Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit (Mark 1:21–28)

 

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit (Mark 1:21–28)

Jesus came to this earth as God’s Messiah as promised by the Law and the Prophets. He came in the likeness of human(incarnation). Coming to Galilee—a land that had been looked down on—He began preaching the good news of God. “The time has come,” He said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Now is the time to welcome the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. To receive the gospel, we must turn from lies, hatred, and complaining hearts, and come to God with gratitude and praise.

Jesus called His first disciples—Simon and Andrew, James and John. They left their boats, nets, and even their father to follow Jesus. But as young Jewish men, it was hard for them to accept a suffering Christ, because they longed for a strong, earthly kingdom. Eventually, they came to believe that Jesus—who died on the cross and rose again—was the very Christ whom the Scriptures had foretold. They became His witnesses throughout Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth in the first century.

In Mark 1:21–28, Jesus entered the synagogue in Capernaum and taught with authority and power as the Son of God, revealing the mystery of the kingdom of heaven. When He saw a man possessed by an impure spirit, He rebuked the spirit and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” And the evil spirit obeyed.

The Lord of the Sabbath

“They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.” (Mark 1:21)

Jesus taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath. The Sabbath was instituted on the seventh day of creation when God finished His creation work and declared the day holy and blessed. In Genesis 1, God created the heavens and the earth in six days, and on the seventh, He rested. But God’s “rest” was not just about stopping work—it pointed to something deeper.

The universe God created is vast, majestic, and glorious. The way the planets orbit, the sun shines, and the rain falls all reflect the Creator’s handiwork. Earth, the only planet where life thrives, receives its energy and resources through God’s provision.

Not only did God design the laws of nature, but He also created mankind in His image and in His likeness to rule over creation. Everything God made was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). There was no flaw or lack. But among God’s creatures, one—“the morning star”—rebelled against the Lord, seeking to take His place. This being, Satan, tempted Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, bringing sin and death into the world.

In response, God promised a Redeemer—the “offspring of the woman,” Jesus Christ (Genesis 3:15). God’s rest includes His completed work of creation, His response to humanity’s fall, and His promise of redemption. His rest is not anxious or worried—it is perfect peace and unshakable calm. Though the world is in chaos—wars, hatred, jealousy, and violence—God remains at rest.

This is beautifully shown in the risen Christ, who now sits at the right hand of God in heaven, waiting until all His enemies are made a footstool for His feet.

“The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.’” (Matthew 22:44)

God not only rests, but also invites all who believe in Christ to enter into His rest. In Christ, God blesses us with true peace. His rest is holy and complete—nothing lacking. Jesus calls His disciples to experience that rest. Anyone who comes to Him in faith will be filled with it.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

The People Were Amazed at His Teaching

“The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.” (Mark 1:22)

People were amazed when Jesus taught in the synagogue. Every Sabbath, they had heard the teachers of the law, but Jesus was different. He spoke with authority. Jesus is the Son of God—the very one through whom all things were created. He didn’t quote other rabbis like the scribes did. The words that came from His mouth were words of truth that pierced people’s hearts.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:1–3)

Jesus never sinned and there was no deceit in His mouth (1 Peter 2:22). He lived in perfect unity with the Father, and the Father dwelled in Him. So when Jesus spoke, He spoke the very words of God who created heaven and earth. He knows everyone. He knows what’s in a person’s heart and what they’re thinking.

“But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.” (John 2:24–25)

Jesus will return as the King of kings and Lord of lords, the righteous Judge of the world (Revelation 19:16). God judges each person according to what they have done (Romans 2:6). Though He knows how deeply sin corrupts our thoughts and desires (Genesis 6:5; 8:21), He desires that we repent and turn back to what is good.

Before Jesus judges, He offered Himself as the sacrifice for our sins. His death on the cross was the Father’s plan and will from before the creation of the world. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, took our place and redeemed us. So when we hear and receive His teaching, it brings life, light, hope, joy, and peace.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

A Life that Matches His Words

When someone’s life matches their words, their influence is powerful. Jesus, the Son of God, is worthy of eternal glory, praise, and honor. Yet He came in human form, taking the nature of a servant, to save sinners. He preached the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. He was arrested, tried, and crucified to give life to those who were lost.

His teaching was the truth that brings life to the lost. He forgave the sins of the paralyzed man brought through the roof (Mark 2:5). He forgave Simon Peter, who said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man,” telling him, “Don’t be afraid” (Luke 5:8–10). He forgave the woman caught in adultery, saying, “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11).

Through all this, Jesus was showing that He would shed His blood on the cross to pay for their sins. Because only through the precious blood of Christ can any person be cleansed from sin.

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit

23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. (Mark 1:23-28)

When Jesus was preaching in the synagogue, there was a man with unclean spirit. The man possessed by a demon wasn’t just sick or disturbed. He was tormented by a real, unseen spiritual force—a demon, impure and defiant toward God.

Why are these spirits called “unclean”? Because they oppose and reject God. They don’t submit to God but actively rebel against Him. And yet—even in rebellion—they know exactly who Jesus is. The demon said, “I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” That’s powerful. Even the forces of darkness recognize Jesus' true identity.

The Bible teaches us that demons were once among God’s highest angelic beings. But because of pride and rebellion, they fell under God’s judgment. As Isaiah says:

“How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn!... You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens... I will make myself like the Most High.’” (Isaiah 14:12–14)

However, Satan and his demons can only operate within limits that God permits. They’re not equal to God, nor do they have His power. A good example is in the book of Job. When Satan wanted to test Job, he had to get permission from God (Job 1:6–12). God allowed it—not to destroy Job—but to teach him and reveal a deeper understanding of faith, suffering, and God's sovereignty.

Even though Satan tried to break Job through suffering and loss, Job never cursed God. In the midst of his pain, Job cried out with honest questions, asking why he was suffering. His friends wrongly assumed he must have sinned. But in the end, Job’s integrity stood firm. And Satan’s lies and cruelty were exposed as powerless in the face of truth. The devil never win but always is humiliated and ashamed.

Jesus Himself called Satan “a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him... he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)

Satan is a defeated creature. He must submit to the authority of Jesus. That’s why the demon cried out in fear in the synagogue. He knew Jesus was the Holy One of God—and that his time was up.

Jesus simply spoke: “Be quiet! Come out of him.” And the demon left—screaming, convulsing, defeated.

What a powerful reminder. The Word of Jesus silences the enemy. The authority of Christ drives out darkness. Even if Satan is crafty, deceitful, and determined to destroy, he cannot stand before the truth of God’s Word. As Peter wrote:

“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.” (1 Peter 5:8–9)

Those who were in the synagogue were amazed—not just at the miracle, but at the authority behind it. They said, “Even the demons obey Him!”

That man, tormented for who knows how long, was finally free. People had probably given up on him. But Jesus didn’t. With a word, Jesus restored his mind, his peace, and his dignity.

Demons may be invisible, but they are real. They deceive, destroy, and torment. But they are still created beings—and they must bow before the living Word of God. Their power is nothing compared to the authority of Christ.

Let’s return to Job one more time. When God finally revealed Himself to Job, not with answers but with His presence and power, Job responded with humility and awe:

“Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know... My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:3, 5–6)

And what did God do? He blessed Job even more than before. He restored him. Because God is full of mercy and grace—even when He allows trials for a season, they always come with purpose, and always under His control.

The devil and his demons will one day be judged and destroyed forever. But for now, know this: Jesus still speaks with authority. He still sets people free. And no matter how dark the battle feels, we have victory through Him.

Amen!

July 6, 2025
Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2025, David Lee Ministries ©2025 – All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

The Time Has Come, The Kingdom Of God Has Come Near (Mark 1:14–20)

 

The Time Has Come, The Kingdom Of God Has Come Near (Mark 1:14–20)

In Mark 1:9–13, Jesus was baptized and then tempted by the devil. Though He is the Son of God and without sin—meaning He had no need to be baptized and could not be tempted as we are—He still chose to be baptized and endure temptation. Why? Because He came to take our sins upon Himself.

God the Father was pleased when His Son, Jesus Christ, obeyed His will and was baptized in place of sinful humanity. In that moment, the heavens were torn open (Greek: schizó), the Holy Spirit descended, and the Father's love for His Son was confirmed for all to witness.

Immediately after, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He was tempted by Satan. Again, even though He, the Son of God, could not be tested at all, He chose to face temptation to stand in our place. Jesus overcame the devil not with argument or strength, but by speaking the Word of God. This shows that we can only overcome Satan by the Word—never by our own strength.

Then, in Mark 1:14–20, Jesus began preaching the good news of the kingdom of God in Galilee and called His first disciples.

The Kingdom of God Has Come Near (Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11)

“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’” (Mark 1:14–15)

John the Baptist had prepared the way by preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He was a forerunner who turned the people's hearts toward Jesus, the true Savior. John boldly pointed to Jesus and declared:

“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

John was also a righteous voice against injustice. He rebuked King Herod for taking his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias, which eventually led to John's arrest and execution (see Matthew 14:3–10).

When Jesus heard of John's imprisonment, He began to proclaim the good news of God. He didn’t step in to free John because He was committed to fulfilling the Father’s plan of salvation. As the Lamb of God, Jesus came to save the world from sin. For the first time, He began preaching publicly, saying:

“The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.” (Mark 1:15)

“The time has come” means that the long-awaited promise of the Messiah, prophesied in the Old Testament, had finally been fulfilled. God made a covenant with Abraham, promising to give his descendants the land of Canaan, but said the judgment on the Amorites would not happen until their sin had reached its full measure (see Genesis 15:16).

The Hebrew mind of "complete" is shalem, which can mean peace, wholeness, fullness, or payment in full. This same meaning is echoed in Jesus’ words on the cross:

“It is finished(τετέλεσται in Greek and שָׁלֵם in Hebrew).” (John 19:30)

So, God's judgment on sin was held back until Jesus completed His redemptive work on the cross. He came in the flesh to pay the price for sin on our behalf.

Now, through Jesus—the second Adam—the time for forgiveness and salvation has arrived.

“The kingdom of God has come near” means God’s eternal kingdom has broken into the present. His kingdom is full of glory, honor, power, wisdom, and majesty (see Revelation 5:12). Though it's not visible to the human eye, it can be seen through faith. And it is the true hope of all people.

To enter this kingdom, one must first receive the forgiveness of sins. All people have sinned and cannot stand before the holy God on their own. That’s why John preached a baptism of repentance. The only way to receive forgiveness is through the blood of Jesus Christ. He died on the cross as the Lamb of God, shedding His blood to pour out this grace.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

So if the kingdom of God is near, we must repent and believe the good news. Repentance means turning your heart and changing your direction. What direction must we turn from? The pride of thinking we can save ourselves. Salvation is only by the grace of God.

We must also turn away from hate and judgment and take on the love and forgiveness of Christ. Though He is the Judge, He chose to be condemned in our place. We must lay down grumbling and bitterness and instead fill our hearts with thankfulness and praise. Complaining poisons our peace, rest, and joy. But thankfulness restores them.

In truth, from beginning to end, we have every reason to give thanks and praise.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is always present tense and everlasting. Anyone, anytime, anywhere who repents and turns to the Lord will find that our merciful God does not break a bruised reed. He will wash away sin with the blood of Christ and clothe us in righteousness.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1)
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)

That is the hope of all who believe—the promise of God.

The message that “the kingdom of God has come near” was true in the 1st century, and it’s just as true today. Human life spans are set by God: seventy years, or eighty if we have the strength (see Psalm 90:10). Each person has only this lifetime to respond to the gospel. Since the time is already fulfilled, we must repent now and believe in Christ.

The evidence that we truly believe the gospel is a daily turning of our hearts toward the Lord in repentance. When we respond to God’s invitation and draw near to Him, He draws near to us and pours out the blessings of His kingdom.

Jesus Calls Fishermen to Follow Him (Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11)

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. (Mark 1:16–20)

Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John to be his disciples. He first saw Simon and Andrew casting their nets into the sea and said, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” These men were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. As young Jewish men, they likely carried the hope that the Messiah would one day come to restore Israel’s strength and dignity.

It’s possible that Jesus wasn’t a total stranger to them. According to Luke 5:1–11, Jesus once got into Simon’s boat while he was mending his nets and asked him to push out a little from shore. From there, Jesus taught the crowds. Simon must have heard Jesus preaching the good news of the kingdom of God.

Then, Jesus told Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
Simon, likely discouraged after fishing all night and catching nothing, responded,
“Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

When he obeyed, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. Amazed and overwhelmed, Simon fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

In that moment—before the authority, power, and divine wisdom of the Son of God—Simon saw just how unworthy and small he really was. It was like when Isaiah saw the glory of God and cried out in despair. No one can stand in God’s holy presence without being undone.

But not everyone responds this way. Many Pharisees, Sadducees, and priests heard Jesus proclaim the kingdom of God and refused to bow down. Instead of submitting, they opposed, accused, and condemned Him.

Yet the one who falls at the feet of Jesus and confesses, like Simon did, is truly blessed. It shows they’ve come to see themselves honestly—as a sinner before a holy God.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”

This wasn’t just a call to follow, but a moment of forgiveness and commissioning. In essence, Jesus was telling Simon, "I will forgive you—and I will use you." Just as in Isaiah 6:7, when the angel touched the prophet’s lips with a live coal and said, “Your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for,” Jesus was showing Simon that grace comes before mission.

No one can stand before God by their own merit. It’s only by God’s mercy and forgiveness that we can live in His presence. And God, in His great love, is pleased to wash our sins through the blood of His Son.

This calling wasn’t meant to stop with Simon—it was to be passed on. As we see in Acts, Peter (Simon) became one of the key apostles who led many to faith in Christ. That’s God’s plan for every believer: to receive grace and to share grace.

In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus rebuked the servant who buried the talent he received and did nothing with it. He called him wicked and lazy, and ordered that the talent be taken from him and given to the one who had ten talents.

Here’s how the master replied in Matthew 25:26:

“‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?’” 

Simon and Andrew left their boat and nets to follow Jesus. That was the first step in becoming fishers of people. But it took time for them to fully understand the Christ of suffering the Scriptures had spoken about. At first, they hoped for a Messiah of glory and power—but they came to embrace the crucified and risen Savior, the true Son of God. In the end, they followed Him even through suffering, taking up the cross as Jesus did.

James and John were also mending their nets when Jesus called them. Immediately, they left their father and the boat to follow Him. That too was their first step. Later, James would become the first of the Twelve to be martyred for Christ (Acts 12:2).

John, even through great trials and persecution, led many to Jesus in the first century. He wrote the Gospel of John, the book of Revelation, and the three epistles of John. His writings have touched countless lives, from his time to ours.

But even they struggled to grasp the suffering Messiah. When Jesus was approaching Jerusalem, they asked through their mother if they could sit at His right and left hand in His kingdom (Matthew 20:20–23). Like many young disciples, they dreamed of an earthly kingdom. Their desire to follow Jesus was real, but their hope was for a strong, restored Israel.

That longing, in some sense, reflects a common human desire—we all yearn for something better than what this world offers. That longing reminds us this world can’t truly satisfy us.

What we deeply want—whether we realize it or not—is forgiveness, true peace, rest, and joy. These are found in the kingdom of heaven. And Jesus, through His suffering, brings not just the restoration of Israel but salvation to all humanity.

All of us who follow Jesus do so by God’s grace. Every believer is also called to ministry—not necessarily to be pastors, but to serve God according to the gifts He has given. The twelve apostles preached the gospel from Judea to Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

Today, we are each sent into our homes, workplaces, and communities. That’s why we must keep our eyes on Jesus, the Son of God, and keep following Him.

June 29, 2025
Buffalo Livingstone Church ©2025, David Lee Ministries ©2025 – All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotes are from the NIV.

You Are My Son, Whom I Love; With You I Am Well Pleased (Mark 1:9–13)

You Are My Son, Whom I Love; With You I Am Well Pleased (Mark 1:9–13)

In Mark 1:6–8, we see who is truly great before God and what baptism really means. True greatness before God is marked by being full of the Holy Spirit and by helping people to turn back to God, preparing the way for Jesus Christ. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb. He preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins with the spirit and power of Elijah, turning rebellious and sinful hearts back to God.

Baptism symbolizes the death of the old self (the flesh) and rebirth into a new person through the power of God’s resurrection. It teaches us that the flesh not only resists God but cannot submit to Him — so it must die (Romans 8:8). Though we should die and face judgment, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to bear the sins of the world and receive the baptism of death in our place. That is so anyone who believes in Jesus may receive eternal life. Amen!

Mark 1:9-13 tells that Jesus is baptized and tempted in the wilderness.

Jesus Is Baptized (Mark 1:9–11, also Matthew 3:13–17; Luke 3:21–22)

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:9–11)

Jesus had no need to be baptized — baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. But Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was completely without sin. That’s why, when Jesus came to John to be baptized, John tried to stop Him:

“I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” (Matthew 3:14)

Yet Jesus insisted on being baptized. Why? Because He came as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). It was the will of God the Father — set before the creation of the world — that His Son be sacrificed for our sins. That’s why Jesus said to John:

“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. (Matthew 3:15)

This had been foretold 700 years earlier through the prophet Isaiah — that God would be pleased to forgive and cleanse the world through the suffering of His Son:

“Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.” (Isaiah 53:10)

So Jesus came to die for the sins of the world. But He didn’t stay dead — He was buried and rose again after three days. In the same way, baptism(immersion) doesn’t end with death. It represents dying to the old self and rising again into a new life clothed in the righteousness of Christ. This transformation is made possible only by the precious blood of Jesus, shed as the Lamb of God.

He Saw Heaven Torn Open

When Jesus came up out of the water, He saw heaven torn open…

What’s amazing is that the word “torn open” (schizō in Greek) is the same word used in Mark 15:38, when the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom at Jesus’ death. This shows that Jesus’ baptism was a symbolic foreshadowing of His death on the cross for our sins.

Also, the Holy Spirit came down like a dove. But this doesn’t mean Jesus received the Holy Spirit for the first time here — He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was always one with Him. Instead, this moment reveals that when someone receives the baptism of repentance, the Spirit comes from heaven upon them — just like it did upon Jesus.

The Voice From Heaven…

And again, the voice from heaven said:

“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)

Just as Isaiah prophesied, God is pleased with His Son’s sacrifice for the world (see also John 1:29). No father enjoys seeing his child suffer — yet God loved the world so much that He gave up His Son. That’s because only the blood of Jesus has the power to save us from our sins.

Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness (Mark 1:12–13; also Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13)

12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. (Mark 1:12–13)

Right after being baptized, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He was tempted by Satan for forty days. Mark gives a brief account, but Matthew and Luke describe the details of each temptation.

As the Son of God, Jesus cannot be tempted in the same way as we are:

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” (James 1:13)

So why was Jesus tempted? Because He came as the second (last) Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45). He became the Son of Man to carry the sins of the world.

Jesus fasted for forty days and nights. Unlike Adam, who was tempted in a perfect garden, Jesus was tempted in the harsh desert. He was hungry, surrounded by wild animals, and needed the care of angels. This test in the wilderness shows the true humanity of Jesus — fully God, but also fully man — who overcame temptation and remained without sin.

“If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

First, the devil tempted Jesus by targeting His hunger. “The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’” (Matthew 4:3)

This temptation was pushing Jesus to solve His hunger problem Himself—suggesting that if He truly were the Son of God, He shouldn’t be suffering. This kind of temptation often comes to believers in everyday life—right in the middle of our stress, responsibilities, and pressing challenges.

But Jesus overcame this temptation with the Word of God. “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4; cf. Deuteronomy 8:3)

The background to this verse is God’s daily provision of manna from heaven for the Israelites during their forty years in the wilderness—except on the seventh day. God, as the Creator, rules all things He has made, running the universe with perfect precision. He also feeds, clothes, and protects people and animals alike. Sunlight and rain are clear signs of His care. Looking back on our own lives, we’ve all faced hardship—but we’ve also experienced God’s grace in His provision.

“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down.”

Next, the devil took Jesus to the holy city and placed Him on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” (Matthew 4:6; Psalm 91:11–12)

Since Jesus had used Scripture to resist, the devil tried quoting Scripture too—this time, Psalm 91. That psalm is indeed a promise of God’s protection. But the devil twisted it to tempt Jesus. He was suggesting: “If you’re really the Son of God, then surely God will protect you even if you jump.”

This is how the devil misuses God’s promises—by pulling verses out of context. It’s called cherry picking. For example, Psalm 23:1 says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” If you isolate that verse, you might think believers should never face lack. But later, Psalm 23 also says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley…” (Psalm 23:4a). Lacking nothing and walking through the darkest valley might seem contradictory, but the psalmist continues: “I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4b)

God’s Word is progressive revelation. Every verse is true and without error, and all Scripture together reveals God’s consistent truth. The Bible shows that God is love. How does He show His love? It is a love that patiently endures pain and gave His own Son as a sacrifice. So when believers share in Christ’s sufferings, they also share in the holy love of God.

Jesus again resisted the devil by quoting Scripture. “Jesus answered him, ‘It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:7; Deuteronomy 6:16)

Yes, Psalm 91 is a real promise—but Jesus makes it clear: we are not to test God. Obedience to God's will must come first. Jesus obeyed God's will to the point of death on a cross. But then God raised Him from the dead on the third day and gave Him a glorified, resurrected body. That fulfilled Psalm 91—and indeed all of Scripture.

God will never put to shame those who obey His Word. “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32–33)

“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Then the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor, and said: “All this I will give you if you will bow down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:8–9)

This was a deadly temptation—to worship the devil instead of God. This is idolatry. Sadly, many fall for this today.

But the devil lied. All glory and power belong to God alone. Though Satan is a created being—once a glorious angel, a morning star—he rebelled against God, lost his place, and now lives under God’s curse, awaiting judgment (Isaiah 14:12–15).

Again, Jesus used Scripture to defeat him. “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (Matthew 4:10; Deuteronomy 6:13)

Jesus commanded Satan to leave. Worship belongs to God alone—the Creator. Satan is not someone to negotiate with. He must be resisted. As James wrote: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

The devil is always looking to destroy. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

God created everything and said it was good. That means all creation exists according to His will and purpose. Though the world is full of war, conflict, hatred, and chaos—God still reigns without being shaken. Everything will eventually be exposed by God’s judgment. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13)

God is forever worthy of glory, praise, honor, power, and authority. Only the Creator God is worthy of all worship. The apostle John was taken up into heaven to witness this glory firsthand:

“Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come. Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.’” (Revelation 4:8–11)

June 22, 2025
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Scripture quotes are from the NIV.