Dedication and Temptation

Today’s reading was Matthew 3:1-4:11.  These passages talk about the ministry of John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, and Jesus’ temptation by Satan.  These events preceded the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry, and were necessary for Him to be able to begin proclaiming the Gospel message.  

I am struck by John’s dedication to his calling and the message he was given.  John was the fulfillment of old testament prophecy of  “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness” (Isaiah 40:3).  His parents were told that he would be the one to announce the coming of the Messiah.  John lived a life that was dedicated to the simple declaration the Messiah was coming!  He included in his message a call for repentance, for the people to turn away from sin and turn to God.  He was not afraid of delivering this message to anyone.  He even called out the religious leaders of the day, blasting the hypocrisy of their message compared to their lifestyle as destructive to the people of Israel.  However strong his message and however large his following, John knew who he was and what he was about, for he immediately yielded to Jesus when the Christ appeared before him.

Jesus Himself was obedient to God the Father by going to John for baptism.  His was not a baptism of repentance.  He had committed no sin, and so needed no such action.  However, it was a baptism of identification, to let the world know that He was the long-awaited Messiah come to the people.

Finally, in Christ’s temptation, Jesus gave us the ultimate guide on how to handle temptation.  He fought Satan’s attacks with one weapon - the Word of God.  Each time Satan hit Him with a challenge, physical gratification, earthly treasures, or selfish action, Jesus quoted scripture that countered what Satan was trying to do.  He came out of the encounter with His body, His spirit, his integrity, and His perfection intact.  He walked with God through the trials by the very Word that He wrote and lived!  

Take the time each day to get into God’s written word so that you can know the Living Word, Jesus Christ!  It will change your life!