Scripture Graphics #91

“And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew‬ ‭4:3-4‬

Jesus Christ *was* God’s Son—His only begotten Son—yet satan asked “IF Thou be the Son of God...” We are the adopted children of God, and satan still accuses us, “If you’re *really* God’s child, really born again...” Though Jesus’ temptation was not doubting His salvation, the answer He gave should help us when we are faced with that struggle: live by the Word of God. Satan wanted Jesus to do an action, Jesus pointed to faith and trust in God’s Word. Doubts of salvation are often fueled by “Did I *do* enough?”—but it’s not about “doing enough” but by trusting in and living by the Word of God.

“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Matthew‬ ‭8:2-3

What a beautiful picture of cleansing—which applies both to salvation and sanctification. Jesus is ready and willing to cleanse us if we but ask Him. And when we do ask, He cleanses us immediately (1 John 1:9).

There is great comfort in this. Not only do we serve the same God as Abraham and all of the believers in Scripture, we also serve the eternal God—assurance of life after death.

“But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?” Matthew‬ ‭26:8‬

In others’ eyes, this woman’s decision to pour her entire alabaster box of ointment on Jesus was nothing but a waste. In Jesus’ eyes, it was no such thing. The others saw no purpose, Jesus saw a good work.
Today, our decisions in following Jesus might look to others like a waste—but they are not the ones we are following, and in eternity, they do not determine our rewards. Are temporal opinions preventing us from following the Holy Spirit?

What verse are you clinging to today?