Passing the Tests

Luke 4:1-2 - And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.

Our school year is off to a great start, but, at the end of the term, I will give my students a final exam. They will probably not like it, but it will be necessary to prove that they have learned the lessons I taught them. I will assign them a grade for the course, and they can order a transcript sent to a graduate school or potential employer to prove they are knowledgeable and competent in the subject.

In the English language we make a big distinction between the words “test” and “tempt,” but they are the same word in Greek. The devil may want to tempt us to take us down, but passing the test of temptation shows we are spiritually fit.

Notice that Jesus was intentionally led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (tested) by the devil. Through faithfulness and good use of scripture he passed that test and showed that he was ready for his ministry.

The next time you face temptation see it as an opportunity to prove you are ready for more. Temptation and tests will come, but as you trust in Christ you have what it takes to pass with flying colors.