• This chapter resonated with me the most thus far. I
often wonder about some of the theological concepts
contained within this chapter, particularly with
regard to Satan's reality and presence in the world.
• For example, it is quoted in Luke 4:1-2, "Jesus,
full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and
was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for
forty days, being tempted by the devil."
This sentence seems to suggest that it was God's (Holy
Spirit) intent to allow Jesus to be tempted by Satan,
which brings to mind the concept of God's interaction
with Satan. Because God's omnipotence is
unquestioned, it stands that Satan acts only to the
extent that is allowed by God. The next logical
question is why and to what extent God allows Satan
act.
• It is telling that Jesus' primary and immediate
response or method of defense against Satan's
attack/tempting is to refer to and quote scripture.
This occurs three times, Luke 4: 4, 8, 12 ("it is
written/said…."). Interestingly, the three quotes
Jesus used are all from Deuteronomy.
• The devil's repeated attacks/temptations to Jesus
reveal a few things about Satan's engagement style (in
no particular order).
1. Persistence – tried three times.
2. Crafty/conniving – changes strategies on the third
attempt to mimic Jesus' style of refutation by also
using scripture (out of context) and saying, "for it
is written," Luke 4:10-11.
3. Never-ending – "When the devil had finished every
temptation, he left Him until an opportune time." Luke
4:13. I think the key word in this sentence is
"until", which is followed by "an opportune time".
Put another way, it seems one could interpret the
sentence as saying the devil left Jesus temporarily,
in anticipation of the next opportunity to tempt. It
clearly does not state that Satan gave up finally.
• Key Takeaway - I feel like this chapter gives the
reader a strong indication of Satan's character and of
the manner in which he interacts. Clay.7/6/07
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