Series: The Crucible
Message: The Crucible
Preacher: Tommy Eickmann
Daily Walk: Tommy Eickmann

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 108:1-4.

Read: Matthew 4:1–11 (NLT). As you read the New Living Translation, note 1–3 insights.

Reflect: Israel as a nation was also tested in the wilderness. In Matthew: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, by Douglas R. A. Hare, the author notes that:

A closer parallel can be found in Israel’s testing by God in the wilderness. The “forty days and forty nights” of verse 2 is reminiscent not only of Moses’ fast (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9, 18) but also of Israel’s forty-year wilderness sojourn. The response to the temptations are all drawn from Deuteronomy (8:3; 6:16, 13). The three temptations in Matthew’s order reflect the chronological order of three tests faced by Israel. Whereas Israel, called “son” by God (Hosea 11:1; see Deut. 8:5), failed each of the tests, Jesus demonstrates his worthiness to be the Son of God by responding to the tests with absolute faithfulness. (p. 24)

God and Israel had a covenant relationship. This relationship was based upon confident trust and faith in God's ability and readiness to hold up His end of the bargain and fulfill His covenant (Genesis 15). When Israel chooses not to trust God to provide them with food, they betray the covenant. When Jesus is tempted by Satan, He remembers that He is totally reliant upon God and draws strength from His Word. He does not exploit the power of the Spirit by turning stones to bread.

Recalibrate: ​​​What will it take for you to truly trust God? Do you have a relationship/covenant with God? What do you do when you betray God?

Respond: Pray for spiritual insight and wisdom.

Research: Read the story of the Israelites in the wilderness in the book of Exodus.