Matthew 4:1-11

Rick Warren recently spoke at a pastor’s conference and said something about Jesus that I had never seen before.  He was talking about Jesus in the desert – during the temptation – and Rick said that Jesus was tempted just like we all are.  He went on to explain that statement, as I will in a minute.

First, as a side note, I haven’t listened to Rick Warren much in the past, mostly because I see things differently than he does (different theologies and ways of approaching ministry).  However, I was open to hearing what he said at this last conference, and I truly learned a lot.  Though I still see things differently in some areas, I have really gained a respect for him and his ministry at Saddleback.  My prayer is that God will let me tell as many people about Jesus as Rick Warren has!

OK, back to Jesus in the desert.  As we all know Matthew 4:1-11 tells us about Jesus going out to the desert to fast for 40 days.  It is at the end of these 40 days without food that the “tempter” came, and Jesus was tempted in three ways.  First off, Jesus was tempted to turn stones into bread, then second to throw himself off a building to prove he was the Son of God, then finally to worship the “tempter” in order to get all the kingdoms of the world.  It is a fairly simple story, however filled with deep truth and application.

I had never noticed before Rick Warren pointed this out (even though I have taught this passage) that Jesus is tempted in the same ways we are every day.  In fact, it directly parallels the three ways we are told about in 1 John 2:16 “For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions – is not from the Father but is from the world.” [ESV]  It is in these very ways that Jesus was tempted.

I just want to look at one thing (actually said twice) that Jesus is tempted with.  I think it may be the way I am so often tempted.  Two times (vs. 3 & 5) the phrase “if you are the Son of God …” then Jesus is tempted to do something.  Jesus, “if you are the Son of God” then turn stones into bread, or throw yourself off this building and prove God will protect you.

Why are we so often tempted to prove who we are?

Here is the thing that Jesus does so well.  At his weakest moment, Jesus still knows who he is.  He knows that he is “the Son of God”.  He doesn’t have to prove it to anyone.  He is so sure in his identity that he doesn’t fall into the trap so many of us do.

Maybe even more important, Jesus knows that his identity is greatest when it is found in God.

Jesus identity is tied to who he is in God – the Son of God.  Is your identity more about you?  About what you can or cannot do?  Or, about your identity in God?