Day 270. 27th September Bible Commentary With Dr. Toyin Ojo Taken From The Book Of Matthew, Luke And John.
SATAN vs JESUS
MARK 112-13, MATTHEW 41-11, LUKE 41-15
After his Baptism (see Day 269) Jesus went in the power of the Holy Spirit into the wilderness; there he fasted 40 days and 40 nights, immediately after the devil appeared to him for he was hungry. He tempted him thrice and Jesus defeated him using the WORD as it is written.
- Temptation 1: “if you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Matt 43
- Answer: “It is written man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matt 44, Jesus quoting from the book of Deuteronomy 83).
- Temptation 2: “if you are the Son of God, he said throw yourself down for it is written: he will command his angels concerning you and they will lift you up ….” (Matt 46, devil quoting from the book of Psalms 9111-12; using the word craftily seeing that Jesus has with the word defeated him at his first attempt).
- Answer: ‘It is written “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’ Matthew 47, (quoting from Deuteronomy 616 — from here we must appreciate our need to equip ourselves with the knowledge of the complete bible from Genesis to Revelation as ambassadors of Christ – and that is only when we can rightly DIVIDE the word – 2Timothy 215). This is also food for thought for those who think the old testament scriptures as irrelevant.
- Temptation 3: “The devil took Jesus to the very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor..” Offered to give him all their authority, power and wealth, if he bowed and worshiped him (Matt 48-9, Lk 45-6). Note that the devil is spiritual and Christ is spiritual he could therefore show kingdoms as though in a vision for Christ to see.
- Answer: “Away from me, Satan❕ For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” (Matt 410, Lk 48;— Jesus quoting from Deut 613). And as he had resisted the devil, the devil had to leave and angels came to minister to him.
As Christians, we cannot escape temptations, but like Christ, we can resist him correctly and win! “ Resist the devil and he shall flee from you” James 47.
At this, the devil left him because Jesus resisted him. And angels came instead. Let’s look at some of what was offered and or the devil's technique –
- he offered windows of doubts – To ignore/abuse the material world, exploring his vulnerability (Hunger at the time),
- to challenge God as though faith is a competition/conquest,
- he offered lust, wealth, authority, power, influence, and fame in exchange for disloyalty to the Most High God. He wants the heart – the heart of worship.
- All of the above also explains those periods when God seem absent/silent they are the time of choice. If we stick to what we believe; what happened to Christ after been tempted and resisting the devil will happen for us; putting a halt to the schemes of the devil.
After the temptation in the life of Christ, we find the manifestation of presence, power, knowledge, and fame in his ministry. “Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Holy Spirit and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogue and everyone praised him.” v.14-15.
(we must bear in mind that the devil often leaves the believer to seek another vulnerable time to tempt us. Ponder on Lk 413b.)
JOHN 119-51
IN BETHANY ON THE OTHER SIDE JORDAN where John the Baptist continued to Baptise with water and using his voice as a forerunner;
DELEGATES SOUGHT HIM - to know who he was and his MISSION on earth. John tells the delegates (appointed priests and Levites) that questioned him; I AM NOT THE MESSIAH/ELIJAH/PROPHET. (“I am a voice calling – Make straight the way of the LORD” and “I baptise with water”) v.23,26.
In other words, I am the forerunner of the Lord who is among you whom you cannot identify – Jn 126b-27.
JESUS TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD John testifies – He is the lamb – God’s Chosen – which was revealed to him and has been confirmed ( see v.33)
TEAM JOHN AND TEAM JESUS
The Team of John and Jesus Merge. It wasn’t a competition at all, as John introduced his disciples (2 of them Andrew & Simon) to Jesus and they followed Jesus home and stayed the night with him.
The next day Jesus met more people. They all (spoke with good knowledge of the words of the prophets (Prophecies spoken in the past on these events now unfolding) believing they had found the Messiah (see v.47,50-51).
- The conversation had good meaning because Jesus was not deterred by ongoing or immediate criticism or doubts we should imitate this in our everyday life (see Nathanael’s remarks despising the roots of Christ – v.46). Thus you don’t let discrimination, hate, rejection, prejudice, or expressed disapproval unstable you.
JOHN 21-35
JESUS TURNS WATER INTO WINE❕ AT A WEDDING IN CANA.
And that was his first miracle. And the Master Of the Ceremony was the first to taste! (v.1,8-9).
His mother played an important role; initiating his ministry in this regard. And she told the people in-charge to be obedient to him (v.3-5).
STOP TRADING IN CHURCH
Jesus stops buying and selling and bureau-de-change activities in the temple.
- v.17- ‘His disciples remembered that it is written “Zeal for your house has consumed me” a scripture in Psalm 699
His authority to do this was challenged (v.18) and he said “Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days”. He spoke out of the knowledge of things to come knowing they will eventually kill him, and he will resurrect but they didn’t understand!
Therefore, they answered; it took 46 years to build.
After his death and resurrection, his disciple recalled these things – gaining meaning from the scenario he had proposed.
JESUS WENT TO JERUSALEM AT THE TIME OF THE PASSOVER FESTIVAL
His ministry progressed with signs witnessed by the people, the people believed in his name but; “He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.” v.25.
NIGHT
We need to know the scriptures (the WORD) well or, it could be twisted to mislead us.
2nd Thessalonians 215 " Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and fold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or by our epistle." Also read 2Timothy 215
©️ 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Dr. Toyin Ojo
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