Read Luke 4:1-44

Students wishing to become teachers have to spend a semester or two working as a student teacher under the wings of a certified teacher.  Others who want to become doctors spend several years in their internship and residency.  Men and women going into the military need to go through months of grueling training in boot camps.  In each case they come out the other side stronger and more skilled to tackle things that might be thrown their way.

In this chapter Jesus was about 30 years old and, like other Jewish boys in His time, had gone through years of spiritual training. In fact, at the age of 12, He was found in deep discussion with the leaders of the temple in Jerusalem. Now after His baptism, He was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert. He didn’t just wander into the desert.  He was led by none other than the Holy Spirit. Could the purpose be for Him to pass the final training before He officially started His ministry where He would be delivering freedom for people from their illnesses or disabilities plus actually driving out demons?            

The spiritual battlefield was in front of Him and it wasn’t going to be easy! There, for 40 days He was tempted by SATAN himself!

What can we learn from Jesus’ final exam?

1. Satan attacks us when we are at our weakest.  When we are hungry, tired, tempted and alone, to name a few.  That is when we really need to lean on Jesus so we do not fall for Satan’s lies.

• Satan twists the word of God, leaving one word out here or there to totally change the meaning.  We need to KNOW what God really says in the Bible, not just what we kind of think it says.  How is that done?  By reading and studying the Bible and asking God for His insight in what we read. Then planting His words in our minds and hearts.

• Even though Jesus was going through a trial, God was with Him. It doesn’t say the Holy Spirit LEFT him there! Even in the deserts of life when you feel all alone and tempted, we are never alone!  God is always just a prayer away.

• Throughout His ministry, Jesus often slipped away from multitudes to once again be alone with God.  Being a Christ follower isn’t a one-time thing. It involves a constant recharging, reminding and refueling! Talking to God is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of friendship with the One who loves you the most of all!

After He left the desert, Jesus was ready for the battle He was sent here to do, to declare who He was, heal the sick, and cast out demons.

We need to be equipped for our battles too! Study the manual.  Spend time talking strategy with your “General.”

Go forth with confidence into the battle field of life!

Pat Arnold