The Greatness Temptation

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin.

Hebrews 4:15

Think on the math. About thirty of Jesus’ thirty-three years on earth were ordinary and mostly obscure. For roughly ninety percent of His life, He was ignored by the world. Like ours, most of His life was commonplace.

His ministry was launched at the Jordan. At His baptism, heaven was opened, the Spirit of God descended like a dove, and a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Surely, this is the moment Jesus has been waiting for! He’s making the move from menial to miracles, from backstage to center stage.

That’s not how it worked. He went from the waters to the wilderness. The Spirit immediately led Him into the desert to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1). Still obscure and now alone, He found His strength in His early years–time in Scripture, time with His Father, obedience in the ordinary. All were preparation. Read Psalm 91 to learn more.

Jesus’ temptations in the desert mirrored the temptations the Israelites’ experienced in the wilderness. While the Israelites’ wailed for more than manna, Jesus said, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” While the Israelites put God to the test, Jesus said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” While the Israelites had power struggles over who was the greatest (Joshua was upset when Eldad and Medad were prophesying, and Miriam and Aaron were downright jealous of Moses’ fame [Numbers 11:24-12:16]), Jesus said, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” Although Scripture says, now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3), Jesus was humbler still. Jesus perfectly did what Israel failed to do.

There are temptations at every ordinary and obscure corner of our lives that lure us to make ourselves greater then God. Maybe it’s desiring food more then the Word, maybe instead of testing our own actions, we test God’s patience, or maybe it’s a power struggle in our home, church, or hearts. Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses. He’s been there, done that, and yet did not sin. His promise as we battle the greatness temptation is this: God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you’re tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

He>i: In the very ordinary parts of your day, what is your greatest temptation to put your wants before God’s will?

Our problem isn't that we don't know God's will. Our problem is that we DO know, but aren't willing to follow through.

Chuck Swindoll

grace and peace,

Lenae