As we continue our journey through the Gospel of Matthew, we encounter another central theme: the interpretation of Scripture. Matthew shows us that it is possible to know the Scriptures on a superficial level without truly understanding them. This leads us to our passage for today and to one of the most striking aspects of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness.
Satan knows Scripture.
He doesn’t approach Jesus with something obviously evil or clearly false. Instead, he quotes God’s word, twisting it just enough to stir up doubt and invite Jesus, the Son of God, to step outside God’s will, all while trying to sound like God. If this is how Satan tempted Jesus, we shouldn’t be surprised when temptation comes to us in similar ways.
This is why it’s so important to be in God’s word and to know what it says. Matthew teaches that the key to understanding and interpreting Scripture is recognizing how God’s word is fulfilled in Jesus (5:17).
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are not called to know God and his word on a surface level; we are called into a personal relationship with our creator. One of the greatest ways to begin and grow in that relationship, and to truly know God and who he has called us to be as his faithful followers, is by reading his word, because temptation isn’t a matter of if it comes; it’s when it comes. When it does, how will we respond, especially when it sounds convincing, reasonable, and even like God’s word?
Notice how Jesus responds to temptation. Each time he is tempted, he points back to God’s word: “For the Scriptures say …” Jesus stands firm, not on his feelings, not on his circumstances, not on how hungry he is, but on the word of God.
Here is the good news for us today: We too can stand firm on the word of God, even when it is hard. We are not left defenseless. We have access to the word of God and to our good and gracious creator. We also have the power of the Holy Spirit, who guides us, reminds us of who we are and whose we are, strengthens us, and helps us in the midst of temptation. No matter what the temptation is, Holy Spirit is with you, pointing you to who God is and who God says you are.
Temptation is real, but it is also temporary. Jesus Christ endured 40 days and 40 nights of temptation in the wilderness. Where did he turn? To his heavenly Father.
Even when we stumble, we are called to get back up again and stand firm on the word of God. Remember who you are and whose you are, church.
It’s like that simple Bible song I grew up singing: “I’ll stand alone on the word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.”
This week, allow God’s word to meet you right where you are. Let it dwell in your heart, shaping you, grounding you, and anchoring you. Because when temptation comes, and it will, you don’t have to rely on your own understanding. Lean instead on the word of God. God is good and faithful. He is with you, and he loves you.
Reflection:
- As you read this passage of Scripture, where do you feel encouraged to stand firm on the word of God in your own life?
- In what ways have you found yourself not understanding Scripture? Where have you turned to seek help? Have you invited Holy Spirit in to help you understand the true meaning of a particular passage of Scripture?
- Where in your life have you relied on your own strength instead of God’s?
- How might you find time to get into God’s word this week?