The first way Jesus was tempted was to meet a legitimate need in a way that was disobedient to his Father. The second way Jesus was tempted was to manipulate his Father to act on his behalf instead of cooperating with Him and His plans and purposes. This week, we see that Jesus was tempted to sacrifice what was ultimately important for what was immediately gratifying. If Jesus was tempted to sin in this way, we can guarantee that we will be too. But hidden behind that curtain of temptation is the question, “who will I worship?”
Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave to set us free, but experiencing that freedom is a choice.
Following Jesus happens one next step at a time. What's your next step?
Christmas is a reminder that God came to be with us, wants to be with us, and can be with us.