Fasting: Jesus & Satan

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Moreover, when you fast, don't be like the hypocrites with sad faces. Matthew six sixteen, Heavenly Father, this passage reminds us of the sacredness of secrecy in our spiritual disciplines. Guide us to understand the profound value of fasting and other spiritual disciplines. We want these acts of devotion not to be for the applause of men, but for the deepening of our relationship with You. Teach us to cherish the quiet moments we share with you, where no eyes can see and no ears can hear. In these hidden spaces, let our spirits be strengthened and our hearts be drawn closer to yours. Help us to cultivate us spiritual life that is rich and robust, not built on public displays, but on the truth of Your presence in the secret places. May our fasting, our prayers, and our giving be expressions of our genuine desire to know You more, to grow in grace, and to live lives that are pleasing in your sight. Guard our hearts against the temptation to perform for human accolades, and anchor us firmly in the pursuit of your approval, which is more precious than gold in all things. Lord, May our actions reflect a deep commitment to walking with you insincerity and truth. In Jesus' name, we pray Amen, Thank you for praying with me today. This is the Jesus remain here for a short but gripping scene inspired by the Sermon on the Mount. If you been impacted by this podcast, we love it. If you share it with a friend, thanks for spreading the hope. 00:02:17 Speaker 2: Be mindful, friends. Do not do righteous deeds or offer gifts of charity to be seen by men. You may lose your reward from your father in heaven when you do merciful deeds or acts of kindness. Don't make it a performance. Don't sound the trumpet when you give your offering, and don't advertise your good deeds after doing them. If you seek glory from men, he'll get it, but it will come at the cost of God's favor. And you do good deeds, don't let your right hand know what your left is doing. Practice kindness and mercy in secret. Your heavenly father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly. 00:03:00 Speaker 1: Jesus turned his face to the breeze blowing from the Galile si. It was a cool and refreshing break from the sun. He breathed in deeply and smiled. 00:03:11 Speaker 2: Your devotion to God need not be advertised, nor does your suffering need to be revealed to everyone. When you fast, don't hold your head low and moan about so people ask how you're doing if that's what you're up to, the truth is you want to be seen by others for something meant to strengthen your inner bond with God. If you fast for the applause of others, then the applause of others is all you shall resleep. But if you fast in secret, washing your face so nobody knows, then your Father will reward you. 00:03:52 Speaker 3: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing, it's not your feet, it's your shoes. This summer, switch to Jedas shoes with patentive Verso shock technology, which aligns your body, provides superior shock absorption and trampoline like energy return. Gdiphi offers souls and styles for any activity, plus two free orthotics. Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on the go, Gdiphi shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your fee crave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to unparalleled support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer visit gdiphi dot com and get twenty dollars off your order of one hundred dollars or more with code prey. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with Gediphi shoes. Visit g d e f y dot com. 00:04:48 Speaker 4: Today we say God is all we need? But do we live like that's true? Have we ever put ourselves in a position to try truly feel that reality? This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with pray dot com. Join us as we continue our miniseries through the Sermon on the Mount. We've been connecting biblical stories to the gospel message of Jesus spoken on the Sermon on the Mount. Today we dive into Matthew chapter six, verses sixteen through eighteen. This passage addresses the true spirit of fasting and warns against practicing spiritual disciplines for show. We will connect this teaching to the story of Satan tempting Jesus and the wilderness found in Luke chapter four, verses one through thirteen. Together, we'll explore the importance of sincere devotion and reliance upon God, especially in times of spiritual discipline. 00:05:49 Speaker 1: It was dusk. Darkness slowly stretched its wings over the land. Judea was filled with a symphony of crickets. Spur of rustling grass accompanied the wind. Jesus surveyed the land from atop a jagged hill, holding his garment tightly to his shivering body. He had been fasting for forty days, depriving his body of food. Prayer was his sustenance. He removed comfort and clung to God. Jesus faced the raw edge of human frailty. He knew the challenge of hunger. He understood the pain of being human. If he was going to redeem humanity, he had to fully live as a human, with all the pain, longing and needs. His whispered and weak breaths to God rose with the evening breeze. But as he spoke to his father, another visited him. Jesus wasn't alone. An ancient enemy lurked among the reeds behind him, waiting for a moment to strike. For forty days, Jesus had gone without food. His body was beginning to eat away at itself, and his mind was experiencing the dull effects of starvation. It was at this moment, a slithering presence emerged from the darkness. He slid his way behind Jesus and whispered into his ear. 00:07:48 Speaker 5: He a son of God, shaking like a starving animal. 00:07:57 Speaker 1: His voice was quiet and sharp, like the silent sting of a scorpion. 00:08:04 Speaker 5: If you truly are the son of God, why not just command these songs to become brings. Surely the creator himself deserves some food. 00:08:22 Speaker 1: This was the first temptation, the lust of the flesh, a tactic that worked for Adam and Eve once in the garden fasting challenge, Jesus resolve. Was God truly enough to satisfy him? Wouldn't it be fine to indulge? After all, he deserved it, he needed it. Who was watching? Who would care? Jesus' body ached from hunger. The pain was nearly unbearable. He considered for a moment what a small piece of bread would do. The temptation gripped him, yet Jesus came to identify with the weakness of mankind. If he simply turned the stones and bread, he would take advantage of the power God gave him. 00:09:22 Speaker 6: I don't need it. 00:09:24 Speaker 1: It was a reply to Satan and a reminder to himself. Jesus tightened his grip and breathed. He refused to look behind him. With resolve, he said, it. 00:09:38 Speaker 2: Is written man does not live by bread alone, but by the very words uttered from God himself. 00:09:47 Speaker 1: It was difficult for Jesus to speak. He had a fever from hunger, and the chills caused him to shiver. Satan, still behind Yeesus scowled. He whisked Jesus into a vision, setting them atop of a vast panorama of earthly kingdoms. The world sprawled below them, shimmering with the allure of gold, silver, and infinite treasures. The shadow of corruption tainted their magnificence. You see all this, satanist, his voice dripping with venomous intention. 00:10:30 Speaker 5: His kingdom samine. They had been taken by me and a mine to give all this power, all this glory. 00:10:48 Speaker 7: Of the. 00:10:51 Speaker 1: Satan leaned closer in to Jesus' ear. He stretched out his hand to the kingdom's glowing in the magnificence light. 00:11:01 Speaker 5: Look, Son of God, look at all that could be. All all you must do is worship me. 00:11:18 Speaker 1: This was the second temptation, the lust for power, a temptation eve once fell for when Satan promised she would be like God. Despite the exhaustion clouding his vision, Jesus saw through the hollow splendor the promise of power and riches had been the fall of many men. It was an enticing offer, no doubt. Jesus longed to rule over his people as king, but his kingdom was not of this world. Corruption was not the way to when the hearts of man true leadership. His leadership would not be forged in dominion, but in servitude. Jesus closed his eyes and quoted the scripture again, saying. 00:12:17 Speaker 6: It is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, Him and him alone, shall you serve. 00:12:28 Speaker 1: Satan scoffed and wrapped his cloak around Jesus. Suddenly the two were standing over the Temple of Jerusalem. They were at the temple's highest point, overlooking the people below. The wind howled as Jesus stood at the very tip of the massive structure bed. Satan screamed through the wind, pointing to the people below. He laughed and surveyed. The worshippers coming to and fro from the temple want. 00:13:00 Speaker 5: To sign Jesus. They long to worship, They're hungry for it. 00:13:07 Speaker 1: The wind cut Jesus's cheek like glass. He looked at the people below. They were praying, seeking, searching for answers from God. Jesus wanted to reveal himself to them. He wanted to show them God's will. He wanted to be their lord and shepherd. 00:13:30 Speaker 5: They're waiting for you, son of God. They're all here waiting for you to show yourself. Make a spectacle and jump off for you and I both know what the scriptures say. They claim that the Lord will. 00:13:53 Speaker 7: Order his angels to protect you. Think about this sight of that, Think about the people praying and all of a sudden seeing a man flying on the backs of the angels, No doubt they will ship you. 00:14:14 Speaker 1: Then this was the third temptation, the Pride of Life. Satan's eyes were glowing with a mixture of playful anticipation and deep hatred. It was a terrifying sight. 00:14:30 Speaker 5: What are you waiting for, Champ? 00:14:34 Speaker 1: The challenge hung heavy in the stormy air. Jesus looked down at the people coming in and out of the temple. If they were to see a man flying on the wings of angels over the Holy Temple, indeed they would worship him. Yet it would be no greater than a circus act. Jesus knew that it was not signs wonders that would save mankind. He knew what his true purpose was. Faith born of spectacle was as fleeting as the wind that bore it. His path was one of more profound truths. 00:15:21 Speaker 6: Blessed are those who don't see, yet still believe. 00:15:26 Speaker 1: Jesus whispered to himself, a smirk creased on the sides of his face. He wouldn't give in. Satan saw Jesus smile, and he knew it. 00:15:41 Speaker 6: It is written, you must not test the Lord, your God. 00:15:46 Speaker 1: Satan sneered at Jesus, ready to tempt him again. Before he could speak, Jesus turned around, looked him in the eyes for the first time. Enough, Jesus revealed, Satan jarred back. The two of them were standing in the wilderness once again. The stars were settled high in the sky, and the howling evening wind rolled over the hills. Satan shrunk at the voice of Jesus. They were not equals. Jesus alone held the power, so Satan retreated into the grass so he may scheme more about how to take the heart of man. Jesus then departed to eat, recover, and pray. He had successfully resisted the temptations of the enemy, temptations that had caused humanity to stumble for thousands of generations. Jesus, even in his most weakened state, was able to overcome it. This would be a foreshadowing of things to come. Jesus, even at is most afflicted, would overcome. 00:17:18 Speaker 4: When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly, I tell you they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your father, who is unseen. And your father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Jesus emphasizes that fasting, like all spiritual disciplines, should be done with sincerity and humility, not for public recognition. He teaches us to avoid drawing attention to our fasting and instead focus on our relationship with God. The true reward of fasting comes from God, who sees our hearts and values our devotion. The story of Jesus being tempted by Satan in the wilderness provides a powerful example of sincere devotion and reliance upon God. During a time of fasting. After being baptized, Jesus was led by the spirit into the wilderness, where he fasted for forty days. During this time, he faced intense temptation from Satan. In Luke Chapter four, verses one through thirteen, we read that Satan tempted Jesus with food, recognition, and power each time Jesus quotes scripture and declares his devotion to God. This must have been especially hard since he was weak and devoid of food. Jesus's responses to Satan's temptation reveal his unwavering reliance on God's word and his commitment to the true spirit of fasting and devotion. Despite his physical hunger, Jesus remained spiritually strong, rejecting Satan's offers and affirming his trust in God. Fasting is about feeling lack, lacking comfort and strength, so that we might adopt a mindset of reliance upon God. What does fasting grow in us? How does it refine our character and draw us closer to God? First, it strengthens our relationship with God. Jesus teaches us that spiritual disciplines, such as fasting, should be centered on our relationship with God. Fasting is a time to draw closer to God, seeking his presence and guidance, rather than seeking approval or comfort or sustenance from others. Second, it fortifies our strength in God's word. Jesus's responses to Satan were rooted in scripture. During times of fasting and temptation, we should immerse ourselves in God's word, finding strength and direction in his promises. Third, it cultivates humility. Jesus emphasizes the importance of practicing our faith humbly and secretly. When we fast, we should do so without drawing attention to ourselves, trusting that God sees our devotion and will reward us accordingly. Lastly, it gives us the strength to resist temptation. The story of Jesus's temptation reminds us that spiritual disciplines can be accompanied by trials and temptations. However, by relying upon God's word and maintaining our focus on him, we can resist these temptations and remain faithful. When we've taken time to make ourselves uncomfortable and deny certain needs. We make our wills and resolves stronger to endure the temptations thrown our way. What are some practical ways to fast so that we honor God and our bodies. First, fast with sincerity. When you fast, do so with sincere heart, seeking to draw closer to God rather than seeking recognition from others. Let your fasting be a private act of devotion between you and God. Don't rob yourself of blessings by telling everyone you're fasting. You may look holy to a few people, but you end up losing the purpose. Second, stay rooted in scripture during times of fasting and temptation. Immerse yourself in God's word. Use scripture to guide your thoughts and your actions, finding strength and wisdom in God's promises. Next, use your time of fasting to pray and seek God's guidance. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and reveal God's will for your life. Lastly, take care of your body. Fasting is not an act of self hatred. If you've ever struggled with disordered eating, find other ways to fast, such as taking a break from social media. If you have diabetes or other illnesses that make fasting more risky, for your health. Look for moments in your week to withhold comforts for the sake of devotion. As we reflect on Jesus' words in Matthew chapter six, Verses sixteen through eighteen, and the story of his temptation in the wilderness, let us be reminded of the importance of sincere devotion and reliance upon God. May we strive to practice our spiritual disciplines with humility and integrity, seeking to honor God rather than seeking recognition from others. Let us draw strength from God's word and remain faithful even in times of temptation. Let us pray for the grace and wisdom to be true citizens of Heaven, living out the sincere devotion and reliance on God that Jesus calls us to. Thanks again for listening to the Jesus Podcast. Take a moment to follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening on. If you're interested in more daily prayers, devotionals, and resources to enricher faith, download the pray dot Com apt to Day