Monday, March 10: “Divine Identity”

Hebrews 2: 17, 18: “[Christ] had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.”

When the devil tempted Jesus after His forty days of fasting in the wilderness, he was literally enticing Him. It was not primarily a temptation aimed at the flesh, but an enticement to take the easy way out; to reject His identity as God’s Son and High Priest. His physical discipline empowered him to overcome the devil’s spiritual allure, so that He can now help us to do the same.