30 Days with Jesus: Day 5

Pass the Test

Scripture - Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13

What God says about you will be tested. Immediately after His baptism and being both confirmed and affirmed by the Father, Jesus was led up into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (v. 1).

This test was about Jesus’ identity. Going back to Day 2, society would have called Jesus an illegitimate child. Then what about the people who may have mocked Him for being different all His life? The people He grew up around dishonored Him (Matthew 13:53-58,Mark 6:1-6,Luke 4:16-30). His own brothers didn’t believe He was the Son of God at one point (John 7:5). And even consider the thought that what He knew He was sent to earth to do must have been tough at times (Matthew 26:36-46).

So after Heavenly Father spoke and said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” the devil tests Jesus’ identity by saying, “If you are the Son of God…(vs. 3, 6)” That was a scheme to plant doubt and make Jesus question His identity so He could give in to the devil’s temptation. But Jesus passed the test! He knew who He was [is] and He knew He didn’t have to give in to the temptation to prove anything to the devil.

Have you ever heard the words, “If you are a Christian then… If God told you to then… If you’re still single then… If… If… If… If…”? It’s all designed to make you doubt yourself and give in, but just like Jesus you can pass the test. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Just live the life God desires for you to live.

How did Jesus pass the test He was in? Three ways:

1. He had already fasted for forty days and forty nights. We went without food. That means He crucified His own flesh and practiced self-control.

2. Fasting is coupled with prayer (Mark 9:29). So Jesus prayed while He fasted.

3. Jesus used the Word of God to combat every temptation of the devil. Yes, the devil quoted scriptures too, but he did it to manipulate the situation. --- Your tempter will do the same thing but you must know the Word of God for yourself.

I also think it is important to note this was a wilderness experience for Jesus which means He was alone with the Father. Sometimes you have to draw away from people and spend one-on-one time with God to receive the strength you need to face tests that will come up in your life. This comes by dedicating time daily to be with Him.

The thing is, just like Jesus you’re going to be tested. But the question is, “Will you pass the test?”

Journal

• What area(s) of your life are you being tested in?
• What have you done or what can you do differently to ensure you will pass the test? 
• Find key scriptures that will help you overcome your current test and begin speaking and standing on the Word of God daily. 
• Spend time talking to God about your current test. Ask Him to give you the grace to pass it.

Those who stand firm during testing are blessed. They are tried and true. They will receive the life God has promised to those who love him as their reward. - James 1:12, CEB