What’s up? This is Prophet Lucky, and welcome back to The Life Cycle of Jesus Christ.
We are currently in the third stage of His life, which is the baptism and temptation of Jesus Christ.
I love Jesus so much. I love Him so much, and He’s all that really matters to me, especially after my personal encounter with Him, when He appeared to me.
Now, let’s unpack this third stage of Jesus’ life.
The Baptism of Jesus Christ
Biblical reference: Matthew 3:1–17
The Bible tells us about John the Baptist, who was preaching repentance and preparing the way for Jesus Christ.
John was baptizing people in the Jordan River, calling them to repent because the kingdom of heaven was near.
Now, something very interesting happened.
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter Him, saying that he himself needed to be baptized by Jesus, not the other way around.
But look at what Jesus said.
In Matthew 3:15, Jesus replied:
«“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”»
I love that so much from Jesus.
You see? Even though John believed that he was the one who needed to be baptized by Jesus, Jesus insisted that it was proper for them to do this to fulfill all righteousness.
After Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God descended like a dove and came upon Him.
And a voice from heaven declared that Jesus was His beloved Son, in whom He was well pleased.
Biblical reference: Matthew 3:16–17
Now, we see John baptizing Jesus, the Holy Spirit descending upon Him, and the Father speaking from heaven.
This is very interesting.
The Temptation of Jesus Christ
Biblical reference: Matthew 4:1–11
After Jesus was baptized, the Bible tells us that He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights.
And, of course, He was hungry.
Now, we all know that when we are hungry, sometimes we find it difficult to concentrate. We feel irritated, agitated, and uncomfortable.
Imagine fasting for forty days and forty nights without eating any food.
Jesus was hungry, and it was at this point that the tempter, which is the devil, came to tempt Him.
The First Temptation: Turning Stones Into Bread
Biblical reference: Matthew 4:3–4
The devil asked Jesus to turn stones into bread.
But look at what Jesus said:
«“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”»
I love that from Jesus.
You see?
This is where Jesus begins to reveal something important about His Father.
Every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Despite being hungry, Jesus reminded the tempter that man does not live on bread alone, but on God’s Word.
The Second Temptation: Putting God to the Test
Biblical reference: Matthew 4:5–7
Now, the tempter took Jesus to the highest point of the temple and asked Him to throw Himself down, claiming that God’s angels would protect Him.
But Jesus replied:
«“Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”»
Again, you see?
Jesus was talking about His Father.
Even when the devil used Scripture to tempt Him, Jesus responded with Scripture.
The Third Temptation: The Kingdoms of the World
Biblical reference: Matthew 4:8–10
The devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
He offered Jesus these kingdoms if He would bow down and worship him.
But look at what Jesus said:
«“Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.”»
I love that so much.
You see what Jesus is saying?
Throughout these temptations, Jesus kept referring to His Father.
First, He said that man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Then He said not to put the Lord our God to the test.
And finally, He said to worship the Lord our God and serve Him only.
This is where Jesus reveals something important about His Father and our relationship with God.
After these temptations, the Bible tells us that the devil left Jesus, and angels came and ministered to Him.
Biblical reference: Matthew 4:11
What Does This Mean to Us?
Now, what does all this mean to us?
If Jesus could face these temptations, especially after fasting for forty days and forty nights, then we should understand that we, here on earth, are also subject to temptation.
Sometimes, we face difficulties, hunger, anxiety, and situations that make us uncomfortable.
We may feel agitated or overwhelmed by what we are going through.
But something very interesting about Jesus is how He responded to the tempter.
He reminded him:
“Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
And again:
“Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.”
You see?
Whatever we are going through in life, whatever challenges or temptations we face, we should always remember to worship the Lord our God and serve Him only.
Because Jesus Himself showed us the importance of God’s Word, obedience, and worship, even in the midst of temptation.
Conclusion: Worship the Lord Your God and Serve Him Only
So, as we conclude this third stage of the life cycle of Jesus Christ, I want us to remember something important.
Jesus faced temptation, but He did not give in.
Instead, He responded with the Word of God.
And through His responses, He reminded us of the importance of worshiping the Lord our God and serving Him only.
So, whatever you are going through in life, always worship the Lord your God and serve Him.
I’m so excited to talk to you about the next stage of the life cycle of Jesus Christ.
This is Prophet Lucky.
I pray that the Jesus who appeared to me will bless you. Amen.