We are a week into Lent, the annual observance of the forty days that Jesus spent in the desert prior to His public ministry. He had just been baptized by John the Baptist. He had risen out of the water and watched as the Spirit of God descended upon Him like a dove. He heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love and with whom I am well pleased.’ This reads the final word – the divine stamp of approval on who He had become.

Matthew writes “then” He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. It sounds immediate, as though His feet were still wet from the Jordan. Jesus moved from a confirmed position of nobility to a forty day fast.

When Jesus’ fast was over, He was met by an enterprising Lucifer. He could have approached Jesus when He first entered the wilderness; instead, Lucifer waited until Jesus had been there for all forty days. This made Jesus more vulnerable – the hunger, fatigue, and isolation made the timing perfect for Lucifer’s scheme.

He offered Jesus food on the heels of His fast. He offered Him a chance to demonstrate His deity by having God rescue Him. Lastly, He offered Him all of the kingdoms of the world if only Jesus would bow down and worship him.

The Bible talks repeatedly about the words people use. One’s words reveal their heart, if you listen acutely. Matt. 12:34 For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Matt.12:37 For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned. David knew the power of words when he prayed, Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Ps.141:3.

Lucifer is, unwittingly, revealing his own character. He would have been eager to satisfy his own physical hunger. He would have enjoyed the buzz generated by God sending a host of angels to break his fall from the mountaintop. Lastly, Lucifer would have traded all he had to satisfy his own greed and claim ownership of the world’s kingdoms. His mistake was in thinking that Jesus might possess the same self-centeredness, ego, and greed as he.

Jesus’ time in the wilderness has proven extremely beneficial for us, as it demonstrates the most effective way to deal with temptation. He did not offer clever retorts or knee-jerk reactions. With every temptation, Jesus began It is written… He responded with long held precedents and established statutes that both men knew were not debatable.

So, this Lent I remind myself:

1. Consider my words more closely. Generate a self-check by simply listening to what comes out of my own mouth.
2. Consider the words of others beyond the surface comments. They may reveal brokenness, disappointment, or a damaged attitude.
3. Keep in mind that the best response to temptation, regardless of the source, is to imitate Jesus: It is written… Debates disappear in the light of His Word.

Enjoy the remaining 32 days of Lent. And Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. Matt.26:41.