Have you ever watched the way two wrestlers begin their contest? They circle each other, watching for the first opportunity for a hold. They move in a crouched position, bodies low, feet wide apart. Why? That position makes them more stable and balanced. Imbalance is an invitation to be thrown down. The same principle applies in the spiritual struggle. A winning strategy includes attention to the right kind of balance. Imbalance can play into the hand of the enemy.
Immediately after His baptism Jesus prepared for His special work by fasting forty days. Satan had been circling, then he attacked. Like a judo wrestler, Satan tried to use Jesus’ own impetus as a way to throw Him down.
- Was Jesus hungry? Then Satan would use that hunger and tempt Jesus to serve Himself by turning stones into bread (Luke 4:1-4).
- Was Jesus on His way to becoming King? Then Satan would use that drive and offer a short cut to kingly power (Luke 4:5-8).
- Was Jesus sure that He was God’s Son—as announced at the recent baptism? Then Satan would use that assurance. He would tempt Jesus to prove His confidence by jumping from the temple and letting the Father’s angels catch Him (Luke 4:9).
With this temptation the devil added a further twist by using the Scriptures that Jesus loved and followed so well. The devil quoted Psalm 91:
He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you, and on their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone (Luke 4:10-11).