Foretaste of Four Test

Meditation from Luke Chapter 4

The tests that Jesus went through teach us valuable lessons to overcome those tests. Every test is pertaining to our Identity & Purpose in Christ.

Test 1: From the Devil

The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God… (Luke 4:3)

The devil tested Jesus on His identity and purpose (4:6,9). In overcoming these Jesus shows three necessities for us to overcome tests & temptations in our life – Word, Worship & Work (Serving God).

Everyday reading & meditation of the Word, daily Worship & prayer and committedly Working to serve Him are keys to overcome temptations of the devil.

Test 2: From the People

They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” (4:22)

We go through this test of our identity & purpose when people look at us and judge us through our past and parentage (background). If we don’t overcome this we will resign to our past failures and background barriers. How did Jesus overcome this?

Just a few verses back we see Jesus reading from the scroll of Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to…” (4:18). He quotes from the Scriptures and shares about the Spirit’s anointing on Him.

Whenever we go through such tests, which could cause doubt within us, we need to go to the Scripture and read & remind ourselves of what God has said about us and need to increase the Spirit’s anointing through a Spirit-filled life (4:14).

Test 3: From the Ministry / Work

I know who you are, the Holy One of God. (4:34)

This is an instance of success in Jesus’ ministry and yet he orders him to ‘be silent’ (4:35). Just a few verses back we read that the people were so raged that they drove him out of the town and tried to push him off the cliff; but silently Jesus moved from there (4:29,30).

This is a test of how do we face success and failure / rejection. Jesus was neither elated at the success nor discouraged at the rejection. Neither success nor rejection defines our identity or purpose, but God does!

Test 4: From the Self

I was sent for this purpose. (4:43)

In every place Jesus went people were amazed at his teaching (4:15,22,36) and every place had success & need. But Jesus was not taken away by these parameters, but was focused on the Purpose of God for which He came.

We need to overcome this test within ourselves and should not yield to every seemingly good places & desires, but should yield only to the will & purpose of God. If we yield ourselves to every person & place, we cannot fulfill God’s purpose.

Let us overcome these tests & temptations with a Strong resolve, by the Scripture’s guidance and with the Spirit’s help.