After Baptism

Baptism. Romans 6:2-4 reminds us that in our baptism we made a declaration to die to sin. And when we “were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death” which resulted in a new way of living! Dying to sin doesn’t mean dying to temptation. As good as that would be, that’s not how the spiritual realm works. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the “powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Jesus didn’t consider being equal with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself just a servant, in human likeness…[so] “He humbled himself by becoming obedient, even to death…” (Phillipians 2:6-8).

After Jesus’ baptism, He encountered three different temptations (tests) from Satan. Jesus had the same kinds of temptations that we have to deal with, and by doing that, He had to trust in God’s power just like we have to. 

First, Satan tempted Him with food. It’s kind of interesting that it was food that the serpent used as bait for Eve with the first temptation (Genesis 3)! But Jesus depended on the words of God rather than justification or human logic. “‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (A reference to Deuteronomy 8:3).

Next, Satan tempted Him with an opportunity to show off His power by throwing Himself off the cliff and letting the angels rescue Him. Satan quotes Psalms 91:11-12. (ironically, the very next verse is referring to Satan’s demise, “You will tread (and trample] on the great lion and the serpent” Genesis 3:15; 1 Peter 5:8). Again, Jesus responds with Scripture; this time Deuteronomy 6:16.

Finally, Satan tempts Him with the opportunity for the whole world to no longer endure temptation by the “Father of Lies,” if Jesus would acknowledge Satan as a genuine authority. But Jesus demonstrates what Eve failed to do—and every bit of human will has failed to do as well—trust in the guidance of God’s word completely throughout our lives! Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:13, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only!” This happened to be the first commandment given to the Israelites after leaving Egyptian bondage (Exodus 20:3). 

Hebrews 4:15-16, “[Jesus was] tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin. [So] approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, [reaching for His] mercy and find [that] grace to help us in our time of need.” 

Praise the Lord for giving us the template to endure temptation! Trust in God’s word!