What Jesus Did! 'Until Another Time' — Luke 4:13

There is a haunting and ominous tone to Luke's summary of the devil's departure. While Jesus won this encounter, Luke wants us to know that the evil one will be lurking nearby for an opportune moment. Defeated this time, the awful deceiver will choose his time and his methods carefully. We know that ultimately the greatest test will occur in the Garden of Gethsemane and on a hill we call Calvary. Of course, there will be other skirmishes throughout Jesus' ministry. Jesus would win them all. No demon, no evil, no power could stand against him. However, the evil schemer would not sit idle while Jesus' ministry soared. He would use Jesus' own disciple, Judas, for his plan of betrayal, mockery, and death. For a time, he would crush Jesus' strongest and most vocal supporter, Peter. He would bewilder all the disciples, and they would forsake their Rabbi in his moment of need. Yes, the devil is a dirty street-fighter who plays by his own rules with only one goal — to destroy all that is good and godly. So, please, dear Christian, never doubt the reality, the deviousness, or the ferocity of this opportunistic adversary. At the same time, realize that the one you worship has triumphed over the devil and his minions and has promised us his Spirit to help us do the same.