Attack on the Person of Christ
The culmination of Satan’s attacks reached its zenith in his direct assault on Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. From Christ’s conception to His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, the enemy orchestrated relentless schemes to thwart God’s redemptive plan. Each of these attacks, though fierce, was met with divine wisdom, protection, and unwavering obedience from Jesus. Let us delve deeper into these moments, exploring their significance and the profound truths they reveal about God’s sovereignty.
1. Attack 1: Possible Stoning of Mary
The miraculous conception of Jesus placed Mary in a precarious position. As a young, unmarried woman found to be with child, Mary faced the potential penalty of death by stoning, as dictated by Jewish law (Deuteronomy 22:20-21). Satan sought to exploit societal norms and human judgment to disrupt God’s plan.
• God’s Protection: In Matthew 1:20-21, God intervenes by sending an angel to Joseph in a dream, reassuring him of Mary’s innocence and the divine origin of her pregnancy. Joseph’s obedience in taking Mary as his wife shielded her from public shame and potential execution.
• Significance: This attack highlights the vulnerability of God’s plan to human misunderstanding. Yet, it also demonstrates God’s ability to protect and guide His servants through seemingly insurmountable challenges.
2. Attack 2: Herod the Great and the Massacre of Infants
The paranoia of Herod the Great became the vehicle for Satan’s next attack. In Matthew 2:16, Herod orders the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem under the age of two, a desperate attempt to eliminate the newborn “King of the Jews.” This act of political manipulation and mass violence underscores the lengths to which Satan would go to derail the arrival of the Savior.
• Divine Intervention: God warns Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus (Matthew 2:13-15). Their timely escape ensures Jesus’ safety, fulfilling the prophecy, “Out of Egypt I called my son” (Hosea 11:1).
• Application: Herod’s actions serve as a reminder of the destructive nature of human ambition and the unseen spiritual forces that drive it. However, God’s ability to guide and protect His people reassures us of His sovereignty over even the darkest moments.
3. Attack 3: Temptation in the Wilderness
After His baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He faces Satan’s direct confrontation (Matthew 4:1-11). Over forty days, Satan tempts Jesus in three distinct ways: exploiting His physical hunger, challenging His identity, and offering Him worldly power in exchange for worship.
• Jesus’ Victory: Each time, Jesus counters Satan’s temptations with Scripture, declaring the truth of God’s Word and rejecting the enemy’s deceit. His unwavering obedience demonstrates His commitment to the Father’s mission.
• Lessons for Believers: This encounter reveals the power of the Word of God in spiritual warfare. It also highlights the importance of resisting the temptation to seek shortcuts or compromise one’s calling.
4. Attack 4: Temptation Not to Go to the Cross
As Jesus begins to reveal His impending suffering and death, Satan attempts to dissuade Him through Peter. In Matthew 16:21-23, Peter rebukes Jesus, saying, “This shall never happen to you!” Unknowingly, Peter echoes Satan’s desire to prevent the crucifixion.
• Jesus’ Response: Jesus sharply rebukes Peter, saying, “Get behind me, Satan!” This response underscores the necessity of the cross for humanity’s redemption and Jesus’ unwavering determination to fulfill His mission.
• Reflection: This attack reminds us of the subtle ways Satan can use even well-meaning individuals to distract us from God’s purposes. Discernment and commitment to God’s will are essential in overcoming such challenges.
5. Attack 5: Attempt to Stone Jesus
Throughout His ministry, Jesus faced hostility from religious leaders, often fueled by Satan’s influence. In John 8:59 and John 10:31, crowds attempt to stone Jesus for blasphemy, accusing Him of claiming equality with God.
• Divine Escape: Each time, Jesus evades their grasp, saying, “My time has not yet come” (John 7:30). His escapes illustrate that no attack can succeed outside of God’s appointed timing.
• Implications: These attempts highlight the growing opposition Jesus faced and the spiritual warfare underlying the physical threats. They also demonstrate Jesus’ perfect submission to the Father’s timeline.
6. Attack 6: Temptation to Come Down from the Cross
As Jesus hung on the cross, enduring excruciating pain and mockery, Satan’s final assault came in the form of a taunt: “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” (Matthew 27:40). This challenge aimed to undermine Jesus’ mission by appealing to His identity and power.
• Jesus’ Resolve: Despite the mockery and physical agony, Jesus remains on the cross, fully aware that His sacrifice is the only way to accomplish redemption. His choice to stay symbolizes the ultimate triumph of love and obedience over temptation.
• Spiritual Insight: This moment illustrates the profound depth of Jesus’ commitment to humanity. It reminds us that true strength lies in surrendering to God’s will, even when it involves great personal cost.
7. Attack 7: The Drugged Wine
As part of the crucifixion process, Jesus is offered wine mixed with gall—a sedative intended to dull the pain (Matthew 27:34). By refusing it, Jesus chooses to endure the full weight of suffering with complete clarity.
• Why It Matters: Jesus’ rejection of the drugged wine underscores His intentional and conscious choice to bear humanity’s sins fully. This act of willful endurance highlights the depth of His sacrifice.
• Theological Reflection: This attack reveals Satan’s subtlety in offering temporary relief at the expense of eternal victory. Jesus’ refusal reminds us that obedience to God often requires enduring hardship for the sake of greater glory.
Key Themes from Stage 3
1. Divine Protection: From Mary’s vulnerability to Jesus’ crucifixion, God’s providence ensures that His redemptive plan unfolds according to His will.
2. The Victory of Obedience: Jesus’ unwavering submission to the Father, even in the face of immense suffering, exemplifies the power of obedience in overcoming Satan’s attacks.
3. The Necessity of the Cross: Each of Satan’s attempts to prevent the crucifixion highlights its centrality to God’s plan for salvation. Jesus’ resolve to endure the cross demonstrates His love for humanity and His commitment to redeeming the world.
4. The Role of Scripture in Spiritual Warfare: Jesus’ reliance on the Word of God during His temptations in the wilderness serves as a model for believers in resisting the enemy’s schemes.
The attacks on Jesus Christ underscore the intensity of the cosmic battle between good and evil. Yet, through each challenge, God’s sovereignty and Christ’s faithfulness shine brightly, securing the victory that defines our faith.