Whose Will and Way?

N. T. #22 "Whose Will and Way?"

March 8, 2023

Matthew 4-Part 2

And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. (verse 3)

LET IT GLOW

Jesus was in the wilderness 40 days and 40 nights fasting, without eating food. It was after the baptism of Jesus that the Spirit led him there. Jesus spent time alone with God. Was Jesus studying Scriptures while there? Or did it come automatically for Him? Was Jesus asking His Father God what was planned next for His life on earth? Perhaps He remembered the plans they made in heaven before creation began. Guess we will have to ask Him in heaven, but it really won't matter then, will it?  Anyway, Satan had been watching Jesus go without food while He was in the wilderness. (Satan knows what we are up to, too, and directs his temptations accordingly. Tony Evans)

The devil comes to Jesus with temptations in the areas that mankind is weak-physically, spiritually, and psychologically. Perhaps the devil thought Jesus would have the same weaknesses. Keep in mind, the devil knew who Jesus was-the Son of God. They were in heaven together, previously, before the devil fell into sin and was cast out of heaven. Yet, Satan was enticing Jesus to use His powers as the Son of God to meet His own needs. Jesus did not do miracles for Himself, but to meet the needs of others. 

Keep in mind that the devils believe there is a God and tremble. (James 2:19)

Tremble means shudder; to bristle or chill;(fear).

In verses 3 and 6, the word if is used by the devil. Here, if means whether; that; though; for as much as.

I figure the devil said verse 3 sarcastically," Since You are the son of God, tell the stones to become bread."

What was Jesus' answer? He used the Word of God in Deut. 8:3 ... man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

Jesus said in John 4:32, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. 

Jesus had been feasting on the Word of God, which is more important than bread itself. By the way, Jesus is the Bread of Life. He said so in John 6:48. He is the substance we need for our hungry soul that satisfies.

Dear friend, have you devoured this Bread? Jesus will satisify and meet what needs you have in your soul

LET IT GROW

What was wrong with Jesus proving He was the Son of God?

Faith is God's way, not proof. Faith is what God wants, not proof. He wants to be trusted and freely loved. Since no one now has seen God/Jesus, we believe by faith that He is and always has been. God is not known by our physical senses. We believe in our heart who Jesus is-Creator, King, Savior.

Without faith it is impossible to please Him (God); for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Jesus lived a life of faith. He had to walk the way of faith, of trusting and believing God Himself. He had to reject the devil's way of proving who He is so Jesus could lead people by faith. 

Resource: The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible]

I had not thought of it this way. Jesus was obedient to God's will, not His own will or the devil's will. So whose will are we striving to fulfill? Whose ways are we following?

LET IT GO

Your will,

your way,

Today, always, 

I pray. 

Work on me so I will be...