One Ever Present

As we know there are three separate and somewhat different accounts of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness.  All agree that this moment came after the baptism of Jesus and all three agree that the Spirit had something to do with getting Jesus to that place of trial and temptation.  There are, of course, other similarities, but one of the distinctive notes is found in Luke's telling of the narrative.  As the encounter with Satan comes to an end, Luke writes, "When the devil had finished every test, he departed from Him until an opportune time."  (Luke 4:13)      

It is obvious that Luke wants the reader to anticipate a continued struggle on the part of Jesus with the one whose business was to undermine everything God was seeking to do though His Son.  Some see the presence of Satan in that moment on the cross when Jesus felt deserted, but what is truth is that Jesus made many references to the evil one as He walked those roads of Galilee.  He was present in the work of betrayal.  He was present in the moment when Peter drew his sword and slashed the ear of one who came for Jesus in the Garden.  He was present in the Roman tormenters and in the Jewish religious authorities who were seeking a solution to what they perceived to be the Jesus problem.      

More than any of us who read the gospels might think, Jesus was surely aware that Satan was never far away.  If he could not succcessfully tempt Jesus to stray from the course, he would try to attack those who might have some influence over Him.   Jesus recognized the power of the evil one.  He told us to pray, "...lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil..."  While one of Satan's strategies is to bring us to a place where we do not believe he exists, He is surely present with us seeking to undermine the work God wants to do through us.  As the Apostle Pauls says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His power.  Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."  (Ephesians 6:10-11)