The Gospel of Matthew begins with a genealogy of Jesus, along with His birth and baptism. After his baptism, Jesus goes on a forty day fast. Then in chapter four, verse two, it states that Jesus was hungry after forty days of not eating. I think this would be obvious to anyone that after forty days of not eating Jesus would be hungry. Although I think the writer had in mind to point this out because in the next nine verses we read how Jesus was tempted in three different ways. Interestingly Jesus was first tempted by hunger; the state in which He seemed to be most vulnerable. Therefore the enemy used this as an opportunity to tempt Jesus to turn stones into bread. Although He is tempted two more times, for me it was revealed that Jesus was first tempted in the area that He was weakest. As we continue to read, Jesus in each temptation uses Scripture to defeat the enemy. God truly can and does emphasize with us in our times of temptation but it is up to us to stand firm on the authority of His Word. Jesus obviously knew and understood how to correctly use the Scriptures. How can we use the Scriptures at all if we do not even read it. The only way to get to know someone is to spend time with them. How much time are we spending in prayer and reading the Word? How much time should we be spending? God’s word is available to help us stand, but if we don’t know it, how will we stand?

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NKJV) 14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV) 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…