It is amazing how the book of Matthew, and Luke both gives an account of Jesus' temptation. But for this devotional, we shall be considering the account of Jesus' temptation according to Matthew. In the fourth chapter of Matthew, it was recorded of how Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, and fasted for forty days, and then was tempted of the devil.
I would like you to see this illustration above. Suppose you have a father whose name is Richard, and whose name you bear, and one tells you that you're not the son of your father Richard, and that if you are, you should prove it to him, what will you do? Although he knows you're but yet tells you to prove you are, is there anything you have to prove to him? The answer is no. You are Richard's son, and that settles it. You do not need to prove it before he believes.
In today's devotional, we shall be considering some verses of scripture that talks about the devil's need for a proof of Jesus being the Son of God, all in an attempt to tempt him, and make him bow to him, and lessons we are to learn from it as believers. The verses are seen below,
"And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. [6] And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone" (Matthew 4:3,6).
The two verses of scripture have got many words in them but what I want you to take note of especially is the part that says, if thou be the son of God. Did you see the tactic the devil used? He was very tactical in his approach. But the Lord Jesus didn't fall for it.
It's as though I am asking you for example to prove that you're Mike when truly you're Mike. You truly would look at me, and wonder if I am alright or not, right? Anyone would have fallen for that, and say, "What do you mean? I am the Son of God, and to let you know, I'll actually turn this stone to bread, and I'll cast myself down", but Jesus didn't do that.
He knew he was the Son of God, and needed no one to tell him, neither did he need to do anything to prove he was. He was indeed the Son of God, and little wonder he was able to overcome the tactics of the tempter. Jesus didn't fall for his tactics.
Doesn't it happen sometimes that people, and certain circumstances try to make us think that we owe them a proof that we are indeed children of God, and whisper things like, " Are you sure you're a son of God?" But today it has occurred to us that we are not to fall for such tactics. We need no one to tell us, and we need not prove to anyone we are. He has redeemed us by the blood of his Son, Jesus Christ and as a result, we have become sons too through faith in Christ. Do not fall for such tactics. You're a son of God. May the words today abide in our hearts evermore. Amen.
Thought for the day:
Do not give in to this statement, "Are you sure you're a son of God?" because the truth is, you are a son of God.
Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying and inspiring devotional published by the Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, enquiries/testimonies, please call/WhatsApp: 08174915361, 08161655758 or Email: [email protected].
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