evil archenemy. A fierce struggle explodes on the
screen. Predictably, it appears that the villain has
the upper hand, gloating as he prepares to deliver
the death blow to the hero. But just then, summon-
ing that last bit of strength and courage, the hero
makes some unexpected move resulting in the
hero emerging victorious, his nemesis vanquished.
Hooray for the good guy!
very real and gritty showdown
occurred in the desert over
twenty centuries ago. The hero
could not be more heroic nor the
villain more evil in the story told
in Matthew 4.
ther's proclamation, "This is my beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased" (Matt. 3:17), the Spirit
led Him away into the wilderness (4:1). Often after
glorious experiences even the purest of souls can
soon find themselves in a dry and barren place. If
it was true for Jesus, it will be true for us as well.
ing, He was next confronted with His old enemy,
Satan. Satan would fire his best broadsides at the
about the size of a loaf of bread. Knowing the ex-
treme hunger Jesus felt from the long fast, Satan
said, "If you are the Son of God, command these
stones to become loaves of bread" (Matt. 4:3). In
calling Christ the Son of God, it was not a recogni-
tion of His exalted position as much as it was
sneering mockery. We hear echoes of it by those
gathered at His feet when Christ was crucified.
said, `I am the Son of God" (Matt. 27:43). Appar-
ently Satan thought he might be able to somehow
compromise Him. The "if " showed his belief that
he was superior to Christ, that his rebellion begun
in the hidden ages before time could still hold
promise of victory over the Almighty God.
was in its suggestion to take a shortcut, to bend the