All the Kingdoms of the World

Jesus has identified with Israel in his baptism, and now (like Israel) he is led by the Spirit of God into the wilderness. Here he is confronted by the devil. The ancient enemy of God and his people tempts and attacks Jesus physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He promises all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus will only worship him. This is a very clear and dramatic start to the clash of the kingdoms. But unlike Israel, Jesus will come out of the wilderness faithful and victorious over the enemy's schemes. Where Israel grumbled that God had only brought them out here to die - where Israel turned back from the Promised Land for fear that they would be killed - Jesus responds with unwavering devotion to and dependence on God. When Satan tries his age-old trick ("Did God really say?"), Jesus responds with doctrinal clarity ("It is written.").

In what ways have the kingdoms of the world been rolled out before our eyes like a buffet? What have we been promised in exchange for a little of our worship? How have we allowed our hungry appetites to dull our trust in the goodness of God? We face these same dilemmas. We are posed these same questions. Do we come out looking like Jesus - or more like his predecessors, Adam and Israel? Praise God that Jesus was faithful when tempted in our place! May we follow his example!⁠