things:-
1. It reflected His deep grasp of the Scriptures.
2. He was affirming His firm faith and trust in the Scriptures.
3. He was stating His stance in life – that of trusting God and obeying Him amidst the worst of circumstances! He would trust His Father, even if He felt the worst hunger pangs!
4. He was saying that He was determined to live by the teachings of Scripture alone!
5. He was verifying that the only way to live is in full obedience to God and every word that He has given to man!
HIDING THE SCRIPTURES IN OUR HEARTS
There is no question as to the fact that the Scriptures played a vital role in the Life of the Lord Jesus Christ. We recall how He loved and knew the Scriptures early in life. When He was but twelve years old, Jesus was found “in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46). Those who heard Him “were astonished at His understanding and answers” (Luke 2:47).
Jesus had a deep and vast knowledge of the Scriptures because He had cultivated a wonderful love for the Word of God from a tender age! The Scriptures became His way of life. Thus He was able to see through the ploys of the Devil. Thus He was enabled to stand strong and victorious against the might of the Devil.
Let us be challenged to read the Scriptures with a greater sense of love and understanding. Let us read the Word of God the way Jesus obviously did. Let us encourage our children to spend time reading the Scriptures with love.
Let us be challenged to meditate on the Lord’s Word:-
“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!” Psalm 119:2
“I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.” Psalm 119:15
“Your servant meditates on Your statutes,
Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.” Psalm 119:23-24
“Make me understand the way of Your precepts;
So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.” Psalm 119:27
“I have more understanding than my teachers,
For your testimonies are my meditation.” Psalm 119:99