Lost in the Wilderness – Part VII

Luke 4:9-12

Whatever else is happening in that wilderness with the devil, Jesus is letting himself down into the mother of all emotional pits so that he can be tested to the limits of the temptation testing machine. I have no idea what Jesus’ real limits as God in the flesh really are. I don’t always know my own.

They say that when they build a new aircraft they put it through the wind testing paces until the thing literally falls apart, just so they can build it stronger. Of course, planes are replaceable. I’m glad Scripture says I won’t be tested beyond my limits. For Jesus, that limit-breaking test apparently comes on the Cross some three years later, where Jesus is in effect tested to death. Only to come back much stronger, I might add.

Here in Luke 4, the third temptation feels anti-climactic after the second. But often subsequent temptations don’t have to be as intense. Earlier testings wear us down, exhaust us. We are much more susceptible to temptation when we are physically deprived and then emotionally wrung out. After forty days of fasting in the desert and then being put through the ringer already by the devil, Jesus was very much in a weakened condition by the time this third temptation is offered.

Those who deal with addictions often refer to an acronym, “HALT”, which means hungry, angry, lonely, and tired. That is when we mortals are most susceptible to giving in. I can’t vouch for the angry part, but Jesus was certainly hungry and tired and also most likely feeling very lonely at this point. Matthew mentions in his Gospel that when these temptations are over, angels come to minister to him. He may have won out on temptation, but he did not need to be alone any longer, lest temptation in even weaker forms give him torment.

In any case, this third temptation comes once again prefixed with the phrase, “If you are the Son of God”. Use that privileged status, Jesus. Sure you have come to earth as a human, but come on now, give yourself a break. After all, you are the Son of God. Cheat a little. What’s wrong with a little nepotism anyway? No one will notice. It is just you and me here on this temple pinnacle.

The devil, Luke writes, had taken Jesus up to that highest point for miles around. The NIV says the devil “had him stand”. I take that to mean that Jesus in his weakened condition might have been feeling a bit unstable. It would have been understandable if he had fallen off. No one will blame you if you just let go. And surely God will rescue you.

To add salt to the wound, the devil for the first time quotes Scripture. It is from what we know as Psalm 91. God has promised that he will protect you. He will not let harm come near you. Go ahead and see if God will come through.

Years ago at a low point in my life a dear friend said he would be there for me no matter what. But then he added a seemingly paradoxical condition. “But don’t test me.” He was saying, don’t cry wolf.

Yet, other Scriptures tell us to try God at His word. There are times when we are incredibly low. We’ve been put through the worst of it. But if we have one last ounce of strength, we are not to give in to temptation to give up – relying on God to give us more strength. If he can catch you when falling, He can also keep you from falling. As the character of Eric Liddell says in the movie, “Chariots of Fire”, "Where does the strength come from? It comes from within.”

Father is there for us no matter what. He will come through for us – He will come through IN us.