Jesus’ temptation by Satan is well known to Christians, and dare I say, even to the secular world (albeit with much creative licence). However, it’s one thing to be familiar with the narrative, but it’s quite another thing to correctly understand it. The three scenes presented in Matthew 4:1-10 provide great insight into the fallen condition of humans (as expressed in Satan’s demands). These attacks can be deconstructed into ungodly expectations and deceitful presumptions that we should instantly recognise within ourselves. For instance …
Temptation 1: Turning stones to bread
Ungodly expectation: God is obliged to provide for my material needs in supernatural ways
Deceitful presumption: I should never be in need
Temptation: 2: Jumping from heights
Ungodly expectation: God is obliged to rescue me miraculously even when I am reckless and unwise
Deceitful presumption: I should never be in danger (or I should always be successful in whatever I do)
Temptation 3: Riches and glory
Ungodly expectation: Fortune and fame should be part of my life regardless of how they are attained
Deceitful presumption: I should get what I want without consequences
Jesus’ responses expose these temptations for what they truly are: attacks on the provision of God in the guise of relying on Him; assaults on His character in the name of seeking to be rescued by Him; outright worship of earthly rewards instead of worshipping Him. Instead of responding to the creature with evidence, Jesus (as Creator) demands that the creature show subservience. This ought to be instructive for us.
Sure, it is good to be aware of the ways in which Satan can (and does) tempt us. Nevertheless, let us not be blind to the very real danger of tempting God ourselves with our own ungodly expectations and deceitful presumptions. Whilst we should be watchful for external assaults, let us also guard against attacks from within.
— Contributed by Peter Rufus