Jesus In The Desert | Matthew 4:1-11, Ephesians 6:10-17

In this episode, we’re going to be looking into the story of how Jesus was tempted in the desert by Satan, beginning in Matthew 4:1-11.

Show Links:

• Who Is Jesus?
• Have a prayer request? Leave it HERE.

Transcription:

Guest Speaker: Hannah Parkerson

Hi, and welcome to the Bible for Busy People. I’m Hannah, and this week I’ll be filling in for my mom, Erica. In this episode, we’re going to be looking into the story of how Jesus was tempted in the desert by Satan, and we’re going to be looking into Matthew 4:1-11.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” 7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” 8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” 10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,‘ You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” 11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.

It can be so tempting to rush into things quickly right before we’re supposed to. Have you ever heard of the story of the man who let out the caterpillar right before he was supposed to come out? The man felt so bad for the butterfly and the cocoon because from his point of view it was struggling and tightly snug into the cocoon. He decides to cut it out thinking it would benefit the butterfly. When he got out, the wings were slimy and the butterfly died. That isolation you’re feeling right now, maybe God’s protection over you. it’s also like chocolate covered poison. It might taste good for a minute and then it makes you feel so sick, and that’s the enemy’s goal. He wants to get us to fall and feel so much regret. There is so much power when we stand our ground and turn away from what shields us from God. I also want to take a moment to read from Ephesians 6:10-17:

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

I want you to clinging to this Bible verse with all of your heart. God is with you and he sees you in your dark trials in your life, and he hears you. Trust him with whatever it is that you’re walking through. There are brighter days ahead. Just wait and see. Next time on the Bible For Busy People, we’re going to be looking to the story of the bleeding woman in the Bible, and her beautiful story of faith. Thank you so much for listening, and I hope that this encourages you to keep walking in the Lord. See you next time.

Thank you so much for listening to the Bible for Busy People. If you need prayer or you’re ready to go a little deeper in your faith, we’ve posted some resources for you in our show notes. We’d love for you to share this podcast with a friend and leave us a review. It helps us reach even more people with the hope of Jesus. This podcast is part of Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find and live in God’s purpose for your life. Find more podcasts that will recharge you at onpurposely.com.