Devotional Gems by Jolene: Jesus is Enough

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Jesus is Enough

JESUS IS ENOUGH
Matthew 14:22-37
The Message V. 27: But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s Me. Don’t be afraid.”

We’ve learned previously, about accepting Jesus’ yoke—which removes burdens that weigh us down. (See Intimate Link devotion). As He walks with us through every trial, we become trusting disciples. The quicksand that pulls us down under the weight of trouble, loses its grip.

Instead of despair, we’re free to live happily carefree.

How long before we truly get it that all we need is Jesus?

Let’s further soak comforting trust into our hearts by seeing how many times Jesus shows us that He is enough. Remember that Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1). After Jesus’ baptism, while in the desert, Satan tempted Him...Jesus shut him down.

Jesus had fasted a 40 days, and Satan tempted Him to turn stones into bread, “if You’re the Son of God” (Matthew 4:3). Was Jesus tricked, as hungry as He was? No! He shrugged off the challenging, “if you’re the Son of God”, and glibly replied, “It is written: ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but on every Word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Who is God’s Word? Jesus!

Then Satan took Jesus to the highest point of the temple. “Throw Yourself down, for if You’re the Son of God, He won’t let you get hurt” (Matthew 4:6). Can you hear the cool sarcasm in the devil’s voice? See Jesus’ smirk as He reproached the devil’s challenge? “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Who is God? Jesus!

Was Satan done yet? On a mountaintop, he showed Jesus the kingdom below. “This is all yours if you bow down and worship me (Matthew 4:9).” Jesus must have chuckled when He scolded, “Away from Me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” Satan shut up and left. Jesus was enough to conquer the devil.

Jesus is enough in our lives, too. He just showed us how to defeat the devil’s temptations. Quoting God’s Word to the devil will make him flee. He was enough to quiet the raging waters and howling wind (Matthew 8:23-27).