The Nature of Jesus? Temptations and the Bible

through him (Lk 22:3 and Jn 13:27). Satan is … the Tempter (Mt 4:3 and 1Thes 3:5).

Winning Friends Versus Winning the Father

Obedience to the revealed will of the Father had to be a primary source of Jesus’ temptation battles while in a body in this age. When in a right mind, people will not do things that lead directly to physical trauma. Many contend that Jesus was a young zealot who foolishly ran afoul of the authorities and that cost Him His life. But others (like me) believe, “I do nothing on My own initiative … I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself, who sent Me, has given Me commandment, what to say and what to speak” (Jn 8:28 and 12:49). Obedience marched Him into the lethal teeth of the religious leaders and Roman authorities. And Jesus knew that with each action. He healed people on the Sabbath – and was labeled a Law breaker … empowered by Beelzebub (Mt 12:9-32). When Jesus informed the Pharisees that Satan was their father – and they were liars and murderers like him – that did not win the extended hand of fellowship (Jn 8:31-47). To single-handedly take over The Temple on two occasions – and humiliate the Sanhedrin in front of the entire nation – were not actions that produced endearment (Jn 2:14-22 and Mt 21:12,13). To publically pronounce woes upon the scribes and Pharisees and their hypocrisy … to raise Lazarus from the dead and have the “accursed crowd” turn to Him in mass … to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey while being heralded as the son of David – the Messiah – these actions, while in a body in this age, provoked evil men to murder. Even the disciples wanted Jesus to back off, as they could see where these

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