The Word of God teaches that there are specific times of temptation that will come our way. Such is to be expected by the Christian. Unfortunately many believers are not prepared for this battle that is part of the Christian life. Jesus told of some, who "when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away" (Luke 8:13). We are warned to consider the children of Israel. "Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness" (Hebrews 3:8). Those who are stubborn and self-willed will fall in the time of temptation.

Satan's temptation in our text illustrates his attack on believers still today. Christ "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Note the timing of Jesus' temptation--after a great spiritual experience (the baptism and heavenly announcement that initiated His earthly preaching ministry in Matthew 3). It also came at a time of physical challenge: "And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred" (Matthew 4:2). Lastly, it came at a time of emotional difficulty. Christ was alone in the wilderness "and was with the wild beasts" (Mark 1:13).

But there is also the hope of great victory in the time of temptation given in the Bible. Our Lord quoted the Scriptures and was able to overcome the tempter. We are given the promise: "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations" (II Peter 2:9).

Let us not be caught off-guard regarding the timing of temptation, "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices" (II Corinthians 2:11). DW