(Matthew 4:1-11)

Jesus was led by the Spirit
into the wilderness for 40 days.
He ate nothing in all that time,
just fasted, walked and prayed.

 Strike One—Satan Plays On Jesus’ Hunger

 Satan said, “If You’re God’s Son,
turn this stone to bread.”
Jesus merely shook His head,
and here is what He said:

  “Man can’t live by bread alone,
but by words from the mouth of God.”
This was strike one for Satan,
and on did Jesus trod. 

Strike Two—God Will Protect You 

Satan took Him to the temple top,
said, “Cast Yourself down from here;
the angels’ hands will bear You up,
You've nothing at all to fear!"

Jesus said, “Don’t test the Lord,
the Holy Scriptures say.”
This was strike two for Satan;
this just was NOT his day!   

Strike Three—You Can Have All My Kingdoms 

Next he showed Him the kingdoms of earth,
from a very high mountaintop,
and said, “This is Yours if You’ll worship me.”
Jesus said, "Satan, just stop!"

“Go from Me now, for it is written,
‘you shall worship God alone!’”
This was strike three for Satan,
his defeat was now perfectly known.   

Satan then departed from Jesus,
and the angels took care of Him…
the Son of the Living God,
the Man who knew no sin!

Peggy McIlveene
August 8, 2003