Pride of Life

Matthew 4:5-7 ESV
“Then the devil took Him (Jesus) to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to Him (smugly), “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning You,’” And “‘On their hands they will bear You up, lest you strike Your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

This temptation was associated with the pride of life. Understand, John says in 1 John 2:16, that all sins fall under three categories: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.

Notice in this temptation satan is not just casting doubt in Jesus’s mind IF Jesus really was the Son of God. Satan was also tempting Jesus with the use of God’s power to prove a point to satan, or even abuse of His powers.

Satan was tempting Jesus to use His power and authority to act independently of God the Father, to do things His own way. Jumping from such a great height, He would be using His authority over angels to dramatically save Himself.

Jesus had nothing to prove, He knew who He was. He knew He possessed all the power to defeat the enemy and all the power to do everything the Father asked Him to do.

Satan comes against us much in the same way. Our answer for satan? You will not use my own flesh against me, or entice me to play God in my own life. You will not entice me to sin against God.

We do not stand on our own power, we stand in the power and might of God. We are redeemed by His Son’s blood that was shed for us at calvary. Get thee, behind me, satan!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we know that satan is a liar and the father of all lies. We will stand in Your truth Lord Jesus; we stand in Your might. In Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!