We just celebrated the miracle of the incarnation. Paul explained what an incredible sacrifice Jesus made when He left the glory of Heaven.

Instead, he gave up his divine privilege;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being. (Philippians 2:7, NLT)

That transaction allowed Jesus to fully experience the frailties of being human. Because Jesus was human He no doubt faced temptations throughout His life. Jesus had siblings and didn’t sin! That is a largely overlooked miracle.

When the time arrived for Jesus to begin His public ministry Satan knew he needed to derail the redemptive work of Jesus. His strategy was to throw everything he could muster at Jesus in the form of three temptations. Satan knows the weakness of the flesh so these temptations were the best and most effective in his arsenal. The temptations and the order are so important for us to understand.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” (Matthew 4:1-3, NLT)

Strategy Number 1: Attack a physical, emotional, or spiritual need when there is weakness.

Jesus was hungry. Starving. He had to be utterly exhausted. The devil always attacks weakness. When you are tired and lonely you are a prime target for temptation. The tempter speaks to our weakness and the lies begin. “You are alone. No one will see what you are doing. Why don’t you go to this online site? It will take your mind off of your loneliness.”

Whatever weakness you have will be exploited by the devil. Jesus could not have been in a more vulnerable position. I can’t imagine the condition Jesus must have been in yet He responded with authority of God’s Word.

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
(Matthew 4:4, NLT)

No doubt the devil was disappointed but undaunted. His two best strategies were yet to come.

Strategy Number 2: Get you to take your eyes off of God and make it about you and your abilities

Then the devil him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you.
And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” (Matthew 4:5-6, NLT)

I can imagine that the flesh of Jesus wanted to show the accuser exactly how powerful His Father was. What a way to launch His public ministry with a heavenly display of power played out in front of multiple witnesses below. Satan thought he had a chance with this temptation because he had used God’s own words to set the trap. Jesus responded in kind.

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” (Matthew 7, NLT)

Anytime you are focused on your ability more than God’s ability you are subject to this temptation. Satan was 0 for 2 but he had saved his biggest temptation for the grand finale.

Strategy Number 3: Offer a shortcut to power, prestige, and fame

Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.  “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:8-9, NLT)

Satan knew Scripture. He knew that Jesus must be a suffering servant before He would be king. The Prince of this world was offering a shortcut to an earthly kingdom. It shows that the devil doesn’t care about power over this physical world. From the moment of rebellion that got him tossed from God’s presence he wanted wanted one thing. To be like God and to be worshiped.

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” (Matthew 4:10, NLT)

One of the most encouraging words in Scripture is what happens when you attack the enemy with God’s truth.

Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.

It seems like the third temptation has been a recent challenge for many leaders in the church and followers of Jesus. Satan’s message is modified for the times but unchanged in essence.

“I will give you access to power and social media influence. I will give it all to you if you overlook the truth of God’s Word and cozy up to the idols of culture.”

Jesus was offered unlimited fame, power, and possessions.

He said no.

I can’t read the hearts and motives of others although it appears that is the superpower of many Twitter users. But all of us need to examine our hearts through the lens of grace and truth. And if we sense any doubt about our motives it would behoove us to emulate Jesus in His response to the devil. I love the way The Message translates verse ten.

Jesus’ refusal was curt: “Beat it, Satan!” He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.”

Maybe that can be a mantra for the New Year.

Beat it Satan!

And remind the enemy that our hope is in Jesus and our trust is in Him alone.