Title: The Temptation of Christ / Matthew 4:1
Content Matthew Mark is trying to think about the temptation of Jesus, which is recorded in all of the synoptic gospels. That Jesus was tempted by the devil. Hebrews 4:15 says, “He was tempted in all respects as we are, yet without sin.”
But when we think about the fact that Jesus was tempted, we fall into a dilemma. Because if Jesus is the true God, how can he be tempted? You will have doubts about it.
Theologically, Jesus came to this earth as the true God and true man, and there are many controversies. How can one be both God and man at the same time? In theological terms, it is expressed as a two-star, one-person person. However, the Bible clearly states that Jesus is God and at the same time came to this earth as a man, so we must believe as He is.
Then, if the temptation of Jesus in today's text is that he was tempted by God, then that temptation would have no meaning and could not be received. It is clear that Jesus was not tempted as God, but was tempted as a perfect man.
# You see the son of a chaebol working in a low-level position to learn the management of the company. He will one day take over the management of the company, but he sees that he is currently working in a low-level position.
Likewise, although Jesus must be the Son of God, when he is faced with various trials on this earth, he was put to the test as a human being.
The temptation of Christ here teaches us several lessons.
I remember Jesus coming to John the Baptist to be baptized before being tempted. At that time, John the Baptist refused to baptize, but Jesus allowed it and said that it would accomplish righteousness, so he baptized.
Because Jesus was without sin, he did not need to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. The true meaning of Jesus' baptism is that it is an official declaration that he accepts that it is the fate of Christ that God wants to save the world through him. I also believe that Christ Himself identifies with the sin that must be repented of, or the sin that must be washed away, to show that there is a declarative meaning that He will bear it. This is a very important commitment and determination.
Everyone, we had this opportunity in life as well. But the question is probably whether I took it seriously and lived a devoted life.
Although we may not be baptized with the same meaning as that of John the Baptist, our serenity has a deeper meaning. It is a declaration that we are God's people, that we die with Jesus Christ and live with Christ, and that we will live a devoted life from now on.
Therefore, even if you have been baptized, if you do not live the life of a baptized person, that baptism is meaningless.
Baptism is a decision. It is obedience and our complete surrender to God. Now, whatever God asks of us, we live only by it. Our lives are led and used by the Holy Spirit in His ways.
According to the Bible, when Jesus was baptized and came up from the water, the heavens were opened and the Holy Spirit of God came upon him like a dove, and there was also a voice from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” God answered.
Beloved, I believe that if we are truly committed and brought in, the way we live will change. Because your values change. What you liked before is now shown without value. We create the spiritual environment ourselves. Then, I believe that communication with God will be established automatically, and experience and voice will become possible.
Now that we have been transformed into people of grace, if we live like that, whose target will we be?
Satan will not be left alone. In fact, as you go through life you will find that even your closest friends will be grumpy to see if you are real.
The devil told Jesus to make bread with stones first and eat it. The devil has done natural and physical tests on man. This test is the same way that Christians living today are tested. We've probably heard of this. It is said that the throat is grape juice.
The second test is social prestige and popularity. We try to be sociable. If possible, I want to hear from as many people as possible that I am a good person. So, as a believer, we can see that we are living without declaring it. So, you see that you are trying to make a reasonable compromise and live your life.
The third is the temptation of material prosperity. We see how many people today fail to resist this temptation to gain this material prosperity and are humiliated. We also need to have material things for the glory of God and God's work, rather than buying them for prosperity. Therefore, it is necessary to collect materials in a legitimate way.
Beloved, there is another lesson we can learn as we pay attention to the temptation of Christ.
The first is that there is no need to despair under any circumstances. Most people get frustrated when they are put to the test. Your kids are taking exams, but do kindergarten kids take exams? You will see that the higher the grade, the more difficult the exam.
According to the book of James, 'My brethren, when you meet various trials, count them all joy.' Therefore, when trials come, we pray in the name of the Lord that you may overcome with joy with the pride that I am so important to God.
So the first lesson is that we don't have to be disappointed. In fact, the more we fight, the greater our joy. This is because the blessings that will be given to you after you have passed the test are even greater.
The fact that Jesus was tempted as we are is that He knows everything about us. And because Christ overcame, we who are in him will surely overcome. Jesus said in John 16:33 In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer...
Beloved, I pray in the name of the Lord that you believe that you will surely be victorious in temptations, discern all the temptations of the devil, draw near to God, and resist the devil. Amen