Fight Back with Truth

At the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, a strange thing happened: He was led into the wilderness, by the Spirit, where He encountered the devil.

After fasting for forty days and forty nights, Jesus was hungry—taunted by the enemy to satisfy His craving for food. Essentially, Satan provoked Jesus to prove that He was God’s Son by turning rocks into bread.

Can you sense the manipulation?

If you’re really the Son of God, do something. Take matters into your own hands. Give in to your desire. Provide for yourself. Is God even good if He holds out on you?

But Jesus refused to be bullied.

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This pattern continued throughout two more temptations—where the devil temped Jesus with protection and power, but Jesus rebuked him with Scripture. 

So what are some things we can learn from Jesus’ encounter ...