A Day-by-day devotional

February 18, 2023

Jump

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Leviticus 19-22

Scripture of the Day: Hebrews 2:14-18

Before Jesus officially started His ministry, He was led by the Spirit into the desert and was then tempted by the devil. He was taken to the highest part of the temple and was told to jump off. He told Jesus that if He were the Son of God, His Father will command His angels to save Jesus (Luke 4:9-11).

The devil used the fact that since Jesus is God’s Son, the Father won’t hesitate to send Him help, and even quoted Scripture.

He appealed to what he knew always had an appeal to humanity, since the beginning. He used a similar temptation with Adam and Eve, as he convinced them to eat of the fruit the Father told them not to eat. He said to them that if they ate of the fruit, their eyes will be opened and become like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5). In both instances, the devil used the pride of life as temptation.

The first man Adam who was a living being, succumbed to the temptation and sinned, leading to death. The last Adam, Jesus, on the other hand, who is a life-giving spirit, triumphed over such temptation and never sinned (1 Corinthians 15:45).

The pride of life refers to power. It is desiring glory and splendor that are of this world. When the devil presented the idea of being like God, knowing good and evil to Adam and Eve, he was offering them power and glory. They could be like God! And they wanted it.

Likewise, when the devil told Jesus to jump off so that His Father will command His angels to save Jesus, he was offering Him a display of His Sonship’s power and glory. He is, after all, the Son of God. But Jesus did not come to the world to display power and glory. He came instead to glorify His Father. And so, He set the devil straight.

The enemy will not stop to offer humanity the pride of life because he knew it appeals to us. Mankind’s desire for power and glory is what causes man to turn against another, and against God. We would be, in our lifetime, be continuously tempted to jump off our way to obtain power and gain glory. We would always be enticed to chase after our dreams and ambitions.

In order to also triumph the way that Jesus did, we should look to Him for help. He is the only one who is able to sympathize with us in all our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). After all, just like us, He was also tempted. But He never gave in to it.

Reflection: Could you still recall how many times you have been tempted by the enemy to jump off towards your ambitious pursuits to gain fame, power and glory? And how many among those times you have triumphed and have not given in to sin?

Prayer: My sweet Lord, let me not pursue worthless chariots and horses. They may give me temporary satisfaction and happiness in life but I know that it is only in you that my contentment and joy are full. Help me to boast only in your name. Amen.