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

Thursday, February 23, 2023

When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.

Key Thought

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 called Calvary. [1] 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. [2] For a time, he would crush Jesus' strongest and most vocal supporter, Peter. [3] He would bewilder all the disciples, and they would forsake their Rabbi in his moment of need. [4] 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.

[1] Luke 23:33 NKJV. Also called "Golgotha" in some translations and "The Skull" in others.
[2] Luke 22:3-4, 47-48.
[3] Luke 22:54-62.
[4] John 16:32; Mark 14:50.

Today's Prayer

Glorious God, the great Almighty, give me confidence and courage because of Jesus' victory over the devil in every battle. Please help me live so I will share in the ultimate victory when the Lord Jesus returns in his glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
  • 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
  • James 4:4-8

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3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 4:13 NLT — When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.