WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.859 Well, each night before he goes to bed, my son, who's two, Judah and I, we get into bed and 00:00:09.859 --> 00:00:15.120 ! whoever else can cram into the bed and we read a bit of the bible together. Now once we've done that, 00:00:15.120 --> 00:00:19.440 we, with varying degrees of success, try and do a few of the children's catechism questions, 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:26.240 which definitely doesn't go to plan as always. But then we pray for a few family and friends and 00:00:26.239 --> 00:00:32.979 then the last thing we do is we pray the Lord's Prayer. Now, Judah, I know that Judah, he doesn't 00:00:32.979 --> 00:00:37.599 really understand most of what we're praying when we recite it, words that are probably very familiar 00:00:37.599 --> 00:00:44.859 to you. And we've prayed it a number of times, I'm sure, like even today. But there's a line when I 00:00:44.859 --> 00:00:49.840 was prepping this week that really stood out to me, and it's one that we skip over all the time. 00:00:49.840 --> 00:01:05.380 We move over those words so quickly. But in the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples, 00:01:05.840 --> 00:01:13.920 where he taught us to pray only a few chapters later, he tells us that there is an evil one 00:01:13.920 --> 00:01:21.200 that we need delivering from, and that there is temptation we need help to be led away from. 00:01:22.879 --> 00:01:29.840 But you know that, don't you? Evil isn't just kind of an abstract psychological construct. 00:01:31.120 --> 00:01:39.540 You know that he is personal, and he is prowling. And you know, don't you, that temptation isn't 00:01:39.540 --> 00:01:48.160 just a theological category or concept. It is real, tailor-made testing, which you've seen lead to 00:01:48.160 --> 00:01:57.340 tragedy again, and again, and again. So make no mistake this evening, there is an evil one who 00:01:57.340 --> 00:02:06.020 seeks to lead you into temptation, and lead you into eternal tragedy. Which is why we're called by Jesus 00:02:06.019 --> 00:02:10.979 to pray, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. 00:02:13.379 --> 00:02:20.319 But our passage this evening, our passage this evening, in that opening verse, tells us why, 00:02:20.479 --> 00:02:27.960 although we should never trivialise the evil one, you do not need to fear him. Just read it with me. 00:02:27.960 --> 00:02:36.020 Then, verse 1, Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 00:02:38.159 --> 00:02:47.060 Jesus was led into temptation. We pray, lead us not into temptation, but here, he is being led into it. 00:02:47.060 --> 00:02:59.659 We pray, deliver us from the evil one. But here is Jesus being led to confront the evil one and deliver his people. 00:03:02.060 --> 00:03:07.520 Our passage this evening is the story of Jesus delivering his people from the evil one. 00:03:07.520 --> 00:03:16.620 By overcoming temptation. This is the moment. We skip over it all the time and try and get a few tips for overcoming temptation. 00:03:17.740 --> 00:03:25.620 But this passage is the ground, it is the basis. It's what underpins your praying for deliverance. 00:03:26.939 --> 00:03:33.020 This is the testing where Jesus triumphs, so that you never have to fear the evil one. 00:03:33.020 --> 00:03:42.500 But we're going to take that line from the Lord's Prayer, lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil, as our kind of two headings. 00:03:42.920 --> 00:03:50.760 So, the first heading is, Jesus is led into temptation. He's led into temptation so that he can live like us. 00:03:51.120 --> 00:03:54.460 Jesus is led into temptation so he can live like us. 00:03:55.400 --> 00:04:01.600 Jesus is heading out to deliver his people from the evil one, but the way he does it seems really surprising. 00:04:01.599 --> 00:04:11.560 Like if you were here this morning, you know that only a few verses earlier, Jesus has been the centre of this incredible supernatural display. 00:04:13.199 --> 00:04:18.060 Heaven opens, the Father declares, this is my Son whom I love. 00:04:18.399 --> 00:04:21.500 The Spirit is poured down, descending like a dove. 00:04:22.319 --> 00:04:28.339 So you might be forgiven for expecting some dramatic supernatural display of power. 00:04:28.339 --> 00:04:31.939 After all, he is the Son of God. 00:04:32.759 --> 00:04:38.699 So why doesn't he just summon legions of angels to come and defeat the evil one? 00:04:39.599 --> 00:04:40.699 Because he could do it. 00:04:41.579 --> 00:04:45.199 He has the whole host of heaven at his disposal. 00:04:46.359 --> 00:04:49.739 And he could summon them in a moment to vanquish this evil one. 00:04:49.740 --> 00:04:53.740 But he doesn't. 00:04:54.280 --> 00:04:57.160 The Father seems to understand that Jesus is the Son of God. 00:04:57.240 --> 00:04:58.180 We heard that this morning. 00:04:58.579 --> 00:04:59.960 The evil one seems to know. 00:05:00.019 --> 00:05:01.100 Just look at verse 3. 00:05:01.560 --> 00:05:03.699 If you are the Son of God, then verse 5 again. 00:05:03.960 --> 00:05:05.300 If you are the Son of God. 00:05:06.100 --> 00:05:09.079 And Jesus certainly knows that he's the Son of God. 00:05:10.819 --> 00:05:13.160 He has all authority and power. 00:05:13.160 --> 00:05:18.420 And he's being led into the wilderness to be tempted. 00:05:20.700 --> 00:05:26.320 Instead of this mighty display of power for all to see, Jesus is actually taken away from public view. 00:05:27.780 --> 00:05:30.780 Into no man's land, the wilderness of the Jordan. 00:05:31.680 --> 00:05:37.200 And there in verse 2, he fasts for 40 days and 40 nights. 00:05:37.199 --> 00:05:43.319 And he's hungry, starving, weakened in every way and then tempted by the devil. 00:05:45.099 --> 00:05:48.159 But the answer to the question is actually quite simple. 00:05:49.259 --> 00:05:53.879 Jesus is led into temptation rather than leading a whole host of heaven. 00:05:55.060 --> 00:06:00.180 Because he must be like us if he is to deliver us. 00:06:01.159 --> 00:06:03.480 You're all through the temptations that are set before us. 00:06:03.480 --> 00:06:10.939 Because Jesus, before Jesus, the evil one, is tempting Jesus to be Superman. 00:06:12.439 --> 00:06:13.680 To be like God. 00:06:13.920 --> 00:06:16.520 He says, transform rocks into bread. 00:06:17.700 --> 00:06:20.960 He says, jump off towers and land unharmed. 00:06:21.400 --> 00:06:24.360 He repeatedly highlights that Jesus is the Son of God. 00:06:24.439 --> 00:06:26.980 And tries to get Jesus to reveal his glory. 00:06:27.920 --> 00:06:28.580 Rely on it. 00:06:28.660 --> 00:06:29.939 Display your divinity. 00:06:30.520 --> 00:06:32.220 Rather than be truly human. 00:06:32.220 --> 00:06:34.900 And depend on the help of your Father in heaven. 00:06:36.440 --> 00:06:40.920 The devil is literally willing Jesus to summon his legions of angels. 00:06:41.240 --> 00:06:42.340 Just look at verse 6. 00:06:43.240 --> 00:06:44.560 He'll command his angels. 00:06:45.320 --> 00:06:46.320 They'll come to your aid. 00:06:47.500 --> 00:06:48.620 Exalt yourself, Jesus. 00:06:48.780 --> 00:06:49.760 Show your glory. 00:06:51.520 --> 00:06:54.320 But Jesus resists the temptation every day. 00:06:55.860 --> 00:06:58.860 He chooses suffering rather than glory. 00:06:58.860 --> 00:07:01.640 He chooses dependence rather than divinity. 00:07:02.220 --> 00:07:03.620 He chooses to be a man. 00:07:03.940 --> 00:07:07.700 Subject to all the struggles and temptations that come with it. 00:07:08.820 --> 00:07:09.760 And he does it all. 00:07:10.840 --> 00:07:12.480 He endures it all. 00:07:12.700 --> 00:07:14.840 Because he's come to be our deliverer. 00:07:15.800 --> 00:07:17.960 Not just to defeat Satan. 00:07:18.820 --> 00:07:21.120 And he can only do that if he's truly man. 00:07:21.940 --> 00:07:22.820 Not just Superman. 00:07:22.819 --> 00:07:26.000 And the devil knows that too. 00:07:27.319 --> 00:07:29.540 That's why the temptations are as they are. 00:07:30.339 --> 00:07:33.800 Jesus can only deliver us from evil. 00:07:34.300 --> 00:07:38.180 If he undoes any claim that the evil one might have on us. 00:07:38.180 --> 00:07:42.720 Jesus could defeat the devil in a moment of glory. 00:07:43.660 --> 00:07:45.280 Never forget that. 00:07:46.459 --> 00:07:48.300 He is God. 00:07:48.300 --> 00:07:51.420 But he doesn't. 00:07:51.420 --> 00:07:56.460 He chooses to subject himself to frail humanity. 00:07:57.220 --> 00:07:58.520 Tempted in every way. 00:07:59.639 --> 00:08:01.840 To undergo the trials that we face. 00:08:01.839 --> 00:08:06.959 But that means suffering. 00:08:07.619 --> 00:08:10.719 And to be tempted in every way that we are. 00:08:11.979 --> 00:08:13.779 Jesus is led into temptation. 00:08:13.979 --> 00:08:15.419 To live like us. 00:08:15.779 --> 00:08:19.459 Because this will be the basis for our deliverance. 00:08:19.459 --> 00:08:24.000 Jesus has not come to be the devil defeater. 00:08:25.739 --> 00:08:28.139 He's also come to be our deliverer. 00:08:29.819 --> 00:08:32.139 We're going to be focusing on how he does that in our second point. 00:08:32.340 --> 00:08:33.779 But for the first point. 00:08:33.879 --> 00:08:34.539 I just want you to understand. 00:08:34.659 --> 00:08:37.379 This is the prerequisite of him being our saviour. 00:08:37.460 --> 00:08:40.879 Is that he suffers the trials of those he comes to save. 00:08:41.779 --> 00:08:42.480 Jesus comes. 00:08:42.759 --> 00:08:43.860 And just think about this. 00:08:43.919 --> 00:08:45.659 The eternal son of God. 00:08:46.159 --> 00:08:49.439 Subject to the same suffering and struggles that he faced. 00:08:49.460 --> 00:08:55.019 But the thing that makes him unique is that he does it perfectly. 00:08:57.720 --> 00:08:58.019 Do you know what? 00:08:58.400 --> 00:09:00.660 Never for a moment do his actions. 00:09:01.620 --> 00:09:02.860 Do his thoughts. 00:09:03.280 --> 00:09:05.860 Do the motivations of his heart ever waver. 00:09:07.100 --> 00:09:08.500 Jesus is sinless. 00:09:08.840 --> 00:09:10.139 In the face of his temptation. 00:09:10.759 --> 00:09:12.920 He was like us in every way. 00:09:13.860 --> 00:09:14.780 Yet without sin. 00:09:17.280 --> 00:09:19.300 Now that is an incredibly glorious truth. 00:09:19.299 --> 00:09:22.339 But I think it can make Jesus feel quite remote sometimes. 00:09:23.839 --> 00:09:26.079 When we're struggling and tempted with sin. 00:09:26.199 --> 00:09:28.859 We worry that Jesus isn't really able to sympathise with us. 00:09:29.419 --> 00:09:31.079 That you don't really know what it's like. 00:09:31.159 --> 00:09:32.539 Because I'm going through this struggle. 00:09:32.719 --> 00:09:33.899 And you never really did. 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:35.579 Because you were perfect. 00:09:37.519 --> 00:09:38.899 But when we think like that. 00:09:39.740 --> 00:09:40.699 We've misunderstood. 00:09:40.700 --> 00:09:42.879 We think Jesus. 00:09:42.879 --> 00:09:45.080 You can sympathise with my frail body. 00:09:46.180 --> 00:09:48.740 And the bits that break my physical hurt. 00:09:49.300 --> 00:09:51.180 You can understand my emotional distress. 00:09:51.379 --> 00:09:53.580 Because I read about tears rolling down your cheeks. 00:09:53.660 --> 00:09:55.400 As you stared at the grave of a friend. 00:09:57.060 --> 00:09:58.480 But my battle with sin. 00:09:59.620 --> 00:10:00.580 Do you really understand? 00:10:00.580 --> 00:10:04.960 Now the one thing that seems to dominate so much of my life. 00:10:05.060 --> 00:10:07.080 That seems to trap me and snare me all the time. 00:10:07.120 --> 00:10:08.139 You don't really understand. 00:10:11.840 --> 00:10:13.020 He's perfect. 00:10:13.860 --> 00:10:14.639 How could he? 00:10:14.639 --> 00:10:17.860 But when we think like that. 00:10:17.939 --> 00:10:19.360 We really do misunderstand. 00:10:19.740 --> 00:10:21.799 The gloriousness of what's going on here. 00:10:22.679 --> 00:10:24.279 Because Jesus' perfection. 00:10:24.519 --> 00:10:26.500 At every phase of his temptation. 00:10:27.039 --> 00:10:29.759 Doesn't mean that he's unable to identify with your struggle. 00:10:29.840 --> 00:10:30.580 And fight with sin. 00:10:31.059 --> 00:10:32.319 He's far from it. 00:10:32.399 --> 00:10:34.379 It actually means that he is able. 00:10:34.500 --> 00:10:36.460 To infinitely more understand. 00:10:36.600 --> 00:10:37.860 Your struggle than you are. 00:10:39.960 --> 00:10:41.419 When temptation comes. 00:10:41.559 --> 00:10:42.500 We battle don't we? 00:10:43.259 --> 00:10:44.100 We fight. 00:10:44.100 --> 00:10:47.259 But we're so quick to give in so often. 00:10:49.159 --> 00:10:50.920 Temptation is almost like a weight. 00:10:51.800 --> 00:10:52.500 But it comes. 00:10:52.720 --> 00:10:54.500 And the burden of temptation. 00:10:54.680 --> 00:10:55.519 It pushes down. 00:10:56.080 --> 00:10:57.680 More and more. 00:10:57.920 --> 00:10:59.700 And heavier and heavier. 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:01.500 Until we break. 00:11:02.659 --> 00:11:03.320 And we give in. 00:11:05.620 --> 00:11:08.379 But Jesus never gave in. 00:11:09.399 --> 00:11:12.860 So he experienced the full weight. 00:11:12.860 --> 00:11:15.000 Of all that temptation. 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:17.560 He experienced that struggle. 00:11:17.919 --> 00:11:19.019 Infinitely more. 00:11:19.500 --> 00:11:21.620 Than we who are so fleeting with that temptation. 00:11:22.220 --> 00:11:23.279 And given so quickly. 00:11:23.279 --> 00:11:27.480 The weight of temptation. 00:11:27.480 --> 00:11:28.039 We endure. 00:11:28.039 --> 00:11:27.480 The weight of temptation. 00:11:27.480 --> 00:11:28.019 We endure. 00:11:28.019 --> 00:11:28.740 Is minimal. 00:11:28.919 --> 00:11:30.519 In comparison to what Jesus endured. 00:11:31.079 --> 00:11:33.259 Sin seems to just spring forth. 00:11:33.379 --> 00:11:34.139 In a moment. 00:11:34.759 --> 00:11:36.240 And with almost no enticement. 00:11:38.240 --> 00:11:41.299 But it is precisely because Jesus didn't give in to temptation. 00:11:41.439 --> 00:11:42.679 That he knows your struggle. 00:11:42.980 --> 00:11:44.480 Even better than you do. 00:11:44.480 --> 00:11:47.840 Think about this. 00:11:47.840 --> 00:11:50.080 The devil had to deploy. 00:11:50.440 --> 00:11:52.720 All the resources of hell. 00:11:52.840 --> 00:11:54.240 Against Jesus. 00:11:55.600 --> 00:11:56.980 And he remained without sin. 00:12:00.120 --> 00:12:01.220 Pressing down. 00:12:01.720 --> 00:12:02.940 Harder and harder. 00:12:03.019 --> 00:12:03.980 Yet he remained faithful. 00:12:03.980 --> 00:12:08.920 Jesus understands our temptation. 00:12:09.120 --> 00:12:10.180 And struggle with sin. 00:12:10.300 --> 00:12:11.220 Infinitely more. 00:12:11.620 --> 00:12:13.060 Because he endured it. 00:12:13.539 --> 00:12:15.800 Until there was nothing left to tempt him with. 00:12:17.680 --> 00:12:19.800 He felt the full force. 00:12:20.220 --> 00:12:21.420 Of hell's ferocity. 00:12:21.419 --> 00:12:24.740 He lived like us. 00:12:26.479 --> 00:12:27.000 Perfectly. 00:12:29.559 --> 00:12:31.439 Just look at the last verse of that passage. 00:12:33.000 --> 00:12:34.099 He even needed. 00:12:34.459 --> 00:12:36.879 Not to summon angels to defeat Satan. 00:12:37.059 --> 00:12:38.719 But to minister to him. 00:12:39.199 --> 00:12:40.919 Because he had emptied the tank. 00:12:41.799 --> 00:12:44.919 And needed the help of angels to minister to him. 00:12:46.120 --> 00:12:47.399 So when you're struggling. 00:12:48.459 --> 00:12:50.199 When you're finding it hard. 00:12:50.200 --> 00:12:52.620 When temptation is crouching at your door. 00:12:53.640 --> 00:12:56.379 He knows how hard it is to keep going. 00:12:57.500 --> 00:12:59.960 He knows how hard the struggle is for you. 00:13:02.620 --> 00:13:03.960 But then just think. 00:13:04.820 --> 00:13:08.460 Jesus now is sat at the right hand of the Father in heaven. 00:13:09.580 --> 00:13:12.160 And he looks down at your battle with sin. 00:13:13.759 --> 00:13:16.160 He sees you struggling to be patient with your spouse. 00:13:17.540 --> 00:13:19.000 He sees you struggling. 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:22.039 With the temptation to click on that link or not. 00:13:22.980 --> 00:13:24.820 To lie on that expense form. 00:13:25.980 --> 00:13:28.200 To not grumble about difficult situations. 00:13:28.299 --> 00:13:30.740 He sees all the temptations and struggles. 00:13:32.039 --> 00:13:34.059 I think we imagine Jesus up there. 00:13:34.220 --> 00:13:35.379 Like an angry boss. 00:13:36.440 --> 00:13:36.659 Going. 00:13:36.779 --> 00:13:38.600 I cannot believe. 00:13:39.000 --> 00:13:40.679 That you've put yourself in this situation again. 00:13:40.679 --> 00:13:42.659 How on earth. 00:13:43.339 --> 00:13:44.620 Like have you done this again. 00:13:46.399 --> 00:13:47.620 Or just kind of a. 00:13:48.139 --> 00:13:50.099 An absent parent who just goes. 00:13:50.779 --> 00:13:51.979 Not that type of this. 00:13:54.379 --> 00:13:57.059 But that is not how Jesus views you. 00:13:57.159 --> 00:13:58.539 In the face of your temptation. 00:13:58.539 --> 00:14:00.740 To a Jesus. 00:14:01.219 --> 00:14:02.980 He sees your struggle. 00:14:03.679 --> 00:14:04.980 Your fight with temptation. 00:14:05.199 --> 00:14:06.719 He knows it infinitely more. 00:14:07.059 --> 00:14:08.419 And he is moved. 00:14:09.679 --> 00:14:12.079 He is moved with love and compassion. 00:14:12.279 --> 00:14:13.459 He knows what it's like. 00:14:13.579 --> 00:14:15.419 He is endured far worse. 00:14:15.679 --> 00:14:17.099 So it moves him to pray. 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:18.039 Father. 00:14:19.360 --> 00:14:21.199 Lead them not into temptation. 00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:24.400 Deliver them from evil. 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:28.440 Jesus is at the right hand of the Father in heaven. 00:14:29.020 --> 00:14:31.080 Interceding for you in the face of your temptation. 00:14:31.400 --> 00:14:33.180 Knowing your struggle infinitely more. 00:14:38.040 --> 00:14:40.840 Jesus was led into temptation to live like us. 00:14:42.620 --> 00:14:45.320 He lived everything we've lived. 00:14:45.460 --> 00:14:46.200 Every temptation. 00:14:46.379 --> 00:14:47.020 Every trial. 00:14:47.920 --> 00:14:48.620 Yet without sin. 00:14:48.620 --> 00:14:51.639 That brings us to our second point. 00:14:51.759 --> 00:14:54.500 Jesus was not just led into temptation to live like us. 00:14:55.279 --> 00:14:57.960 But Jesus delivers us from the evil one. 00:14:58.679 --> 00:15:00.340 By living for us. 00:15:01.159 --> 00:15:02.360 By living for us. 00:15:02.860 --> 00:15:04.600 There is so much comfort to be gained. 00:15:04.779 --> 00:15:07.080 By knowing the temptation that Jesus endured. 00:15:07.759 --> 00:15:10.139 And what it means as we struggle and fight temptation. 00:15:10.139 --> 00:15:11.419 But I want us to move now. 00:15:11.519 --> 00:15:13.080 Just from the kind of empathy. 00:15:13.399 --> 00:15:15.399 And sympathy that Jesus experiences. 00:15:16.440 --> 00:15:17.019 To him. 00:15:17.220 --> 00:15:18.460 How he remedied. 00:15:18.460 --> 00:15:19.320 And remedies it. 00:15:19.519 --> 00:15:20.440 How he moves it. 00:15:20.460 --> 00:15:22.500 Just from seeing and being moved by it. 00:15:22.680 --> 00:15:24.720 To actually doing something about it. 00:15:26.600 --> 00:15:29.000 How does Jesus deliver us from the evil one? 00:15:29.379 --> 00:15:29.639 Well. 00:15:29.879 --> 00:15:31.639 He delivers us from the evil one. 00:15:31.660 --> 00:15:32.300 In these verses. 00:15:33.220 --> 00:15:34.600 By reliving. 00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:36.620 The history of his people. 00:15:38.100 --> 00:15:39.360 He delivers. 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:41.040 Us from the evil one. 00:15:41.120 --> 00:15:43.240 By reliving the history of his people. 00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:46.040 We've seen that Jesus comes. 00:15:46.040 --> 00:15:47.240 And identifies with his people. 00:15:47.240 --> 00:15:48.360 And temptation and testing. 00:15:49.399 --> 00:15:51.080 But this is the good news. 00:15:51.200 --> 00:15:52.600 Not just the comforting news. 00:15:53.919 --> 00:15:57.860 Jesus comes and does what God's people have failed to do. 00:15:58.980 --> 00:16:00.139 He obeyed. 00:16:00.139 --> 00:16:03.059 That we skipped over it in our first point. 00:16:03.059 --> 00:16:03.980 But I'm sure you noticed. 00:16:03.980 --> 00:16:08.019 That Jesus is in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights. 00:16:08.939 --> 00:16:12.679 That 40 is a number that throughout the Bible is used for times of testing. 00:16:13.399 --> 00:16:14.939 But in the context of our passage. 00:16:15.159 --> 00:16:17.220 It's meant to make you think about one moment in particular. 00:16:18.220 --> 00:16:20.960 And that's God's people who were wandering in the wilderness. 00:16:21.559 --> 00:16:24.220 For 40 years before they passed the test. 00:16:24.220 --> 00:16:26.600 And were able to pass into the promised land. 00:16:26.879 --> 00:16:28.139 So it's no coincidence. 00:16:29.320 --> 00:16:31.360 That Jesus begins here in the wilderness. 00:16:32.639 --> 00:16:33.779 Just like Israel. 00:16:34.300 --> 00:16:35.379 For 40 days. 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:40.860 But the number 40 is just our first clue that Jesus is reliving the history of his people. 00:16:41.840 --> 00:16:42.279 Because. 00:16:42.980 --> 00:16:44.560 Just look again at verse 3 with me. 00:16:45.360 --> 00:16:47.220 We'll look at each of the temptations in turn. 00:16:47.340 --> 00:16:48.680 But the first one to verse 3. 00:16:48.679 --> 00:16:49.859 The tempter came to him and said. 00:16:49.859 --> 00:16:51.199 If you're the son of God. 00:16:51.339 --> 00:16:53.039 Tell these stones to become bread. 00:16:54.819 --> 00:16:56.099 The first temptation. 00:16:56.279 --> 00:16:57.539 Jesus is starving. 00:16:58.859 --> 00:17:01.599 Jesus is being called to miraculously feed himself. 00:17:01.719 --> 00:17:04.099 Rather than to trust in his father to sustain him. 00:17:05.139 --> 00:17:07.059 It seems like the perfect temptation. 00:17:07.240 --> 00:17:07.339 Because. 00:17:07.899 --> 00:17:09.799 Just imagine having not eaten for a day. 00:17:11.119 --> 00:17:12.259 Or two days. 00:17:13.220 --> 00:17:14.339 Or three days. 00:17:15.299 --> 00:17:16.539 And that length of 40. 00:17:16.539 --> 00:17:17.799 Starving. 00:17:18.200 --> 00:17:19.159 Thirsty days. 00:17:19.259 --> 00:17:19.819 In the wilderness. 00:17:21.619 --> 00:17:26.440 But this isn't just kind of a craftily devised temptation of the devil. 00:17:27.779 --> 00:17:28.579 No this. 00:17:29.319 --> 00:17:31.720 Is Jesus replaying the history of his people. 00:17:32.659 --> 00:17:36.379 That Jesus answers this temptation from a quote in Deuteronomy 8.3. 00:17:36.759 --> 00:17:37.519 It is written. 00:17:37.759 --> 00:17:38.279 He says. 00:17:38.839 --> 00:17:40.960 Man shall not live on bread alone. 00:17:41.359 --> 00:17:43.500 But on every word that comes from the mouth of God. 00:17:43.500 --> 00:17:48.259 God the quote recalls the story of the Israelites being given manna from heaven. 00:17:50.079 --> 00:17:51.819 They were wandering in the wilderness. 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:54.359 But God supernaturally provides for them. 00:17:54.579 --> 00:17:55.559 Again and again. 00:17:55.980 --> 00:17:57.180 Even when it looked like he wouldn't. 00:17:58.799 --> 00:18:00.180 But we know how the story goes don't we? 00:18:01.319 --> 00:18:03.059 Instead of trusting their heavenly father. 00:18:03.180 --> 00:18:04.980 They grumble and question his goodness. 00:18:05.660 --> 00:18:08.259 They gave into temptation and they distrusted God. 00:18:08.259 --> 00:18:11.099 But here. 00:18:11.980 --> 00:18:12.660 Here though. 00:18:12.980 --> 00:18:15.819 Jesus is reliving the history of Israel. 00:18:16.420 --> 00:18:17.599 Hungry in the wilderness. 00:18:17.799 --> 00:18:19.839 But trusts his father to sustain him. 00:18:20.660 --> 00:18:22.539 This test is about trusting his father. 00:18:22.960 --> 00:18:23.879 Jesus is tempted. 00:18:24.379 --> 00:18:25.259 And Jesus triumphs. 00:18:26.000 --> 00:18:27.220 Where God's people have failed. 00:18:28.480 --> 00:18:29.859 And then you move to verse 5. 00:18:30.759 --> 00:18:33.079 And he continues to trace Israel's history. 00:18:33.619 --> 00:18:34.519 That this temptation. 00:18:35.339 --> 00:18:35.979 At this time. 00:18:36.079 --> 00:18:37.719 It's not so much about trusting his father. 00:18:37.819 --> 00:18:38.740 But testing him. 00:18:39.579 --> 00:18:40.819 Just read verse 5. 00:18:42.279 --> 00:18:43.459 Then the devil took him. 00:18:43.639 --> 00:18:44.659 To the holy city. 00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:46.259 And set him on the pinnacle of the temple. 00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:47.359 And said to him. 00:18:47.359 --> 00:18:48.259 If you're the son of God. 00:18:48.359 --> 00:18:49.459 Throw yourself down. 00:18:50.919 --> 00:18:51.899 That this verse. 00:18:52.039 --> 00:18:52.339 He said. 00:18:52.559 --> 00:18:53.439 Keeps on going. 00:18:53.719 --> 00:18:55.079 Saying angels will help you. 00:18:55.259 --> 00:18:56.299 Angels will help you. 00:18:57.359 --> 00:18:58.919 You seem to trust your father. 00:18:58.920 --> 00:18:59.840 Says the devil. 00:19:00.400 --> 00:19:01.779 But will you test him? 00:19:03.840 --> 00:19:04.700 In response. 00:19:04.800 --> 00:19:05.279 Jesus again. 00:19:05.380 --> 00:19:06.200 Quotes from Deuteronomy. 00:19:06.279 --> 00:19:07.660 This time from chapter 6. 00:19:08.840 --> 00:19:09.539 The context. 00:19:09.720 --> 00:19:10.980 Might not be as familiar to us. 00:19:11.080 --> 00:19:11.220 But. 00:19:11.560 --> 00:19:13.140 Jesus is pointing to the moment. 00:19:13.259 --> 00:19:14.600 In Israel's wilderness wandering. 00:19:15.080 --> 00:19:16.779 When they're at Massa. 00:19:17.480 --> 00:19:18.580 And they didn't believe. 00:19:18.580 --> 00:19:19.800 That God would ultimately. 00:19:19.940 --> 00:19:21.180 Bring them into the promised land. 00:19:22.120 --> 00:19:22.480 Instead. 00:19:22.640 --> 00:19:24.140 They have the audacity to say. 00:19:24.600 --> 00:19:26.140 Is the Lord with us or not? 00:19:26.140 --> 00:19:29.440 They put God to the test. 00:19:30.280 --> 00:19:31.240 And Jesus here. 00:19:31.420 --> 00:19:33.720 Is replaying the history of his people. 00:19:33.960 --> 00:19:35.500 But doing it perfectly. 00:19:39.500 --> 00:19:41.040 They put God to the test. 00:19:41.920 --> 00:19:43.040 But here Jesus. 00:19:43.580 --> 00:19:45.420 Is tempted to cast himself down. 00:19:45.500 --> 00:19:46.600 To see if God was with him. 00:19:47.600 --> 00:19:48.020 He says. 00:19:48.100 --> 00:19:48.360 No. 00:19:48.620 --> 00:19:49.560 I trust my father. 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:53.059 And then verse 8. 00:19:54.799 --> 00:19:55.960 Again the devil took him. 00:19:56.019 --> 00:19:57.039 To a very high mountain. 00:19:57.159 --> 00:19:57.539 And showed him. 00:19:57.679 --> 00:19:58.720 All the kingdoms of the world. 00:19:58.799 --> 00:19:59.619 And all their splendor. 00:19:59.980 --> 00:20:01.019 All this. 00:20:01.919 --> 00:20:03.259 Everything in the world. 00:20:03.379 --> 00:20:04.579 I will give to you. 00:20:04.679 --> 00:20:05.159 He said. 00:20:05.659 --> 00:20:06.919 If you bow down. 00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:07.819 And worship me. 00:20:09.819 --> 00:20:10.039 You know. 00:20:10.099 --> 00:20:11.179 This final temptation. 00:20:11.339 --> 00:20:11.740 There's no. 00:20:12.119 --> 00:20:12.899 Veiled attempt. 00:20:13.019 --> 00:20:13.659 To disguise. 00:20:13.799 --> 00:20:14.740 What the evil one is doing. 00:20:16.259 --> 00:20:17.399 There's no subtle. 00:20:17.720 --> 00:20:18.159 Questioning. 00:20:18.220 --> 00:20:19.139 Of Jesus' trust. 00:20:19.680 --> 00:20:20.900 Or whether he would test God. 00:20:21.500 --> 00:20:23.200 He comes straight out. 00:20:23.460 --> 00:20:24.020 And says. 00:20:24.140 --> 00:20:25.100 Commit treason. 00:20:25.980 --> 00:20:27.080 Against the living God. 00:20:29.640 --> 00:20:31.340 Jesus is offered the world. 00:20:32.460 --> 00:20:33.820 All Jesus would have to do. 00:20:33.880 --> 00:20:34.780 Is worship the devil. 00:20:34.780 --> 00:20:35.640 Rather than God. 00:20:37.280 --> 00:20:39.360 Have God's good gifts. 00:20:39.940 --> 00:20:41.540 And reject God in the process. 00:20:42.580 --> 00:20:43.740 Gain the world. 00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:45.980 And forfeit your soul. 00:20:47.320 --> 00:20:48.500 That's what Satan is saying. 00:20:49.140 --> 00:20:50.980 Jesus responds wisely. 00:20:52.180 --> 00:20:53.680 Quoting Deuteronomy 6. 00:20:53.740 --> 00:20:54.160 Verse 13. 00:20:54.420 --> 00:20:54.940 Worship. 00:20:55.500 --> 00:20:56.920 The Lord your God. 00:20:57.000 --> 00:20:58.080 And serve him. 00:20:58.520 --> 00:20:58.860 Only. 00:21:01.420 --> 00:21:02.900 The quotation doesn't really point. 00:21:02.960 --> 00:21:03.860 To a particular moment. 00:21:03.960 --> 00:21:05.580 In Israel's wilderness wandering. 00:21:05.740 --> 00:21:06.320 Of God's people. 00:21:06.319 --> 00:21:06.419 Rule. 00:21:07.519 --> 00:21:08.899 But I think that's the point. 00:21:10.899 --> 00:21:13.119 Because although there is something unique to Jesus. 00:21:13.200 --> 00:21:14.200 About this temptation. 00:21:15.200 --> 00:21:16.659 There's a temptation that comes to all. 00:21:16.779 --> 00:21:17.659 For God's people isn't it? 00:21:19.460 --> 00:21:20.500 Chase the world. 00:21:21.659 --> 00:21:22.939 And all it has to offer. 00:21:24.039 --> 00:21:25.960 Without reference to who it belongs to. 00:21:25.960 --> 00:21:29.759 Build your kingdom. 00:21:29.759 --> 00:21:32.079 In the little corner of God's world. 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:34.720 And forget the true king who rules over it all. 00:21:38.120 --> 00:21:39.960 What good is it to have stuff. 00:21:41.000 --> 00:21:42.340 And forfeit your soul. 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:46.860 There's a temptation that comes to us all. 00:21:46.859 --> 00:21:49.139 But. 00:21:49.819 --> 00:21:51.319 Jesus feels it uniquely. 00:21:52.719 --> 00:21:53.479 He is here. 00:21:54.079 --> 00:21:55.319 Set out on a journey. 00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:57.619 To save his people. 00:21:59.219 --> 00:22:00.379 Equipped with the spirit. 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:02.319 Hearing the voice of the father saying. 00:22:02.399 --> 00:22:03.259 This is my son. 00:22:03.639 --> 00:22:04.719 Set out on a mission. 00:22:04.839 --> 00:22:05.919 To save his people. 00:22:06.039 --> 00:22:07.699 To deliver them from the evil one. 00:22:08.699 --> 00:22:10.139 He knew the sufferings. 00:22:10.199 --> 00:22:10.959 The humiliation. 00:22:11.179 --> 00:22:11.639 The degradation. 00:22:11.639 --> 00:22:12.819 That was going to cost him. 00:22:12.899 --> 00:22:14.159 To deliver his people. 00:22:14.160 --> 00:22:16.500 And here is the evil one saying. 00:22:17.019 --> 00:22:18.740 Just don't do it Jesus. 00:22:20.440 --> 00:22:21.880 Just don't do it. 00:22:23.019 --> 00:22:25.740 I will give you all the kingdoms of the world. 00:22:26.100 --> 00:22:26.840 And their glory. 00:22:26.940 --> 00:22:28.019 If you'll just worship me. 00:22:28.100 --> 00:22:30.140 You don't have to go to the cross. 00:22:31.860 --> 00:22:32.820 Just bow to me. 00:22:36.800 --> 00:22:38.440 But where we commit treason. 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:40.960 Saying. 00:22:41.940 --> 00:22:43.620 Suffering now and glory later. 00:22:43.619 --> 00:22:44.500 Isn't really for me. 00:22:45.899 --> 00:22:47.019 Saying cost. 00:22:47.479 --> 00:22:48.439 And sacrifice. 00:22:49.299 --> 00:22:50.219 Isn't really for me. 00:22:52.139 --> 00:22:52.579 Jesus. 00:22:54.199 --> 00:22:54.799 Without. 00:22:55.239 --> 00:22:56.579 A blink of an eye. 00:22:57.519 --> 00:22:59.459 Was obedient on behalf of his people. 00:23:01.559 --> 00:23:02.239 Jesus says. 00:23:02.859 --> 00:23:03.339 Knowing. 00:23:03.859 --> 00:23:04.959 And being obedient for. 00:23:05.199 --> 00:23:05.879 Knowing. 00:23:06.239 --> 00:23:07.819 That being obedient to his father. 00:23:07.939 --> 00:23:09.599 Meant suffering and persecution. 00:23:09.599 --> 00:23:10.159 And trial. 00:23:11.579 --> 00:23:13.139 He said that's more worth. 00:23:13.140 --> 00:23:14.140 Of anything. 00:23:14.660 --> 00:23:15.820 Than the world has to offer. 00:23:17.259 --> 00:23:18.320 So I hope you can see. 00:23:18.400 --> 00:23:20.580 That Jesus is reliving the history of God's people. 00:23:21.040 --> 00:23:22.740 But this time doing it perfectly. 00:23:23.620 --> 00:23:25.759 He delivers his people from the evil one. 00:23:26.220 --> 00:23:27.660 By living for them. 00:23:27.820 --> 00:23:29.100 Reliving their history. 00:23:30.860 --> 00:23:32.320 And representing God's people. 00:23:32.420 --> 00:23:33.620 United to God's people. 00:23:33.780 --> 00:23:34.220 Jesus. 00:23:35.180 --> 00:23:36.280 Disarms the devil. 00:23:36.279 --> 00:23:37.279 By passing. 00:23:37.279 --> 00:23:38.279 By passing. 00:23:38.279 --> 00:23:38.920 By passing. 00:23:39.099 --> 00:23:40.460 Every test and temptation. 00:23:40.899 --> 00:23:42.940 So Satan has nothing left to say. 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:44.779 At the end of these temptations. 00:23:45.839 --> 00:23:47.619 He has nothing left to say. 00:23:47.859 --> 00:23:49.460 There is no more accusation. 00:23:50.160 --> 00:23:51.579 Because perfect. 00:23:51.920 --> 00:23:52.359 Perfect. 00:23:52.859 --> 00:23:53.220 Perfect. 00:23:53.680 --> 00:23:55.579 Is the message at every step. 00:23:56.579 --> 00:23:58.059 And God's people. 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:59.559 United to him. 00:23:59.660 --> 00:24:01.680 As he relives their history. 00:24:02.660 --> 00:24:04.200 Certainly there are no accusations. 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:05.640 Against God's people either. 00:24:06.759 --> 00:24:08.660 Because the verdict for his people. 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:09.740 United to him. 00:24:09.799 --> 00:24:11.840 As he passes the tests for them. 00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:13.220 Is perfect. 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:14.220 Perfect. 00:24:15.000 --> 00:24:15.480 Perfect. 00:24:16.039 --> 00:24:17.340 At every step of the way. 00:24:17.339 --> 00:24:21.699 The evil one. 00:24:21.799 --> 00:24:23.519 Has no more ammunition to fire. 00:24:24.379 --> 00:24:26.159 Because Jesus has taken it all. 00:24:26.339 --> 00:24:29.419 The devil is a prowling lion. 00:24:30.159 --> 00:24:30.759 Roaring. 00:24:31.199 --> 00:24:32.319 Seeking to devour. 00:24:34.199 --> 00:24:36.379 But because Jesus passes the test. 00:24:37.279 --> 00:24:38.439 He's toothless. 00:24:39.559 --> 00:24:40.679 He has no bite. 00:24:40.799 --> 00:24:41.559 On God's people. 00:24:42.459 --> 00:24:44.039 Because they have the verdict. 00:24:44.199 --> 00:24:44.599 Perfect. 00:24:45.439 --> 00:24:47.259 Because Jesus relives their history. 00:24:47.339 --> 00:24:50.879 But he's not just reliving. 00:24:51.159 --> 00:24:52.359 The history of God's people. 00:24:52.500 --> 00:24:53.039 In the abstract. 00:24:54.079 --> 00:24:55.220 This isn't just kind of a. 00:24:55.459 --> 00:24:56.459 Hey isn't it cool. 00:24:56.599 --> 00:24:58.339 That Jesus is picking up on patterns. 00:24:58.339 --> 00:24:59.159 In the Old Testament. 00:24:59.740 --> 00:25:00.879 And following in the footsteps. 00:25:01.939 --> 00:25:03.419 So this moment. 00:25:03.679 --> 00:25:05.199 In Matthew 4. 00:25:05.619 --> 00:25:08.619 Jesus is reliving your history. 00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:11.319 Your history. 00:25:12.439 --> 00:25:13.639 Every time. 00:25:13.779 --> 00:25:15.139 Temptation comes. 00:25:15.480 --> 00:25:16.419 And you give in. 00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:18.680 Every time. 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:19.560 You've stumbled. 00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:21.200 It's almost pointless. 00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:21.920 To give examples. 00:25:22.080 --> 00:25:22.580 Because we know. 00:25:22.700 --> 00:25:24.000 Our failure to obey God. 00:25:24.240 --> 00:25:25.360 And when we face temptation. 00:25:26.580 --> 00:25:26.720 Do you know. 00:25:26.759 --> 00:25:28.000 Those little patterns of sin. 00:25:28.120 --> 00:25:29.560 That constantly seduce us. 00:25:30.279 --> 00:25:31.360 And those bigger moments. 00:25:31.360 --> 00:25:32.019 When we look back. 00:25:32.080 --> 00:25:32.440 And just go. 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:33.560 I cannot believe. 00:25:33.700 --> 00:25:34.279 I did that. 00:25:34.279 --> 00:25:38.139 All of those moments. 00:25:38.500 --> 00:25:39.819 Jesus is here. 00:25:40.500 --> 00:25:41.059 Living. 00:25:41.700 --> 00:25:42.460 Perfectly. 00:25:43.680 --> 00:25:44.899 Your history. 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:49.180 So that Satan has no accusation against you. 00:25:49.839 --> 00:25:50.980 United to him. 00:25:51.779 --> 00:25:53.139 The devil is toothless. 00:25:55.220 --> 00:25:56.500 He comes to bite. 00:25:56.599 --> 00:25:57.279 But he has nothing. 00:25:57.279 --> 00:25:59.019 In Jesus. 00:25:59.420 --> 00:26:00.819 You have perfect righteousness. 00:26:01.599 --> 00:26:02.899 Always obeyed. 00:26:02.940 --> 00:26:03.899 Is your verdict. 00:26:04.539 --> 00:26:05.359 United to him. 00:26:07.279 --> 00:26:09.519 Jesus delivers us from the evil one. 00:26:09.980 --> 00:26:12.000 By living for us. 00:26:12.420 --> 00:26:14.019 And giving us the perfect verdict. 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:17.680 You need not fear the evil one. 00:26:17.680 --> 00:26:20.279 Because although he roars. 00:26:21.340 --> 00:26:22.380 He's toothless. 00:26:22.500 --> 00:26:24.140 And he can never call me guilty. 00:26:25.140 --> 00:26:26.940 Because I'm united to Jesus. 00:26:27.120 --> 00:26:28.660 And have his perfect obedience. 00:26:29.100 --> 00:26:30.019 As confidently. 00:26:30.279 --> 00:26:31.620 As Jesus declares. 00:26:32.539 --> 00:26:34.039 Get behind me Satan. 00:26:34.620 --> 00:26:35.380 Be gone. 00:26:36.019 --> 00:26:37.700 You can say the same. 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:41.720 Because you have his perfect righteousness. 00:26:42.680 --> 00:26:44.140 As he relives your history. 00:26:44.140 --> 00:26:47.520 To God. 00:26:47.560 --> 00:26:48.020 Praise God. 00:26:48.080 --> 00:26:49.580 That Jesus was led into temptation. 00:26:50.520 --> 00:26:52.160 Because through that temptation. 00:26:53.700 --> 00:26:54.960 He empathizes. 00:26:55.100 --> 00:26:55.980 And sympathizes. 00:26:55.980 --> 00:26:56.800 With your struggle. 00:26:57.560 --> 00:26:58.920 Infinitely more than you do. 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:01.800 But this is also the moment. 00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:03.060 When he led. 00:27:03.660 --> 00:27:04.300 His people. 00:27:04.560 --> 00:27:05.400 Out of captivity. 00:27:05.600 --> 00:27:06.020 For Satan. 00:27:06.300 --> 00:27:06.720 For Satan. 00:27:06.720 --> 00:27:07.940 He delivered them. 00:27:09.740 --> 00:27:10.660 Pray that line. 00:27:10.780 --> 00:27:11.340 In the Lord's Prayer. 00:27:11.460 --> 00:27:11.940 With confidence. 00:27:13.280 --> 00:27:13.860 Pray it. 00:27:13.859 --> 00:27:14.439 With confidence. 00:27:15.559 --> 00:27:16.240 Because. 00:27:16.659 --> 00:27:17.779 Jesus was led. 00:27:17.879 --> 00:27:18.679 Into temptation. 00:27:20.359 --> 00:27:22.299 So that we might not fear. 00:27:22.379 --> 00:27:23.099 The evil one. 00:27:24.159 --> 00:27:24.859 Let's pray.