It may seem strange that after Jesus' baptism, the Son of God was led by the Holy Spirit to face Satan. Jesus had heard Father God's commendation, and had received the Holy Spirit's anointing (Matthew 3:13-17). But then the Holy Spirit led Jesus away from the crowds, and the affirmation of heavenly company, to face the Enemy. The wilderness encounter with Satan was no accident but a deliberate part of God's strategy. Jesus' ministry of defeating Satan had officially begun.

The reason for Christ's presence on earth was not to make people nicer, but to destroy the work of the devil (1 John 3:8). Satan's evil work results in sin (rebellion against God) and death (God's punishment for rebellion). But Jesus was going to change all that by His death on the cross (Colossians 2:15). Sinners who believed in Jesus would be forgiven and receive eternal life. They would also receive the Holy Spirit to enable them to choose to resist temptation and prove that they were no longer under Satan's domination.

Temptations are Satanic encouragements to do something wrong, accompanied by a lie that persuades us that it will be good for us. Temptations appeal to our corrupted nature, presenting an opportunity to fulfil our desires in ways that can never glorify God. Temptations prove what is inside us and expose our rebellious natures (James 1:13-15). That is why it was God's plan for Jesus to be tempted – to show His incorruptible nature.

And it is why God allows us to be tempted, to give us the opportunity to demonstrate our new nature as we refuse to rebel against the Lord. Jesus faced Satan for your sake: so you must resist Satan for Christ's sake. "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:7-8) Instead of playing with temptation, treat each one as an opportunity to reject the evil lie and draw close to the Lord. It will be a battle; but in God’s strength we can win. If we lose, the blood of Jesus is effective to clean those who repent, so that we can start again.