	Bob Hostetler > Devotions

Temptation Preparation

by Bob Hostetler

"For forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days" (Luke 4:2a, NIV).

Successful marathon runners do not begin their training by trying to run twenty-six miles (the distance of a marathon). They start by running a mile or two at a time, gradually building up to longer distances, until they 're prepared for the rigors of the race.

In the Gospel accounts of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness there is subtle evidence that Jesus did something similar. It is a point that a first-century reader--particularly a Jew--would have discerned, but one which is easily missed by modern readers.

When Luke (like Matthew) reports that Jesus fasted for forty days while being tempted by the devil, he makes it clear to the discerning reader that this was far from the first time Jesus fasted and prayed, for a person does not undertake a forty-day fast without preparation. Such an extended fast requires preparation, and Luke's mention of the forty-day period intimates that prayerful fasting was a habit with Jesus.

Quite possibly, it was that kind of preparation--supported by a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures--that brought Jesus victory over temptation. His prayerful preparation got him through this time of temptation.

If Jesus--who was "tempted in every way, just as we are [and] yet was without sin" (Heb. 4:15)--thought it wise to prepare for times of temptation, how much more should we? How diligent should we be to "put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, [we] may be able to stand" (Eph. 6:13)?

Prayer: God, please fit me today with the full armor of God, that I may be able to stand when temptation comes.

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