Matthew 3 – 4

Before I start going into today’s passage, can I just say that this has to be one of my favourite stories in the Bible purely because of what God says to Jesus…(I’m trying not to give too much of my blog away before I even start it)

So, today’s passage starts when Jesus goes to the river Jordan to be baptised by John. At first John was a bit reluctant (Mt 3:14).  After he baptised Jesus, the sky opens up and the Holy Spirit in the shape of a Dove comes down on him and God says, ‘’This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

 

That right there is only one of the reasons why I love this story. That very same verse in The Message says this “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.” I’m not even joking when I say that, that gives me chills. To me, it’s God giving Jesus an identity and reassurance that He is accepted and appreciated. I especially love how God says this way, way before Jesus had even started healing people; it was said purely on how He is as a son and how obedient He is!

 

After this, Jesus then goes into the wilderness and fasts for forty days and forty nights.  At the end of this he was hungry. (I don’t blame him! I would have been hungry too!) It’s at this stage Satan comes to tempt him.  Choosing the weakest moment.  It’s interesting the first thing that Satan questions and doubts  is this “If you are the Son of God”.  Remember, God has just told Jesus “You are my beloved Son”.

 

Even today Satan tries to question our identity. You see, Satan waits till we are at our weakest point before he starts to question who we are and what we’re here for.

 

After that Satan also tries to make us and Jesus doubt God working through us by saying, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread”. Jesus could have easily answered Satan in many ways during his tests.  He could have turned the stones into food, he could have tried to defeat Satan in his own strength, but instead he chose the word of God. Jesus said “it is written”, He says this three times and quotes the Bible three times.  Every single time Satan tempted Jesus he responds “it is written”.

 

So, the next time Satan tries to question who you are and tries to cast doubts in your head remember – We don’t have to try to fight Satan in our own strength but in the power of God, through His word.

 

Lastly, I really hope every single one of you have a fantastic and peaceful Christmas and an amazing New Year!!

 

 

Anna